The best walks and hikes around Thirsk

Yes, the area around Thirsk is well-suited for families. For a very gentle outing, consider the World of James Herriot – Coffee at No. 10 loop from Thirsk. It's a short, 5 km walk that explores the town and its immediate green spaces. Additionally, a series of local 'Ted's Walks' offer flat, well-marked circular routes perfect for all ages.

Many trails around Thirsk are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of the landscape. When walking through fields with livestock, especially in the wider North Yorkshire countryside, always keep your dog on a lead. During bird nesting season (typically March to July) on the moors, dogs must also be kept on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds.

Thirsk is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. A great option that combines town and countryside is the Old Oak Tree Pub – St. Gregory's Church, Bedale loop from Thirsk. This easy 5.5 km route is mostly flat and gives you a good feel for the local area without being too strenuous.

Absolutely. Combining a walk with a pub stop is a popular local pastime. The Old Oak Tree Pub – World of James Herriot loop from Thirsk is a pleasant 7.1 km walk that conveniently passes by a traditional pub, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed day out.

The Kilburn White Horse is a famous landmark on the edge of the North York Moors. A rewarding 6 km circular walk starts from the village of Kilburn and takes you up through Kilburn Woods to the top of the escarpment. This route offers fantastic panoramic views and allows you to see the chalk figure up close. It's a strenuous climb but well worth the effort.

Sutton Bank offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the region. From the Sutton Bank National Park Centre, a wheelchair-accessible path leads to what was famously called 'the finest view in England'. For a more rustic experience, you can follow trails down to the serene Gormire Lake, a natural lake nestled in ancient woodland at the foot of the Whitestone Cliff.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Thirsk provides access to the North York Moors National Park and long-distance trails. The renowned Cleveland Way National Trail passes nearby, offering strenuous sections with significant elevation changes. You can hike a portion of it, for example, on the trail from Helmsley to the beautiful ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.

For a peaceful walk along the water, you can follow paths along the Cod Beck, which flows through Thirsk. These routes are generally flat and easy, offering a pleasant way to experience the local countryside without venturing too far from the town centre.

The hiking routes around Thirsk are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of trails, from gentle riverside paths to the more challenging climbs in the nearby North York Moors.

The terrain varies depending on where you walk. Hikes immediately around the town are typically flat, following paths through agricultural fields and along the river. As you head towards the North York Moors National Park, expect more challenging terrain with steep ascents and descents, open moorland, and ancient woodlands.

For walks starting in the town itself, there are several pay-and-display car parks available in Thirsk's market place and surrounding streets. For hikes starting further afield, such as at Sutton Bank or the Kilburn White Horse, dedicated car parks are available at the trailheads.

Thirsk has a railway station and is served by local bus routes, making it possible to reach the town without a car. Buses connect Thirsk to surrounding villages and towns like Helmsley, from where you can access trails into the North York Moors. However, reaching more remote trailheads may require a taxi or careful planning around limited rural bus schedules.