Best rail-friendly hikes in Yorkshire perfect for the holidays

With warmer weather and school holidays underway, August is a popular time for hiking in Yorkshire.

Getting to the start of these walks is half the battle, with gridlocked traffic and crowded car parks. Thankfully, there is a quieter alternative: forget driving, and catch the train instead.

From the Yorkshire Peaks to Hardcastle Crags, we’ve selected the best rail-friendly hikes in Yorkshire.

Steeton to Ilkley

Station: Steeton

Distance: 12km

Starting at Steeton Station and finishing at Ilkley Station, this moorland route takes four hours and passes distinct landmarks, including the Doubler Stones and Swastika Stone. Summer is the best season for the Steeton to Ilkley trail, which gets boggy after wet weather.

Scarborough to Filey

Station: Scarborough

Distance: 13.5km

Disembark at Scarborough Station and join the Cleveland Way footpath. This coastal route alternates between grassy headlands and beaches, taking four hours to complete. After enjoying the panoramic views from Filey Brigg, finish the walk at Filey Station.

The Three Peaks

Station: Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Distance: 40km

While not for the faint-hearted, Yorkshire’s Three Peaks are accessible from Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station. The 40km loop – usually hiked as a 12-hour challenge – summits Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.

Hardcastle Crags

Station: Hebden Bridge

Distance: 9km

Starting at Hebden Bridge Station, the highlight of this trail is the historic Gibson Mill, peacefully surrounded by National Trust woodland. Its Weaving Shed Café is open daily throughout summer, with an adjoining bookshop. Stop for refreshments, then return to Hebden Bridge Station.

Brontë Waterfall

Station: Haworth

Distance: 9km

The Brontë sisters are legendary authors in British literature, and this two-hour route crosses the landscapes that inspired their work. From Haworth Station, climb the cobbled main street and cross the cemetery next to the Brontë Parsonage. Follow the signposted moorland track, reaching the falls and returning via the same path.

Harrogate to Knaresborough

Station: Harrogate

Distance: 10km

Starting at Harrogate Station and finishing at Knaresborough Station, this 10km route takes walkers along the River Nidd. For quiet hikers, curling through Nidd Gorge woodland is a chance to spot roe deer, heron, and tawny owls. Arriving in Knaresborough, rent a boat to row beneath the Nidd Viaduct, or head straight to the train station.

Harden Valley Circular

Station: Bingley

Distance: 17km

Despite its challenging distance, this 17km route has plenty of motivation. The Harden Valley Circular starts and finishes at Bingley Station, passing Goit Stock Waterfall, Hewenden Viaduct, and Coppice Pond on St Ives Estate.

Goathland to Grosmont

Station: Goathland

Distance: 6km

Goathland Station was famously used as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This woodland trail joins Goathland and Grosmont Stations, following the old tramway past quiet becks. Complete as a 12km out-and-back trail, or embrace a little magic, boarding a heritage steam train at Grosmont.

Settle to Malham Circular

Station: Settle

Distance: 30km

Not for the faint-hearted, this 30km route starts and finishes at Settle Station. Looping across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, expect a dot-to-dot of traditional limestone scenery, including Malham Cove, which was used as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

For those who prefer a shorter version, return from Malham to Settle by taxi or bus.