6 family walks in North Yorkshire to get the kids outdoors

Want to encourage your little ones to explore outdoors? Discover six of the best family-friendly walks in North Yorkshire.

With sunny days finally here, there's no better time to get the kids outside to stretch their winter legs and soak up some nature.

And, of course, there's no better nature to soak up than in the historic county of Yorkshire. 

Think swathes of buttercup-filled fields, heather-clad moorlands, fairytale-like ancient forests, and glistening waterfalls – all ready and waiting to enchant the hearts of your little ones.

But before you tighten your boot straps and head on out, it's important to remember that the wilderness of North Yorkshire can be, well, wild.

Be sure to think about the trek ahead of you. That means considering its difficulty, its duration and whether it would be suitable for everyone in your family group. (After all, you don't want to be stuck carrying a tiny human on your back for miles.)

To make planning your next adventure as easy as possible, we've compiled a list of some of the best family walks in the beautiful North Yorkshire. We've included information on their duration, accessibility and, of course, some of the spectacular flora and fauna you might see.

The best family-friendly walks in North Yorkshire

Grassington to Grass Wood Nature Reserve

This circular route begins and ends in the beautiful market town of Grassington. It will take you alongside the River Wharfe, past the mighty Ghaistrill's Strid and on to the tranquil oasis of Grass Wood Nature Reserve.

Look out for treasures along the way. You might spot swathes of wild thyme, shy redstarts and even an Iron Age settlement hidden amongst the woods.

Heading back, you'll pass by the infamous Tom Lee's Cave and end your walk back in Grassington town centre. Here, you'll find several cosy pubs, cafes, tearooms and small independent shops, such as The Stripey Badger Bookshop.

Ample parking can be found at the National Park Visitor Centre, as can toilets and baby changing facilities.

At just over four miles long, with a gentle ascent through the woods, this route is perfect for most confident walkers. 

Conistone Dib and Pie

This three-mile circular walk will take you on a journey of geological wonder through a glacial-formed limestone gorge to the rocky outcrop of Conistone Pie. 

It's a moderately easy route that's a great adventure for budding climbers, complete with natural rocky steps and areas requiring mini scrambles.

Begin your walk in the village of Conistone and follow the signposted track through the dramatic Conistone Dib. This steep-sided limestone gorge formed around 12,000 years ago. 

A gentle ascent through the valley beyond will bring you to a gentle rocky scramble, leading you towards the famous Conistone Pie.

From here, the view is immense. Search the horizon and you'll find the 170-foot-high Kilnsey Crag, the Wharfe Valley and the River Skirfare. It's also a hotspot for birdwatchers – you may well be treated to sightings of Curlews, Red Kites and Goshawks.

Parking is available at your starting point of Conistone. And in case you need some refreshment, plenty of lovely cafes and amenities can be found within the nearby towns of Grassington and Kettlewell.

Pen y Ghent and Hull Pot

The circular Pen y Ghent and Hull Pot walk is the ideal challenge for older kids and more confident walkers. It's seven miles long, with a total ascent of around 500 metres.

Pen y Ghent is the smallest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and can be easily identified by its loaf-like appearance. The majority of the ascent follows well-trodden, rocky paths. However, the final push to the summit requires a small but steep scramble up the rocks on its south face.

Be sure to check weather forecasts before setting out, make sure you have a map and compass at hand and always be aware of exposed drops. Pen y Ghent is not for absolute beginners, but it's a wonderful accomplishment for young hikers.

Heading back from the summit, you have the option to detour past the Hull Pot – a gigantic 91-metre-long, 18-metre-wide and 18-metre-deep crater. This is actually a collapsed limestone cavern and is believed to be England's largest natural hole. 

Parking, toilets and a play area can be found at your start ingpoint of Horton in Ribblesdale. You'll also find several pubs and cafes, where you can refuel after your adventure. 

The most magical waterfall walks 

Nidd Falls (Fairy Falls) – toddler-friendly

Looking for a walk that toddlers can enjoy? Take a short stroll along the River Nidd to the beautiful Fairy Falls. This easy there-and-back is less than one mile long and follows flat, easy-to-navigate footpaths.

Your route begins and ends in the little town of Lofthouse in Nidderdale. Here, you'll find easy parking, a number of local shops and home-cooked meals at the Crown Hotel. 

Cotter Force – pushchair- and wheelchair-friendly 

Another little gem for families is the Cotter Force waterfall just outside of Hawes. It's an easy one-mile track along a hard-surfaced path. There's almost no incline, and there are plenty of beautiful resting spots along the way. 

The nearest public amenities can be found in Hawes, around a 10-minute drive away. 

Linton Falls and Stepping Stones

Linton Falls are well-known and very beautiful. Park in the picturesque village of Linton and take the two-mile walk along the river Wharfe to find these magical, criss-crossing waterfalls.

If you're walking in the summer, you can also visit the popular Linton Stepping Stones. 

A journey underground

Are you looking for something a little different? A visit to Stump Cross Caverns will give your little ones a view of the Dales like no other.

Here, you can explore some of the UK's best-preserved underground caves, discover incredible rock formations and see the ancient history of Yorkshire come to life.

We also have a range of hands-on, interactive activities for the whole family, including fossil digs, geode cracking and gem panning.

Ready to take a walk underground? You'll find us near Pately Bridge on the B6265. It's quick and easy to book your tickets online.