6 rewarding walks near Masham in North Yorkshire

Looking for hiking inspiration in North Yorkshire? Explore 6 varied walks near Masham on the edge of the Dales.



An hour's drive from York – and a 35-minute drive from us here at Stump Cross Caverns – lies the market town of Masham.

Visitors might come to Masham for refreshments in the market square with a view of St Mary's church spire. They might go on a tour of one of Masham's two breweries – Theakston or Black Sheep. Or perhaps they've come for the annual sheep fair in September or the summer steam rally.

It's also a great base for hiking. Located on the banks of the River Ure, it's near wetlands, rolling hills, woodlands, waterfalls, farmland, moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Here are six fantastic walks near Masham. While you're in the area, why not join us here at Stump Cross Caverns for a self-guided tour?

1. Hackfall Woods Loop

Type: circular
Distance: 8.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate

Parking: Masham Market Square

Masham is on the banks of the Ure, Wensleydale's main river. This 7.6-mile walk takes follows the river for two miles before reaching Hackfall Woods.

Hackfall is an 18th-century woodland garden, filled by the Aislabie family with romantic follies, faux ruins, grottos and waterfalls.

It's also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with birches, oaks, pines and sycamores towering overhead.

After a ramble around the woods, the trail takes you to the village of Grewelthorpe. Next is a short ascent to the Nutwith Common woods, followed by a final descent back into Masham.

Hackfall Woods also has a range of colour-coded trails in case you want to extend this hike.

Download the route.

2. Masham Market Square – Low Burn Bridge loop from Masham

Type: there and back
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: easy

Parking: Masham Market Square

Beginning at a bus stop, this gentle 4.2-mile route is ideal for public transport users.

The walk takes you through Masham Market Square and past Black Sheep Brewery – a local landmark that's been there since 1991.

Outside Masham, you'll walk over the 18th-century (and Grade II-listed) Low Burn Bridge. Shortly after that, you'll visit a wildflower meadow before heading back to the starting point.

Download the route.

3. Druid's Temple

Type: circular
Distance: 4 miles
Parking: just off Knowle Lane, near the Druid's Temple

In the early 19th century, druids were all the rage in England. And in North Yorkshire, William Danby was inspired to build his own Druid's Temple on Swinton Estate near the village of Ilton.

Known as the 'Stonehenge of Yorkshire', it's a fabulous folly with stones as high as 10 feet. It also features alcoves and an altar, although the temple was never used for religious purposes.

There are several trails around Druid's Temple. It's a beautiful area of open countryside, with red kites overhead, deer, squirrels and woodland birds.

The trail we've chosen takes about two hours. It takes you around the countryside near the Temple.

Download the route.

4. Marfield Wetlands

Type: circular
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: easy

Parking: Masham Market Square

Located in an old sand and gravel pit, Marfield Wetlands is now a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Think lakes, ponds and bird hides (viewing shelters) nestled among fens, wet grasslands and woods.

There are water birds, waders, grebes and songbirds. If you're a keen birdwatcher, you'll be pleased to know the wetlands are especially good in winter for observing visiting wildfowl.

Download the route.

5. Jervaulx Abbey to Thornton Steward

Type: circular
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: moderate

Parking: Jervaulx Abbey

This seven-mile circular walk begins at the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey – a 12th-century monastery closed by King Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

As you ramble, you'll explore parkland, pasture fields and the village of Thornton Steward. This village has an 11th-century church, a village green and plenty of Yorkshire stone buildings. One for the history lovers.

Download the route.

6. Swinton Bivouac

Type: circular
Distance: 15 miles
Difficulty: moderate to difficult

Parking: just off Knowle Lane, near the Druid's Temple

The 20,000-acre Swinton Estate has more than 63 miles of footpaths. Walking options range from gentle riverside strolls to hardy hikes across the moors. Whichever you choose, you can expect fantastic views. On a clear day, you can see as far as Teeside.

We've chosen a long route for walkers wanting a challenge. Around 15 miles long, it takes you through iconic Dales pastures – all old stone walls and farmhouses. You also pass a bothy hut, a popular spot for picnickers.

Download the route.

Pub walks

Are you looking for a walk with a pub at the end or en route? Masham and its surrounding areas are a great shout.

There's a circular walk starting from the Milbank Arms in Well, around three miles from Masham. In Masham itself, many walks will take you through the market square and past the Kings Head, the Bruce Arms and the Bay Horse.

If you're going for a walk around Marfield Wetlands, you could stop at the White Bear or the Black Sheep Bar and Bistro.

Other great pubs in the area include:

• The Black Swan, Fearby
• The Crown Inn, Grewelthorpe
• The Bull Inn, West Tanfield
• The Buck Inn, Thornton Watlass
• The Castle Arms, Snape
• The Queens Head, Kirkby Malzeard
  
  

Maps

If you want a detailed paper map, your best bet is the Ordnance Survey. This also comes in a digital version.

Many guidebooks with walking routes are available. You can find these in bookstores, visitor centres and online.

You can also use an app like AllTrails or rely on GPS, whether Google Maps, Apple Maps or another navigation tool. However, internet connections can be spotty, so it may be advisable to download your route before you start.

Walks from Stump Cross Caverns

We're around a half-hour drive from Masham and the perfect base for walks exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Why not explore some of our favourite Yorkshire Dales walks? These routes are easily accessible from Stump Cross Caverns and combine the natural beauty of the Dales with the area's rich lead mining history.

Getting to Masham

For directions to Masham by road and public transport, take a look at the Visit Masham website.

Stump Cross Caverns is a family-friendly cave in the Yorkshire Dales. With a cafe, activities and, of course, our ancient underground cave, it's the perfect place to stop for a brew, a bite or some family fun. Secure your spot on our self-guided cave tour by booking your tickets online.