Visit the Howardian Hills and enjoy many miles of natural beauty
During your stay with us, take a walk in the Howardian Hills and visit the famous Kilburn White Horse.
The Howardian Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire, sitting between the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of York. Expect rolling limestone countryside, woodlands, river valleys and traditional villages — ideal for walking, cycling and getting into nature.
Base hubs
Helmsley – charming market town with shops, cafés and pubs
Hovingham – village with bakery, café and local services
Terrington, Welburn, Nunnington – great access points for hikes and trails
Car Parking & Start Points:
Many walk routes start near village halls or designated car parks (often free or donation-based) — e.g. Terrington Village Hall, Hovingham Village Hall or small village car parks in places like Welburn.
For Castle Howard walks, there’s a Castle Howard car park (free parking) by the estate.
Top Walks & Footpaths
Here are some of the best ways to explore the landscape on foot:
Riders Lane and River Derwent loop from Kirkham Priory
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Church of St John and Four Faces Folly loop from Castle Howard
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
www.komoot.com
Nunnington Hall and Caulkley Bank loop from Nunnington
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Middle Way and Horse Coppice loop from Hovingham
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Terrington Circular Walk
Terrington is an attractive village of stone houses, set amid the gently rolling countryside of the Howardian Hills, and makes an ideal starting point for this walk. The route is rewarding at any time of year, as the wooded banks transform with the seasons — from fresh spring greens to rich autumn colours. Along the way, the walk combines wide-ranging views with quiet, secluded woodland paths.
Welburn Walks
Welburn is a picturesque village set in the rolling countryside of the Howardian Hills and provides an excellent starting point for a range of walks. The surrounding routes follow a mix of quiet lanes, farmland and woodland paths, offering open views across the hills as well as more sheltered sections. The walks are enjoyable at any time of year, with the changing seasons bringing fresh colour and character to the landscape.
Places to discover
Castle Howard estate & grounds
Nunnington Hall
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/nunnington-hall
Helmsley
https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/places-to-go/helmsley
Malton
Renowned for its food scene, Malton blends traditional market-town character with artisan producers, monthly food markets and a growing reputation as a destination for eating and browsing.
