The best walks and hikes around Yearsley
4.5
(1058)
7,427
hikers
28
hikes
Hiking around Yearsley offers diverse experiences within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by extensive woodlands, including Yearsley Woods and Yearsley Moor, alongside open moorland. Several connected fishponds provide tranquil lakeside settings, and the terrain includes gentle crests, valleys, and steeply sloping escarpments. These features contribute to varied hiking opportunities across different difficulty levels.
Best hiking trails around Yearsley
- The most popular hiking route is Higher Fish Pond and Piper Hill loop from Yearsley Woods Car Park — Howardian Hills, a 4.6 miles (7.4 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 2 minutes to complete. This route winds through woodlands and past serene fishponds.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Higher Fish Pond and Lower Fish Pond loop from Yearsley Woods Car Park — Howardian Hills, an easy 3.5 miles (5.6 km) path. This trail offers tranquil lakeside settings and woodland paths.
- Local hikers also love the All Saints Church and Peel Wood loop from Yearsley — Howardian Hills, a 5.3 miles (8.5 km) trail leading through woodlands and historical elements, often completed in about 2 hours 19 minutes.
- Hiking around Yearsley is defined by extensive woodlands, open moorland, and serene fishponds. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate hikes.
- The routes in Yearsley are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 400 hikers have used komoot to explore Yearsley's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.3
(10)
91
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1.0
(1)
9
hikers
8.53km
02:19
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(9)
59
hikers
6.35km
01:45
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(5)
19
hikers
8.99km
02:28
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful forest paths, but make sure you navigate you’re way as they all look the same.
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You can also get a different view of the reservoir if you approach along the footpath from east of Pond Head Farm .
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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This is a wonderful and varied segment, but it will be a steady climb if starting from the Peel Park farm. First up through the fields (you might need to be meandering amongst the cows, but they seemed friendly last time I was there!), and then into Peel Wood, which is on Peel Bank, which is not only a lovely and dense forest, but once you get to the actual bank on the northern end of this segment, you will get wonderful views from above to the south. Spectacular.
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A very striking and short passage here between these two tall hedges. When I was here, it was quite windy and the tall plants were swaying - it was quite poetic! A very unusual place, this - grassy underfoot, and the very tall hedges keep you completely secluded from the rest of the world.
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This church is historically connected with Brandsby Hall, which has been the seat of the Cholmeley family for over 300 years, and they were linked by marriage to the Fairfax family of the Gilling Castle. The church itself is unusual and a good example of the contemporary Georgian style. Inside, make sure you spot the extraordinary brass chandeliers as well as the brass lectern.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Yearsley?
Yearsley offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with nearly 30 distinct trails recorded on komoot. These range from easy strolls through woodlands to more moderate hikes across varied terrain.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in Yearsley?
Yes, Yearsley is an excellent destination for families. Many trails are suitable for an easy outing, such as the Higher Fish Pond and Lower Fish Pond loop, which is an easy 5.6 km path offering tranquil lakeside settings and woodland paths. The 'Yearsley Woods Circular Walk' is also noted as family-friendly.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Yearsley?
Yearsley is very dog-friendly, with many areas allowing dogs off-leash, particularly within the woodlands. The 'Yearsley Woods Circular Walk' is specifically mentioned as a good option for dog walkers. Always ensure your dog is under control and respect local signage regarding livestock or sensitive wildlife areas.
Are there any circular walks in Yearsley?
Yes, many of the trails in Yearsley are circular, making them convenient for day trips. Popular circular routes include the Higher Fish Pond and Piper Hill loop, the Higher Fish Pond and Lower Fish Pond loop, and the Yearsley Moor – Lower Fish Pond loop.
What kind of landscapes and natural features can I expect to see while hiking in Yearsley?
Yearsley offers a diverse landscape within the Howardian Hills AONB. You'll encounter extensive woodlands like Yearsley Woods and Yearsley Moor, featuring ancient oaks, Scots Pines, and conifers. Tranquil connected fishponds, such as the Higher Fish Pond, are prominent features, along with small streams. Higher points in the woods provide scenic views over Ampleforth Abbey and the distinctive Kilburn White Horse.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Yearsley?
The trails in Yearsley are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 50 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-marked paths, and the peaceful atmosphere around the fishponds.
Are there any historical sites or interesting landmarks to see near the hiking trails?
Yes, Yearsley has a rich history. You might encounter remnants of Iron Age earthworks and boundary markers within the ancient woodlands, which were once part of a medieval deer park. The fishponds themselves are part of 18th-century landscaping. For specific landmarks, consider trails that pass near Kilburn White Horse or the area around All Saints Church.
What kind of wildlife might I spot while hiking in Yearsley?
Yearsley's woodlands are rich in biodiversity. Keep an eye out for various birdlife, including woodpeckers, owls, crossbills, siskins, and warblers. Roe deer can also be seen in quieter sections of the woods, and the understory is home to a variety of wildflowers and ferns.
Are there any longer-distance trails that connect to Yearsley?
Yes, the network of footpaths in Yearsley Woods connects to longer-distance trails. You can access routes like the Foss Walk and the Ebor Way, allowing for extended hiking adventures into the wider Ryedale area of the Howardian Hills.
What is the typical duration for a moderate hike in Yearsley?
Moderate hikes in Yearsley typically range from 2 to 2.5 hours. For example, the Higher Fish Pond and Piper Hill loop is a moderate 7.4 km trail that usually takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots along the Yearsley trails?
From higher points within Yearsley Woods, hikers can enjoy scenic views over Ampleforth Abbey and the iconic Kilburn White Horse. The tranquil fishponds also offer picturesque settings for a peaceful break.
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