The 9 Best Autumn Walks in Yorkshire (Updated 2026)

AD| If you’re lucky enough to catch a day when it’s not chucking it down with rain, you can find some amazing Autumn Walks in Yorkshire! We were really fortunate yesterday, we had planned to meet some friends in Rowntree Park in York. It’s always a bit dicey making outdoor plans at this time of year. But as you can tell from the photos, we dropped on with lovely weather.

It was the best type of autumn morning you could ask for. Fresh, crisp air with the sun shining. It was cold but not freezing. Just right for a walk in the park.

I wore my new burnt orange raincoat from Lighthouse Clothing, which was lightly padded enough to keep me warm without my overheating on the walk.

We had a walk around the park and lake, saw the ducks and swans and took Leo on the swings. Then we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe there. It was a lovely morning. Leo even fell asleep in his pram on the way back, bonus!

9 of the Best Autumn Walks in Yorkshire

We really need to make the most of all the beautiful places to walk in Yorkshire. There are some stunning locations right on my doorstep. I actually think we might plan a walk next weekend if the weather is nice!

Here are some of the best autumn walks in Yorkshire.

Aysgarth Falls

I’ve always wanted to visit here, it looks stunning! The waterfalls are one of Wensleydale’s most famous beauty spots. Plan your visit here.

Distance: 2 miles (easy circular) | Difficulty: Easy | Parking: Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre car park (charges apply)

Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, Church Bank, Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3TH

Cod Beck Reservoir

Cod Beck Reservoir in Osmotherly is perfect for a stroll around a tranquil location.

If you’re wanting a longer challenge, you can take a 5.2-mile walk through the Osmotherley Moors which leads to the reservoir. Check out the reviews here. I spent a weekend in Osmotherly a few years ago in a cottage with some other bloggers. It’s the cutest place out in the sticks!

Distance: 2–5 miles depending on route | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Parking: On-street in Osmotherly village

Ruebury Lane, Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, DL6 3AW.

Swinsty Reservoir

This 3-mile walk is another place with incredible views. This is a great place to walk all year round, but the colours you can see during autumn are amazing.

Distance: 3 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy | Parking: Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir Car Park, LS21 2NP (charges apply)

Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir Car Park, North Yorkshire, LS21 2NP.

Sutton Bank 

The views around Sutton Bank are amazing! I’ve been here many times and it is such a beautiful location. This is a great place to spend a day.

Distance: Variable — from 2 to 9 miles depending on route | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Parking: Sutton Bank National Park Visitor Centre, YO7 2EH (charges apply)

Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH

Hardcastle Crags Mill Walk

Take in the views of Hebden Beck and then wander up the riverside path to Gibson Mill – there’s so much beauty and history in this area. This walk is about 3-miles long. Find out more.

Distance: 3 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Parking: Midgehole Car Park, HX7 7AL (National Trust, charges apply for non-members)

Midgehole Car Park, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7AL

Bolton Abbey

I have such a thing for old abbey ruins and the ruins of Bolton Abbey are spectacular! There are three walks you can do here:

• Bolton Abbey Village to Cavendish Pavilion – 2 miles
• Cavendish Pavilion to Barden Bridge – 4.7 miles
• Bolton Abbey to Hare Head – 7 miles

Find out more here.

Distance: 2–7 miles (three route options) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Parking: Bolton Abbey Estate car park, BD23 6EX (charges apply)

Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD236EX

Brimham Boundary Walk

This 3.5-mile walk has so much to it! There’s incredible landmarks, moorlands, beautiful woodlands and more. Find out more here.

Distance: 3.5 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Parking: Brimham Rocks car park, HG3 4DW (National Trust, charges apply for non-members)

Brimham Rocks car park, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW.

May Beck and Falling Foss Circular

This is a 2-mile walk with both woodland scenery and waterfalls! This is a great walk for families and should only take about an hour and a half.

Distance: 2 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Easy | Parking: May Beck Car Park, YO22 5JE (charges apply)

May Beck Car Park, Sneaton, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5JE.

Flamborough Head

Out to sea now for this 7-mile walk. This one is challenging but gives you amazing views over the cliffs and coastal area! Check out the full walk here.

Distance: 7 miles (linear or circular options) | Difficulty: Moderate | Parking: Bridlington, YO15 1AR — or Flamborough village for a shorter start

Bridlington YO15 1AR

Have you ever been on any of these autumn walks in Yorkshire?

Frequently Asked Questions: Autumn Walks in Yorkshire

When is the best time for autumn walks in Yorkshire?

Mid-October is usually the peak for autumn colour in Yorkshire, when the tree canopy turns and the light is low and golden. September and early November can also be beautiful — it depends on the year. The North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, and woodland spots like Hardcastle Crags all put on a good show.

What are the best autumn walks in Yorkshire for families?

Bolton Abbey, May Beck and Falling Foss, and Swinsty Reservoir are all good family options — relatively short, manageable terrain, and genuinely beautiful in autumn. All have parking and at least basic facilities nearby.

Which Yorkshire autumn walk has the best views?

Sutton Bank gives some of the best panoramic views in Yorkshire — on a clear autumn day you can see across the Vale of York to the Pennines. Flamborough Head is spectacular for coastal drama. For woodland colour, Hardcastle Crags is hard to beat.

Are the Yorkshire Dales good for autumn walks?

Yes — Aysgarth Falls is particularly good in autumn when the waterfall is fuller after summer rain and the riverside trees turn colour. Bolton Abbey in the Dales is another classic. The dales landscape generally looks its best in September and October.

What should I wear for autumn walks in Yorkshire?

Waterproof boots are essential — paths get muddy from October onwards. Layers work best as autumn mornings can be cold but warm up through the day. A waterproof jacket is always worth bringing regardless of the forecast.

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