Old Byland And Scawton
Old Byland And Scawton
4.6
(1209)
8,919
hikers
13
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Old Byland And Scawton offer access to a diverse landscape within the North York Moors National Park. The region features rolling hills, deep river valleys, and expansive moorlands, providing varied gradients and scenic routes. Trails often descend through woodlands to rivers or ascend to open moorland, offering wide views. This area is characterized by its mix of sheltered paths and open tracks, suitable for different hiking preferences.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.6
(54)
537
hikers
10.5km
02:52
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(20)
87
hikers
9.76km
02:43
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.4
(18)
58
hikers
9.72km
02:39
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(12)
40
hikers
6.69km
01:51
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
15
hikers
6.56km
01:49
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Old Byland And Scawton
The A170 is a busy road so if cycling try to minimise the distance you have to ride along it
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Note that the Abbey itself is English Heritage and has both cafe and toilets available accessible without paying admission/requiring membership. The only downside is that to get there from Rievaulx Terrace it is down a steep hill.
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The Helmsley market as being going for 600 years and takes up most of the parking at the Market Place on Fridays.
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There has been a church in Helmsley since before the Norman conquest and the churchyard was used as a market place in Anglo-Saxon times. A church was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. There was much rebuilding in the 19th century between 1866 and 1869 funded by the Earl of Feversham. Many changes were made in the rebuilding, and Norman and later features were lost, including the font, which was replaced in 1868; the original medieval font is now in the church at Pockley.
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Interesting for their sheer size alone, the old remains of the abbey also have an air of transience about them. Only the sometimes horrendous entrance fees prevent people from taking a closer look at the remains of the walls. It would certainly have been interesting.
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A beautiful abbey ruin, easily accessible on a walk from Helmsley.
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There are 13 hiking trails in Old Byland and Scawton that are directly accessible from bus stations, making it easy to explore the region without a car. These routes range from easy to difficult, catering to various experience levels.
The trails accessible by bus in Old Byland and Scawton offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter rolling hills, deep river valleys, expansive moorlands, and dense woodlands. Some routes, like those around Rievaulx, feature descents into valleys and climbs back up through woods, while others offer open moorland paths with sweeping views.
Yes, there are 3 easy bus-accessible hikes in the area. For example, the Rievaulx Abbey – Rievaulx Abbey loop from Rievaulx is a gentle 6.6 km route with moderate elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing. Another easy option is the Bow Bridge over the River Rye – Rievaulx Abbey loop from Rievaulx, which is 6.7 km long.
Many bus-accessible trails offer access to significant landmarks. You can explore the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, a major historical attraction. Other notable features in the wider area include the tranquil Gormire Lake, nestled at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, and the iconic Kilburn White Horse, a famous turf-cut figure. The Byland Abbey ruins are also free to enter and are considered one of England's finest monasteries.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, often near a bus stop. Examples include the Rievaulx Abbey – Fairy Staircase loop from Rievaulx (10.5 km) and the Rievaulx Abbey – Bow Bridge over the River Rye loop from Rievaulx (9.7 km). These loops provide varied scenery without needing to retrace your steps.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Old Byland and Scawton, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil woodlands and river valleys to expansive moorlands, as well as the historical attractions like Rievaulx Abbey. The convenience of bus accessibility is also a frequently mentioned positive aspect.
Many trails in the North York Moors, including those around Old Byland and Scawton, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or during ground-nesting bird season (March-July). Hood Grange Wood, near the Kilburn White Horse, is particularly known for its extensive network of trails suitable for dog walking.
Yes, there are options for refreshments. Rievaulx Abbey has a cafe and visitor center. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre, which is a starting point for some local trails, also features a cafe. The charming villages of Old Byland and Scawton themselves may offer local establishments, providing opportunities for a pub lunch or a coffee break.
The North York Moors offer beautiful hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings wildflowers to areas like Ashberry Pasture and Hood Grange Wood. Summer provides expansive views across the moorlands. Autumn showcases vibrant foliage in the woodlands. Even winter walks can be rewarding, offering crisp air and unique scenery, though appropriate gear is essential for colder conditions.
Yes, some routes in the wider area incorporate water features. Gormire Lake is a tranquil natural lake surrounded by woodland, popular for its clean water. Boltby Reservoir also features on popular hiking routes, providing scenic views along its perimeter. While not all bus-accessible routes directly pass these, they are significant natural features of the region.


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