10 of the best walks in and around the North York Moors

Heather-clad ridges, lush valleys, pretty villages, rugged coastline ? the North York Moors is a stunning place to walk. Local expert Jo Foster of the National Trust chooses her top 10? 10 of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales? As featured in our North Yorkshire holiday guideRoseberry ToppingDistance 2 milesStart Newton-under-Roseberry, grid ref NZ570128National Trust downloadable route and mapThough a relatively short walk, the ascent to Cleveland's most famous hill can be a challenge. It is a fascinating place to explore for its human and geological history, as well as its abundant wildlife. But it's the views from the top that will give you most reward for your efforts; the coastline, across the North York Moors and down onto industrial Teesside ? a rich and varied landscape that's unveiled before you.Roseberry Topping woodland wildlifeDistance 3 milesStart Newton-under-Roseberry car parkNational Trust downloadable route and mapWhile most visitors to Roseberry Topping head straight for the hill, there's plenty to see in the woods too. Newton Woods, just below it, is a wonderful place to walk and will take you to some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities. A haven for birds, look out for blue tits during April and May bringing caterpillars back for their chicks or listen out for the call of the green woodpecker; it's quite distinctive, sounding like hoarse laughter. And of course, in late spring Newton Woods is an amazing place to see carpets of bluebells as the ground is awash with colour.Robin Hood's Bay to Boggle HoleDistance 3 milesStart Station car park, Robin Hood's Bay, grid ref NZ950054Downloadable route and mapTake a walk along the Yorkshire coastline to Boggle Hole from Robin Hood's Bay ? across the clifftops or the beach (at low tide only) and then return along the old railway back to your starting point. If the tide is low enough to walk the beach, take some time to look for fossils or in the rock pools.Ravenscar loopDistance 1� milesStart National Trust Coastal Centre, RavenscarNational Trust downloadable route and mapSoak up the views as you discover Ravenscar, past and present, on this short walk. The little village boasts stunning views of the Yorkshire coastline across to Robin Hood's Bay. On this circular walk, you'll take in the old peak alum works but also have the option to find a wealth of flora and fauna ? from bluebells in late spring to butterflies in summer. Keep an eye out for adders and damselflies too.Kilburn WoodsDistance 3 milesStart Sutton Bank National Park Centre (Grid Ref SE 516830)Downloadable route and map Take a walk from the top of Sutton Bank, with panoramic views across to Kilburn Woods. The woodland walk will take you along the old thieves' highway ? once a quick getaway for highway robbers from the nearby drovers and stagecoach roads. You'll also walk past the white horse, which isn't as old as other landmarks across the country ? it dates back to 1857.Nettle Dale and the Hambleton HillsDistance 9 milesStart Sutton Bank National Park Centre, grid ref SE 516830Downloadable route and mapMuch of the North York Moors is farmland, with dry-stone walls, hedges and open moorland marking out the landscape. Look closely at the dry-stone walls and you may be able to spot fossil shells in amongst the stones. This walk will take you along footpaths and country lanes ? in the summer, look out for wildflowers, buzzing bees and buttlerflies.Rievaulx TerraceDistance 1� milesStart Rievaulx Terrace car park, grid ref 100:SE579848Click here for the Rievaulx Terrace website Rievaulx Terrace is perfect for a gentle walk. These 18th-century landscape gardens were created for unwinding, relaxing and for spending time with others. In Ryedale, boasting views across the Hambleton Hills and down to Rievaulx Abbey, a walk along the Terrace will give you unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside and, if you're lucky, a glimpse of the wildlife that makes this Georgian landscape its home.Nunnington to RievaulxDistance 8 miles (2� hours). Take the circular route, for a 16-mile, five-hour walkStart Nunnington Hall, YO62 5UYFurther information on walks in the areaIn the heart of Ryedale, not far from Helmsley, is the village of Nunnington. The hall, owned by the National Trust is just one reason to find your way to this part of Yorkshire, but be sure to explore the village and surrounding area a little wider too. Rievaulx Terrace is just eight miles away and itself boasts unrivalled views of the Hambleton Hills and Rievaulx Abbey.Hutton-le-Hole to LingmoorDistance 3.6 milesStart Hutton-le-Hole car park, grid ref SE 705903Downloadable route and mapHutton-le-Hole sits within the North York Moors national park and, according to their walking guide, in Victorian England it was described as "an ill-planned and untidy" village. Thankfully, times and opinions have changed and it now recognised as one of Britain's most beautiful and picturesque. A circular walk towards Spaunton will help you escape into the national park and across fields and country tracks. Coast to CoastStart St Bee's, CumbriaFinish Robin Hood's BayTotal distance 190 milesWalk websiteIf you're looking for more of a walking challenge, then there are many national routes that travel across North Yorkshire, including the Pennine Way. The Coast to Coast trail takes you right across the country, covering 190 miles, from St Bee's in Cumbria in the west to Robin Hood's Bay in the east, taking three national parks ? the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. You can choose to do the whole route over 14 days or select sections for shorter day-long walks.Know any great walks in the area? Add your recommendation in the comments belowWalking holidaysYorkshireUnited KingdomEuropeTop 10sThe National TrustFamily holidaysShort breaksguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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