YYorkshire, England’s largest county, offers a walking and hiking vacation experience like no other, boasting breathtaking landscapes from the rolling inland North Yorkshire moors to dramatic coastlines.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual walker, Yorkshire is a true walker’s paradise. Renowned author and vet, James Herriot, once described the view over the Vale of York as “England’s finest.”
On this incredible journey, follow in the footsteps of Herriot, visiting his beloved villages and towns that still preserve their historic charm and timeless traditions many of which are to be seen on TV’s All Creatures Great and Small.
The Yorkshire Heritage Coastal Trail is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts, taking us along stunning cliffs and beaches, including the iconic chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head – home to thousands of seabirds and one of the best birdwatching spots in the UK. For wildlife enthusiasts, the waters below are teeming with marine life, from seals to migrating dolphins and even whales.
As we walk this part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, we’ll pass through atmospheric villages like Ravenscar, Boggle Hole, and Robin Hood’s Bay, each with its own fascinating stories of smugglers, pirates, and ancient battles.
End your adventure in Whitby, a charming seaside town with a rich history. Explore the atmospheric 13th-century ruins of Whitby Abbey, where Bram Stoker found inspiration for his famous novel Dracula, one of the world’s most famous gothic tales.
Whether you’re seeking scenic walks, history, or adventure, Yorkshire has everything you need for the perfect hiking getaway. Book your Yorkshire walking vacation today and immerse yourself in England’s most picturesque landscapes!
We meet in the historic city of York for transfer to our hotel in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Before our introductory talk & dinner there is also time to explore the delightful market town of Helmsley.
Helmsley, Feversham Arms Hotel
Our walk begins at the edge of the moors overlooking the Vale of York described by James Herriot as the ‘finest view in England’. Our trail passes the famous giant white horse and down into the village of Kilburn where we visit the workshop of the ‘Mouseman’ carpenter renowned for his ecclesiastical carvings. After lunch at the village inn, a short transfer takes us to visit James Herriot’s original home and vet’s practice where he partnered with Siegfried & Tristan Farnon.
Helmsley, Feversham Arms Hotel
A short transfer continues through the national park to the twin villages of Hutton Le Hole and Lastingham. Our circular walk begins on the village green where the grass is continually cropped by the village sheep. Natural freshwater streams down from the heather moors and cascades through the village. Along the way, we visit the 950-year-old church crypt dedicated to the Northumbrian saints. After lunch at the inn on the green, we visit the local outdoor folk museum and artisan craft workshops followed by transfer to the coast.
Filey, White Lodge Hotel
We begin today’s walk from the impressive white cliffs of Bempton where England’s largest natural seabird sanctuary hosts thousands of migrating birds. Our safe cliff top trail leads us to Flamborough Head where the American revolution came to Yorkshire and where one of Britain’s oldest lighthouses is still standing but has never been lit! After lunch on the headland, we continue along the coastal path crossing ‘Danes Dyke’ built by the Vikings to separate the headland from the rest of England! Our walk ends at Sewerby Park Hall where we learn of the local heroine and aviator, Amy Johnson.
Filey, White Lodge Hotel
This morning we rejoin the coastal path from the door of our hotel heading North towards Scarborough with the majestic cliff top castle always in view. At Cayton Surfers Bay, we take a short drive to a renowned restaurant for the best traditional fish & chips in Yorkshire! (Other menu choices available). From the restaurant door, after lunch, we walk by old mills and the remains of West Ayton castle to enter the successfully rewilded woods of Forge Valley. Our path takes us through the forest to the door of our next hotel.
Scarborough, Wrea Head Hall
We rejoin the King Charles III coastal trail at Ravenscar, once a cliff top Roman signal station with sweeping views towards the village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Also known as Baytown, its hidden location from any major roads was the perfect foil for 18th century smugglers and there are many tales to tell as we enter the village. After lunch at a smuggler’s inn, we join a section of the famous English Coast to Coast trail towards the iconic Whitby Abbey where 1400 years ago, Easter was declared a moveable feast in the Christian calendar and yet, centuries later Bram Stoker was inspired to write the story of Dracula….
Scarborough, Wrea Head Hall
After breakfast, we will transfer you to York Railway Station with direct connections to London and Edinburgh.
It was a lovely walk. I’ve always loved hiking in Yorkshire and Alan picked beautiful areas for us to visit. There was something special each day. It was fun to see the Herriot museum, the open air museum with those great old houses and the 1714 house (I can’t think of the name just now). The bird sanctuary was a fun morning and while I didn’t see a puffin (that I know) I loved the birds I did see and recognize.
Alan was extremely knowledgeable as a native Yorkshireman. He shared a great deal of information based on his research about the areas where we walked.
Lynne was exceptional in herding our group through the week, keeping us on schedule and attending to our every need. She was fun and friendly as well. I suffered through a cold and she helped with meds and TLC. What a gem!