Howardian Hills Walks

Situated in the north of England between North York Moors National Park, the Vale of York, and the Yorkshire Wolds, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a picturesque region that is well-suited for outdoor exploration. Geographically, this area features 79 square miles of terrain that is made up of rolling hills, high ridges, and swathes of woodland that overlook the surrounding countryside. This makes the Howardian Hills AONB an excellent option for a fun walking adventure through some undulating terrain.

Named for the Howard family, a noble house that was founded in 1483 and still holds lands in the area, this region features no towns, which helps the area retain its quaint and quiet nature. Instead, you will find charming villages and hamlets scattered amongst the tree-covered hills, as well as the ruins of several once prominent abbeys - such as Kirkham Priory - that were disestablished by King Henry VIII in 1538.

While tourism infrastructure in the Howardian Hills AONB might not be the strongest, the proximity of several larger towns nearby, namely Malton and Helmsley, make the area an easily accessible place for exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors. If you are looking for somewhere with a laid back atmosphere and beautifully scenic terrain for your next adventure, then why not try planning a weekend away in the Howardian Hills.

What’s New in 2027

• The area is now called the Howardian Hills National Landscape. Since November 2023, all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales have been rebranded as National Landscapes, to reflect their national importance. The legal designation and boundaries are unchanged, so you will still see both names in use, but National Landscape is the current term.
• Most walks here cross farmland and private estates, so follow the Countryside Code. Many of these routes pass through working farms, grazing pasture and estate land such as Castle Howard, so keep to marked public rights of way, close gates behind you, and keep dogs on leads around livestock, especially in spring lambing season. A few of the featured walks are only partly dog-friendly, as noted on the trail guides.
• Come prepared for Yorkshire mud and check bus times for one-way routes. The trails are best from late spring to early autumn, but the clay soils stay muddy after rain well into summer, so sturdy footwear helps year-round. The Appleton le Street to Malton walk is one-way and relies on the local bus for the return leg, which runs Monday to Saturday only, so check times before you set out.

Top Walks In the Howardian Hills AONB

Although the region may be small, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features a wide range of walking routes that will allow you to explore the local history and picturesque landscape of the surrounding area. Absent of any towns, the Howardian Hills are a quiet area that will allow you to leave the chaos of the city behind to slow down and reconnect with the outdoors. From charming village walks to open swathes of farmland and magically atmospheric woodlands, there is sure to be a walking route in this lovely place that will suit all of your needs. Check out this list of our favourite Howardian Hills AONB walks below:

• Kirkham Priory and River Derwent Walk A fantastic walk that pairs the beauty of the landscape with real history, passing the 12th-century Kirkham Priory before following the undulating terrain down to the banks of the River Derwent. Suitable for nearly everyone, with a few steep climbs along the way. The nearby Kirkham Gorge was carved during the last ice age.
• Yearsley Woods Circular Walk: This is an exceptional walking route in the Howardian Hills AONB that will allow you to experience the beauty of the serene forests and charming lakes of the region, all while doing so with your canine companions!
• Hovingham and the Howardian Hills Walk: Featuring some truly characteristic Howardian Hills terrain, this walk offers an excellent opportunity to leave the village behind and get out onto the trails to explore the undulating hills and picturesque forests of the region.
• Welburn and the Castle Howard Circular Walk: If you are looking to explore the grounds of an extravagant estate in addition to the beauty of the Howardian Hills, then you will want to check out the Welburn and the Castle Howard Circular Walk. This well-manicured estate has been in the hands of the Howard family for 300 years, making this a fascinating walk steeped in local history.
• Westow and River Derwent Walk: This is a fantastic adventure in the Howardian Hills Area of Natural Beauty that will showcase the beautiful countryside as you walk along the winding banks of the River Derwent.
• Appleton le Street to Malton Walk: A fantastic one-way route with a variety of scenery, this walk will enable you to experience views of charming villages, grand estates, and the Howardian Hills, before ending in the market town of Malton.
• Castle Howard Walk: This amazing walk in the Howardian Hills will showcase the estate of the Howard family that has held lands in the area for 300 years. In addition to the well-maintained estate, you will also enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hillscape.
• Norton and Auburn Hill Walk: Situated on the edge of the Howardian Hills AONB, this walk will take you through the town of Norton-on-Derwent to experience its historic streets and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
• Malton and Saint Mary's Priory Walk: This is an exceptional journey along the edge of the Howardian Hills that will take you to visit a number of interesting historical sites within the town of Malton. Additionally, you will also have some amazing views as you stroll along the banks of the River Derwent, making this a splendid walk for nearly all ages and skill levels.
• Malton and Saint Mary’s Priory Walk An easy town walk taking in the historic highlights of Malton, including the churches of St Michael and St Mary’s Priory, the market area, and an ancient Roman fort on the banks of the River Derwent. A splendid, gentle outing suitable for nearly all ages.
• Malton and Swinton Walk A fun excursion leading from the market town of Malton to the small village of Swinton, exploring the historic streets of both and the picturesque countryside in between. As this route can be busy, keep dogs on a lead.
• Byland Abbey and Mount Snever Observatory Walk A fantastic outing offering sweeping views and a real dose of history, passing the 12th-century Byland Abbey and climbing to the Mount Snever Observatory, built in 1838. A great choice for anyone interested in the hills or the area’s past.
• Stamford Bridge and River Derwent Walk: Located just to the southwest of the Howardian Hills AONB, this trail follows an amazing route along the River Derwent that will expose you to some interesting historical sites, including that of the famous 1066 CE Battle of Stamford Bridge, where the Norse army of Harald Hardrada was defeated and drive out of England.
• Wharram le Street and Wharram Percy Walk: Another fantastic walk just outside of the Howardian Hills AONB, this trail will lead you across the picturesque Yorkshire countryside to visit the location of a Medieval village that was abandoned sometime around the turn of the 16th Century.

Scroll down to find all the best walks in the Howardian Hills.

When is the Best Time to Walk in Howardian Hills AONB

The best time to visit the Howardian Hills AONB is during the warmer months of the year (June-September), as the trails will be dry and the weather will be the most favourable. While this might make for great walking conditions, it will also mean that more visitors will flock to the region to explore its natural beauty. Luckily, the Howardian Hills are accessible year-round; so if you want to avoid the crowds and don’t mind flirting with the potential of walking in some wild North Yorkshire weather, then you can plan your trip for the time of year that best suits your needs.

Other Outdoor Activities in Howardian Hills AONB

Due to the undulating landscape, open fields, and swathes of woodland terrain that can be found within the Howardian Hills, walking is overwhelmingly the most popular activity here. Other activities that can be done in the region include cycling and stargazing from atop the area’s many hills, as well as horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and shooting.

Adventure Tours Near the Howardian Hills AONB

If the thought of planning your own walking adventure seems like a daunting task, but you really want to take on a challenging and unique experience, why not leave the logistics to professional outdoor enthusiasts and check out the most amazing guided tours in England.

Frequently Asked Questions About Howardian Hills AONB

Where are the Howardian Hills?

The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be found in the north of England, between the Yorkshire Wolds, Vale of York, and North York Moors National Park.

Why are they called the Howardian Hills?

The Howardian Hills take their name from both the undulating landscape of the region, as well as the Howard Family that is a prominent group of landholders in the area.

What is the Howardian Hills known for?

The Howardian Hills are best known for Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest stately homes, along with the ruins of medieval abbeys and priories such as Kirkham and Byland, a patchwork of farmland and ancient woodland, and quiet stone-built villages. The dramatic Kirkham Gorge, carved by glacial meltwater during the last ice age, runs through the area alongside the River Derwent.

Plan Your Trip to the Howardian Hills

The Howardian Hills is one of many fine walking regions in hiking in England and the wider hiking in the United Kingdom.

Find other spectacular walking regions in the United Kingdom

• Cotswolds
• Lake District
• Peak District
• Snowdonia
• Cairngorms National Park
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs