The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Slingsby
4.4
(524)
3,492
hikers
14
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Slingsby are set within the rolling rural landscape of North Yorkshire, characterized by gentle hills, expansive agricultural fields, and picturesque woodlands. The area is situated at the foot of the northern slope of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), featuring well-wooded countryside and a mosaic of arable and pasture fields. This region's complex Jurassic limestone geology has created varied terrain, including steep ridges and diverse soil types. The River Derwent also flows…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.7
(3)
30
hikers
11.1km
02:57
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
17
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
12
hikers
3.76km
00:57
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
8
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
hikers
3.77km
00:58
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Pyramid at Castle Howard was built in 1728. It is hollow inside and contains a colossal bust of Lord William Howard, the 3rd Earl's great-great-great grandfather.
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Walk west along Brookside and turn left to access the Ebor Way to Cawton.
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Fryton Lane ends here, where it meets Fryton West Wood. Off-road parking for a couple of cars. Far-reaching views to the north across the Vale of Pickering. Great track to the east, through Fryton East Wood, which is blanketed in bluebells in Spring.
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Grassy track over the New River, nice views of the estate and various follies from the bridge. Per historicengland.org: "c1740. By Daniel Garrett for Henry, 4th Earl of Carlisle. Sandstone ashlar. Banded rustication to cutwaters dividing 3 stepped segmental arches each with rusticated voussoirs and a mask keystone to central arch. Niches in tooled architraves with pulvinated friezes and consoles supporting pediments flank the main arch. Brackets support cornice surmounted by low parapet with central balustrade and coping. Ramped approaches have balustrading, rusticated piers to centre, and square-section end piers."
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Easily accessible as a public footpath runs north/south right past the tower. One of a number of towers that radiate east/west from the Castle Howard Gatehouse (aka Temperance Inn).
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The original Gate House, with its famous pyramid, was built in 1719 by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect who designed Castle Howard itself. Its flanking wings plus building were built in the 1750s, at which time it was referred to as The New Inn and served people journeying from York to Castle Howard and the Vale of Pickering. By the 1850s, the Gate House had become an inn and an hotel. By the late 19th century, it was developed into The Temperance Hotel, where the ninth Countess of Carlisle would accommodate women and children from the industrial belt of the North to help them to escape "urban drudgery".
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Pyramid and surrounding piers, designed in 1728 by Nicholas Hawksmoor. The interior contains a large bust of Lord William Howard. The Pyramid acts as an eye catcher from the main house at Castle Howard and was restored in 2016: https://www.castlehoward.co.uk/DB/news-archive/restoring-the-pyramid
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Welcome to Egypt!... Ok, not quite, but it's a very unusual sight to be sure in the middle of North Yorkshire! One of the many wonders and oddities in the Castle Howard grounds, this one was built in 1728, and it is surrounded by four pairs of piers. Easy to walk up to and admire from up close!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Slingsby?
There are over 10 family-friendly hiking trails around Slingsby, offering a variety of experiences for all ages. Most of these routes are rated as easy or moderate, perfect for a family outing.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for families with young children or strollers?
Yes, for a shorter, easy walk, consider the route Fryton Mosaic – View of Slingsby Castle loop from Slingsby. It's just under 4 km and offers gentle terrain, making it suitable for families with younger children. While some paths may be uneven, many sections are generally accessible.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in the Slingsby area?
The Slingsby area, situated at the foot of the Howardian Hills AONB, features a rolling rural landscape with gentle hills, agricultural fields, and picturesque woodlands. You'll find a mix of well-maintained footpaths, bridleways, and quiet country lanes. The routes are generally not overly strenuous, with manageable elevation changes.
Are there any circular family walks available?
Many of the family-friendly routes around Slingsby are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the All Saints Church, Hovingham – Mowbray's Bakery loop from Slingsby is an easy circular route that takes you through charming countryside.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can we see along the family-friendly trails?
Hiking around Slingsby offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. You can enjoy views of the ruins of Slingsby Castle from various footpaths. The magnificent Castle Howard estate is nearby, with its extensive parkland and architectural follies like the Temple of the Four Winds and the New River Bridge. The Kirkham Priory Ruins are also a significant historical site near the River Derwent.
Is parking readily available for hikers in Slingsby?
Parking is generally available in and around Slingsby village, often near local amenities or designated public parking areas. It's always a good idea to check specific starting points for routes for the most convenient parking options.
Can I bring my dog on these family-friendly hiking trails?
Many trails in the Slingsby area are dog-friendly, allowing your furry family members to join the adventure. However, please be mindful of livestock in fields and keep dogs on a lead where necessary, especially during lambing season. Always follow the Countryside Code and clean up after your dog.
What is the best time of year for family hikes around Slingsby?
The Slingsby area is beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, especially bluebells in woodlands like Stittenham Wood. Summer offers longer daylight hours and pleasant temperatures. Autumn showcases stunning foliage, while winter walks can be crisp and atmospheric, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any cafes or pubs along the family-friendly routes for refreshments?
The village of Slingsby itself offers local amenities. Additionally, some routes might pass through or near other villages like Hovingham, which features in the Mowbray's Bakery – All Saints Church, Hovingham loop from Slingsby, where you might find cafes or pubs. It's advisable to check opening times in advance.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Slingsby?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.37 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful countryside, the well-maintained paths, and the blend of natural beauty with historical points of interest like views of Slingsby Castle and the nearby Castle Howard estate. The variety of easy-going routes makes it a favorite for families.
Are there any routes that take us through woodlands?
Yes, the Slingsby area is rich in woodlands. You can explore routes that incorporate areas like Thurtle Wood, Kirkham Park Wood, or Stittenham Wood, known for their serene atmosphere and wildlife. The Thurtle Wood Forest Trail – The Pyramid at Castle Howard loop from Slingsby is an example of a route that takes you through woodland areas.
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