Old Byland And Scawton
Old Byland And Scawton
4.6
(1191)
8,879
hikers
51
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Old Byland And Scawton offer diverse and picturesque landscapes within the North York Moors National Park. The region is characterized by a blend of rolling hills, deep valleys, expansive moorlands, and ancient woodlands, providing varied terrain for easy walking routes. Notable natural features include the scenic River Rye Valley and tranquil Gormire Lake at the foot of Whitestone Cliff. These natural features and landmarks provide a backdrop for numerous accessible routes.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.6
(11)
39
hikers
6.69km
01:51
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
18
hikers
4.27km
01:10
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(2)
14
hikers
6.56km
01:49
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
25
hikers
4.70km
01:15
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Old Byland And Scawton
Save some energy for the long final stretch - not the steepest part but energy sapping.
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Note that the Abbey itself is English Heritage and has both cafe and toilets available accessible without paying admission/requiring membership. The only downside is that to get there from Rievaulx Terrace it is down a steep hill.
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A superb stretch of the Cleveland Way. Sneck Yate car park (free) is very close by, and then the option to walk south to Sutton Bank or north onto the Moors.
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Interesting for their sheer size alone, the old remains of the abbey also have an air of transience about them. Only the sometimes horrendous entrance fees prevent people from taking a closer look at the remains of the walls. It would certainly have been interesting.
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A beautiful abbey ruin, easily accessible on a walk from Helmsley.
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Charming spot with an old stone bridge over the River Rye. Links the tracks and paths around Rievaulx (east side) with tracks and a road to Old Byland (west side).
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Old Byland And Scawton offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with 12 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are over 50 hiking routes in the area, catering to various difficulty levels.
The easy hikes in Old Byland And Scawton feature a diverse and picturesque landscape. You can expect a blend of rolling hills, deep valleys, ancient woodlands, and paths along the scenic River Rye. The terrain is generally gentle, making it suitable for relaxed walks.
The easy hiking trails in Old Byland And Scawton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the beautiful scenery, the tranquility of the woodlands, and the historical sites accessible along the routes.
Yes, many of the easy routes in Old Byland And Scawton are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Bow Bridge over the River Rye – Rievaulx Abbey loop from Rievaulx is a popular easy circular trail.
Many trails in the North York Moors National Park are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific route details. When hiking with dogs, please keep them under control, especially near livestock, and follow the Countryside Code.
Yes, the region offers several family-friendly easy walks. The varied terrain, including woodlands and riverside paths, provides an engaging experience for children. Shorter loops like the Rievaulx Abbey – Bow Bridge over the River Rye loop from Rievaulx are ideal for families.
Easy hikes in Old Byland And Scawton often lead past notable natural features and landmarks. You can explore the tranquil Gormire Lake, nestled at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, or enjoy views from various viewpoints like those overlooking Hawnby Hill. The scenic River Rye Valley is also a prominent feature.
Absolutely. The area is rich in history. Many easy walks incorporate the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, a Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. You can also find the extensive ruins of Byland Abbey nearby, another significant historical site.
For shorter, easy walks, consider routes around Rievaulx. The Rievaulx Abbey – Bow Bridge over the River Rye loop from Rievaulx is a 2.7-mile path, perfect for a quicker exploration of the abbey area and riverside.
Parking is generally available at key starting points for trails, including near popular attractions like Rievaulx Abbey and the Sutton Bank National Park Centre. It's advisable to check specific parking information for your chosen trailhead before you set out.
While some areas within the North York Moors National Park are accessible by public transport, options can be limited in more rural locations like Old Byland and Scawton. It's recommended to check local bus services or plan your journey in advance if relying on public transport.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. The Rievaulx Abbey visitor centre includes a café. Additionally, the MTB Riders' Café – High Paradise Farm Tearoom loop from Sneck Yate Plantation suggests a route that passes by a tearoom, offering a convenient stop for hikers.
Old Byland And Scawton offers enjoyable hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides lush greenery, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Even in winter, the landscapes can be beautiful, though paths might be muddy or icy, requiring appropriate footwear.


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