The best walks and hikes around Thorpe Underwoods
4.4
(167)
1,652
hikers
33
hikes
Hiking around Thorpe Underwoods explores a landscape of fertile fields, quiet country lanes, and gentle riverside paths along the River Ouse in North Yorkshire. The region is characterized by its relatively flat terrain, making it accessible for various fitness levels. Hikers can experience tranquil riverside towpaths, expansive water meadows, and paths through agricultural fields. The area also features rolling hills and woodlands, offering diverse natural scenery.
Best hiking trails around Thorpe Underwoods
- The most popular hiking route is River Ouse…
Last updated: October 11, 2026
4.4
(9)
73
hikers
7.60km
01:56
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(4)
16
hikers
12.1km
03:03
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
hikers
4.89km
01:14
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
10
hikers
4.16km
01:03
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(26)
368
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Fabulous riverside walk, this stretch popular with dog walkers from Newton-On-Ouse, but you can walk all the way into York from here. It's a bit of a trek, but it can be done with practically no roads and no traffic >>> https://www.komoot.com/tour/2379770975
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Nidd's Mouth, where the River Nidd flows into the River Ouse. Accessed from a decent riverside track that circles the Beningbrough Hall estate, however, not suitable for those with wheelchairs or pushchairs due to millions of tree roots.
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The water tower and pump house is a distinctive, Grade II listed structure located near the River Ouse, about 280m west of Beningbrough Hall. Built in the late 19th or early 20th century, it replaced an earlier pump house and was designed to pump water from the river to the hall and a skating pond. The tower is castellated and deliberately hidden from the hall by trees.
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In some ways Beningbrough is a real treat. It's on the natural cycle route from Thirsk to York and provides a lovely stretch of very quiet, stately home grounds to cycle through. And if you are a National Trust member you might as well visit when you are there: the gardens are very pretty, and there is a café. On the other hand, the hall itself is rather deserted with very little by way of furnishings. It certainly doesn't feel like a real place, more like a cinema set in between films.
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Beningbrough Hall is a large Georgian mansion with extensive gardens and parkland. It was built in 1716 by York landowner John Bourchier III. The National Trust acquired the estate in 1958 after it was given to the country in lieu of death duties. You can visit the house and gardens and there is also a shop and cafe on site. If you're not a NT member there is an admission price to explore the house and gardens but the parkland has footpaths through it and is open to all, as is Home Farm cafe.
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Beningborough Hall is a Georgian Mansion owned and looked after by the National Trust. There is a lovely view up the long, straight driveway from here. Inside are 100 18th century portraits, on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. The house and grounds are open to the public (free for National Trust and RHS members). For further details please see the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough-hall-gallery-and-gardens
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many walking routes to choose from around Thorpe Underwoods?
Yes, there are over 30 signed walking routes in the area. The majority are easy or moderate, making the region very accessible for most fitness levels. You'll find a mix of riverside paths, woodland trails, and walks through open farmland.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Thorpe Underwoods?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquil scenery along the River Ouse and the well-maintained paths through the historic Beningbrough Hall estate.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly walks in the area?
Absolutely. The region's gentle terrain is ideal for beginners. A great option is the Hiking loop from Tockwith. It's a relatively flat, 4.7-mile (7.6 km) walk through quiet fields and country lanes, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Can I find any circular walks near Thorpe Underwoods?
Yes, most of the popular trails in the area are circular. For a longer loop that showcases the region's classic scenery, consider the Hiking loop from Nun Monkton. This 7.5-mile (12.1 km) moderate walk takes you through open fields and along the river.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Thorpe Underwoods?
You can enjoy hiking here year-round, but late spring is particularly beautiful when bluebells carpet the woodlands around Beningbrough Hall. Autumn offers wonderful colours in the parkland and along the riverbanks.
Are the walks around Thorpe Underwoods suitable for families with children?
Many trails are family-friendly due to the flat terrain and shorter options available. The parkland around Beningbrough Hall is especially good for families, offering easy paths and plenty of open space. The Beningbrough Hall – Beningbrough Hall loop from Newton-on-Ouse is a short, 3-mile (4.9 km) walk that is manageable for little legs.
What is the historical significance of the Thorpe Underwoods area?
The area has strong literary connections. Anne and Branwell Brontë lived and worked at Thorpe Green Hall (now demolished) between 1840 and 1845. The surrounding landscape inspired Anne's novel Agnes Grey and her poem Lines Composed in a Wood on a Windy Day. Some trails, like the Brontë Way, follow in their footsteps.
Are there any good woodland walks nearby?
Yes, the area offers some lovely woodland walks. The Beningbrough Hall estate features extensive riverside and woodland trails. For a dedicated woodland experience, Roddlesworth Woods is a highly-regarded local favourite for its peaceful and refreshing atmosphere.
Can I get to Thorpe Underwoods using public transport?
Accessing the trailheads directly by public transport can be challenging as the area is quite rural. The nearest major hub is York, about 10 miles away. From there, you may be able to take a local bus service to one of the nearby villages like Linton-on-Ouse or Newton-on-Ouse, but services can be infrequent. Driving is generally the most convenient option.
Where can I park to start a walk?
Parking is available in the villages that serve as start points for many routes, such as Nun Monkton, Linton-on-Ouse, and Newton-on-Ouse. For walks around Beningbrough Hall, there is dedicated parking at the National Trust property, though a fee or membership may be required. Always park considerately in villages.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails?
Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths around Thorpe Underwoods, but they should be kept on a lead, especially when crossing farmland with livestock. Within the formal gardens of Beningbrough Hall, restrictions apply, but dogs are welcome in the wider parkland.
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