North York Moors National Park wilderness guide

National Park · North Yorkshire, England

North York Moors National Park

North York Moors National Park is a stunning expanse of heather moorland, deep valleys, and rugged coastline, offering diverse opportunities for outdoor adventure and nature exploration.

National Park554,0004+ Trails

1952NATIONAL PARK

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

554,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About North York Moors National Park

North York Moors National Park is a stunning expanse of heather moorland, deep valleys, and rugged coastline, offering diverse opportunities for outdoor adventure and nature exploration.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

North York Moors National Park is located in North Yorkshire, England, encompassing around 554 square miles of remarkable landscapes. The park is renowned for its vast stretches of heather moorland, which turn vibrant purple during late summer. Aside from moorland, the park includes lush forests, tranquil dales, and an impressive coastline featuring fossil-rich cliffs and sandy beaches. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and the coastal village of Robin Hood's Bay. Recreational opportunities abound, from hiking along the Cleveland Way National Trail to cycling on scenic paths. The park's fauna includes elusive species like the red grouse and iconic birds such as the merlin. With varied terrains and rich history, North York Moors is ideal for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation in nature.

Field Guide · National Park

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near North York Moors National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Rievaulx Abbey ruins offer a glimpse into medieval monastic life.✦ Purple heather landscape, most vibrant in late summer.✦ Cleveland Way National Trail provides stunning coastal views.✦ Robin Hood's Bay, a picturesque and historic fishing village.

Signature Wilderness Experience

“Rievaulx Abbey ruins offer a glimpse into medieval monastic life.”

AdvCollective Field Record · National Park

Geographic Location

North York Moors National Park

State / Region:North Yorkshire, England

Coordinates:54.4471° N, -0.7307° W

Public Land Status:National Park

Ranger Field Tips

1

Early morning hikes offer the best chance to see wildlife such as deer and birds.

2

Late summer is optimal for witnessing blooming heather; winter can be cold and snowy.

3

Check trail conditions online in advance, especially during wet weather which can make paths slippery.

4

Binoculars are a great addition for birdwatching, particularly for spotting merlins and harriers.

Park Specifications

Acres Protected554,000

Miles of Trails1400

Annual Visitors7 million

Year Established1952

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to North York Moors National Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in North York Moors National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in North York Moors National Park

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in North York Moors National Park

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in North York Moors National Park

Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in North York Moors National Park

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in North York Moors National Park

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in North York Moors National Park

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in North York Moors National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees, open access for walking.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in North York Moors National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Thornton-Le-Dale Camping

Located close to entry points of the park, suitable for family camping.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Dalby Forest Campsites

Provides a rustic camping experience amidst dense forest settings.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near North York Moors National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Whitby, England, United Kingdom

⌖ 5.46 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Whitby, England, United Kingdom

Whitby is a vibrant North Yorkshire coastal town ideal for hiking coastal cliffs, sea kayaking hidden coves, rock climbing, and angling. With iconic landmarks and abundant wildlife, Whitby is a striking base for diverse outdoor adventures.

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Whitby, UK

⌖ 5.46 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Whitby, UK

Discover Whitby, a vibrant coastal town where adventure meets history. Whether hiking the Cleveland Way, paddling its waters, or exploring its cultural landmarks, it’s an adventure lover’s dream.

Spring and Summer

Robin Hood's Bay, England

⌖ 7.99 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Robin Hood's Bay, England

Robin Hood's Bay is a coastal adventure hub on England’s North Sea where hiking steep cliffs, sea kayaking hidden coves, and fossil beachcombing await. This historic fishing village combines thrilling outdoor activities with rich culture and rugged scenery.

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Kildale, England, United Kingdom

⌖ 13.57 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Kildale, England, United Kingdom

Kildale, tucked into the Cleveland Hills of the North York Moors, is a quiet rural getaway ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. Its rustic charm and wide open moorland provide a refreshing escape for outdoor adventurers.

Spring through Autumn

Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

⌖ 17.54 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Scarborough, England, offers an adventurous coastal escape with hiking along dramatic cliffs, sea kayaking in sheltered bays, and mountain biking in the nearby moors. From golden beaches to rugged trails, it’s a perfect blend of seaside charm and outdoor thrills.

Late Spring to Early Autumn

Redcar, England

⌖ 18.04 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Redcar, England

Redcar is a lively English coastal town offering miles of sandy beaches, great surf, and scenic cycling routes. With nearby nature reserves and birdwatching spots, it’s perfect for outdoor lovers seeking sea and countryside adventures.

Late spring to early autumn

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in North York Moors National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Across the Moors to Whitby: Sea‑spray, Abbey Ruins and a Heritage Steam Ride from York

ADVEXPEDITION

York, North Yorkshire

Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Across the Moors to Whitby: Sea‑spray, Abbey Ruins and a Heritage Steam Ride from York

A small‑group day trip from York into the North York Moors National Park and the seaside town of Whitby, with an optional North Yorkshire Moors Railway heritage train ride and time to explore the abbey, waterfront and local flavours.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Salt-washed Ruins and Heathered Moorland: A Day from York to Whitby and the North York Moors

ADVEXPEDITION

York, North Yorkshire

Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Salt-washed Ruins and Heathered Moorland: A Day from York to Whitby and the North York Moors

A guided, small-group day trip from York that delivers three hours in historic Whitby plus scenic photo stops across the North York Moors—useful for planning a focused, full-day outing.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Lines in the North Sea: A Three‑Hour Fishing Trip Off Whitby’s Rugged Coast

ADVEXPEDITION

Whitby, England

Guided TourADV Bookable

Lines in the North Sea: A Three‑Hour Fishing Trip Off Whitby’s Rugged Coast

A guided, three‑hour outing from Whitby that puts you on the water to fish the North Yorkshire coastline with all equipment provided and a skipper to show the ropes.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Chasing Giants: Bluefin Tuna Off Whitby’s Pontoon

ADVEXPEDITION

Whitby, England

FishingADV Bookable

Chasing Giants: Bluefin Tuna Off Whitby’s Pontoon

A 10-hour, small-group bluefin tuna hunt departing from the New Quay Road pontoon — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and who should (and shouldn’t) go.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Whitby at Dusk: Sixty Minutes on the North Sea as the Sky Breaks Open

ADVEXPEDITION

Whitby, England

Boat TourADV Bookable

Whitby at Dusk: Sixty Minutes on the North Sea as the Sky Breaks Open

A 60-minute evening cruise that sails from Brewery Steps and places you on the North Sea to watch a dramatic sunset—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Seals on the Rocks and Gulls on the Wind: A Two‑Hour Wildlife Cruise Around Whitby

ADVEXPEDITION

Whitby, England

Boat TourADV Bookable

Seals on the Rocks and Gulls on the Wind: A Two‑Hour Wildlife Cruise Around Whitby

A two-hour boat trip circling the Yorkshire coastline to watch seals and seabirds — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare for the often-cold North Sea.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Inside Whitby’s Dracula Experience: A 20‑Minute Walk Through the Arrival of Count Dracula

ADVEXPEDITION

Whitby, England

Guided TourADV Bookable

Inside Whitby’s Dracula Experience: A 20‑Minute Walk Through the Arrival of Count Dracula

A compact, 20‑minute guided walkthrough in Whitby that uses animatronics, live actors and a new cinema film to trace the Demeter wreck and the Vlad the Impaler link to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Cinder Track to the Coast: A TREK Kids 26" Ride Out of Robin Hood's Bay

ADVEXPEDITION

Robin Hood's Bay, England

Bike RentalADV Bookable

Cinder Track to the Coast: A TREK Kids 26" Ride Out of Robin Hood's Bay

An 8-hour bike rental from Cinder Bike Hire that puts you on the Cinder Track to Whitby or Ravenscar—or off onto moorland bridleways—useful for planning a full-day coastal and moorland outing.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

On Two Wheels Along the Cinder Track: Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby or Ravenscar

ADVEXPEDITION

Robin Hood's Bay, England

Bike TourADV Bookable

On Two Wheels Along the Cinder Track: Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby or Ravenscar

An 8‑hour e‑bike outing from Robin Hood's Bay that follows the historic Cinder Track to Whitby or Ravenscar or crosses open moorland bridleways—essential planning detail for riders tackling the North Yorkshire coast and moors.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A single-seat solution for family cycling in Robin Hood's Bay — note: not compatible with Powerfly E-bike

ADVEXPEDITION

Robin Hood's Bay, England

Bike TourADV Bookable

A single-seat solution for family cycling in Robin Hood's Bay — note: not compatible with Powerfly E-bike

A concise guide to the HAMAX child’s one-seat bike trailer (9 months–22 kg), operated by Cinder Bike Hire in Robin Hood’s Bay, with a critical compatibility note for Powerfly E-bike owners.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Coastal Ridges and Moorland Tracks: A Day on a TREK 24" Kids Bike in Robin Hood's Bay

ADVEXPEDITION

Robin Hood's Bay, England

Bike RentalADV Bookable

Coastal Ridges and Moorland Tracks: A Day on a TREK 24" Kids Bike in Robin Hood's Bay

An 8‑hour bike rental from Cinder Bike Hire that lets riders follow the Cinder Track to Whitby or Ravenscar or explore moorland bridleways along the North Yorkshire coast.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Coast, Cinders and Moorland: A Full‑Day Ride on the TREK Marlin from Robin Hood’s Bay

ADVEXPEDITION

Robin Hood's Bay, England

Bike RentalADV Bookable

Coast, Cinders and Moorland: A Full‑Day Ride on the TREK Marlin from Robin Hood’s Bay

An 8‑hour bike rental with Cinder Bike Hire that puts the North Yorkshire coast and moors within reach—follow the Cinder Track to Whitby or Ravenscar, or strike out onto moorland bridleways for a full‑day adventure.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip