The best walks and hikes around Stape

Yes, the North York Moors are generally welcoming to dogs. However, it's important to keep them on a lead, especially on open moorland between March and July due to ground-nesting birds, and always around livestock. The forested trails, such as those in nearby Cropton Forest, can be excellent for walks with dogs.

For a gentler experience, the Cropton and Keldy Cabins loop from Cropton is a great choice. It's a relatively flat 5-mile (8.1 km) route through Cropton Forest, making it ideal for a relaxed family outing or for those new to hiking in the area.

Yes, several routes offer the chance for refreshments. For example, The New Inn, Cropton – View Towards Peat Rigg loop from Cropton is a moderate circular walk of about 6.2 miles (10 km) that conveniently starts and finishes in the village of Cropton, which has a pub.

Stape is a small hamlet with limited formal parking. Many hikers use informal roadside parking spots or small lay-bys near popular trailheads, such as the one for Cawthorn Roman Camps. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends, and to park considerately without blocking access for residents or farm vehicles.

Public transport directly to Stape is very limited. A popular option for hikers is to use the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. You can take a heritage steam train to nearby stations like Goathland or Levisham and start your hike from there, creating a unique point-to-point or circular walk back to the station.

For those seeking a more strenuous day out, the Howl Moor and Simon How Rigg loop offers a good challenge. This 9-mile (14.4 km) route takes you across exposed moorland, providing a true North York Moors experience with expansive views.

The landscape is classic North York Moors. Expect vast expanses of purple heather moorland, deep valleys (dales), ancient woodlands, and rolling hills. Many trails offer panoramic views, especially from higher points like Simon How Rigg or along the edges of the moors.

Absolutely. The area is rich in history. The Cawthorn Roman Camps and Newton-upon-Rawcliffe loop is a highlight, taking you directly through the earthwork remains of Roman fortifications. You can also find sections of Wade's Causeway, an ancient Roman road, on some moorland walks.

There is a vast network of trails to explore. On komoot, you can find over 500 routes around Stape, ranging from short, easy strolls to challenging all-day treks across the moors, ensuring there's a path for every ability level.

The hiking routes around Stape are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning moorland scenery, the sense of solitude, and the well-preserved historical features like the Roman camps.

Yes, the most famous waterfall in the North York Moors, Mallyan Spout, is located near the village of Goathland, a short drive from Stape. You can incorporate a visit into a hike starting from Goathland. The path down to the 70-foot waterfall can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential.

To immerse yourself in woodland scenery, the Muffles Rigg Trail – High Muffles Junction loop from Cropton is an excellent option. This trail of just over 4.5 miles (7.3 km) takes you through parts of Cropton Forest, offering a different atmosphere from the open moorland hikes.