7 Night North York Moors Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

A hiker walking around Bridestones on the North York Moors, Yorkshire, England, UK.
Duration: 7 nights
Type: Gentle guided walking
Walking Grade: 1 & 2
from £1,269pp

A picturesque landscape, the North York Moors is treasured for its heather moorland, deep valleys, unspoilt woodlands, and quaint fishing villages. Ideal for those wanting to discover this region’s beauty at a more relaxed pace, our gentle guided walking holiday rewards with breathtaking trails, coastal views, comfortable accommodation, and more. You’ll also enjoy a choice of up to three different-grade daily walks, the shortest of which is from just four miles.

What you’ll love

  • Exploring this stunning national park at a relaxed pace
  • Learning more about the region’s wildlife and cultural heritage
  • Discover Whitby’s gothic heritage
  • Visit the charming village of Goathland, with it’s picturesque scenery and historic buildings.
  • Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
  • Staying at Larpool Hall, our Grade II-listed country house

What’s included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running

Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.


Option 1 - Stokesley To Great Ayton

Distance: 3½ miles (6km) 

Ascent: 100 feet (40m) 

In summary: Walk from the elegant market town of Stokesley heading along the banks of the picturesque River Leven to the village of Great Ayton, childhood home of Captain James Cook.     

Highlight: A Town Trail in Stokesley, then there will be time to explore Great Ayton in the afternoon and learn about its famous son – Captain James Cook. 

Option 2 - Captain Cook's Monument

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m) 

In summary: Follow the Cleveland Way to the magnificent viewpoint at Captain James Cook’s monument; we then descend to the foot of Roseberry Topping and on to the village of Great Ayton. 

Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of Captain James Cook who grew up in the village of Great Ayton. There may be time to visit the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum at the end of the walk.

Option 3 - Roseberry Topping & Great Ayton

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km) 

Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m) 

In summary: Walk along the escarpment of the North York Moors. Our route ascends from near Guisborough over the moors to the impressive viewpoint at Captain Cook's Monument before ascending to the summit of Roseberry Topping and ending in Great Ayton. 

Highlight: The distinctively shaped summit of Roseberry Topping - the Yorkshire Matterhorn - dominates the local skyline. 


Option 1 - Goathland to Grosmont

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 150 feet (40m) 

In summary: From Goathland we follow the Esk Valley through Beck Hole and on to Grosmont.  

Highlight: Goathland is the setting of the village of Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat then on to Grosmont station, why not take a look around the impressive engine sheds. 

Option 2 - Goathland & Grosmont Circuit

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 950 feet (280m)  

In summary: From Goathland station we cross moorland & farmland to reach Grosmont. Our return route follows the old railway trail between the two villages. 

Highlight: Today's walks centre on the village of Goathland - made famous as the setting for the TV series Heartbeat. You may also recognise Goathland station from its role in the Harry Potter films.

Option 3 - Goathland Circuit

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 950 feet (280m) 

In summary: From Goathland, a gentle descent along the old railway track takes us to Beck Hole. Woodland and field paths will take us to Wheeldale Beck from where we make our way across a lovely moorland path via a secluded tarn to Goathland church. From there, feld paths & more of the old railway track bring us back to Goathland.   

Highlight: A stretch of walking along a moorland edge give views of the magnificent scenery in the heart of the National Park.  


Discover more about Larpool Hall and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.


Option 1 - Boulby Cliffs to Staithes

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Ascent: 340 feet (10m)

In summary: Starting from Easington we walk to the coast and follow the Cleveland way to Boulby and then descend to Staithes.

Highlight: Exploring the village of Staithes, which was once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East

Option 2 - Runswick Bay to Sandsend

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)

Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: Enjoy a glorious section of the Yorkshire coast between Runswick Bay and Sandsend. We start along the beach, then ascend onto the cliff-top path which takes us around the headland at Kettleness and on to Sandsend.

Highlight: There's time to explore Staithes before rejoining the coach to start our walk at Runswick Bay. Staithes is a timeless fishing village with cobbled streets and historic buildings.

Option 3 - Staithes to Sandsend

Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)

In summary: Starting from Staithes we follow the impressive cliff top section of the coast to Runswick Bay. Our walk continues along the Cleveland Way to Kettleness and Sandsend.

Highlight: Look out for the once-thriving harbour at Port Mulgrave, built in the 1850s to transport iron ore. You can see the remains of the 1 mile tunnel that connected the mine to the harbour.


Option 1 - Castleton to Danby

Distance: 3 miles (4.5km) 

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: Starting in the village of Castleton we join the Esk Valley Way through Danby Park before ending our walk at The Moors Centre at Danby Lodge.  

Highlight: Take time to explore the Moors Centre and learn more about the National Park. 

Option 2 - Castleton Rigg to Danby

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (220m)

In summary: Starting high on Castleton Rigg. We then descend along the Rigg, following field and moorland paths to visit Danby Castle, home of Katherine Parr, before crossing the Esk Valley railway to arrive at the Moors Centre. 

Highlight: The Moors Centre has excellent interpretive displays about the national park, and a rolling programme of exhibitions by local artists. 

Option 3 - Danby Rigg

Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km) 

Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)

In summary: From Castleton we make our way across fields and Danby Rigg to reach Little Fryup Dale. We continue via Danby Crag before crossing the River Esk to arrive at the pretty village of Houlsyke. After a short, sharp ascent will bring us to a quiet road and track from where we will enjoy splendid views of the Esk Valley before descending to The Moors Centre. 

Highlight: Look out for the standing stones, cairns and long barrows on Danby Rigg - evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.


Option 1 - Pannett Park and Whitby

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 200 feet (60m)

In summary: A pleasant walk taking us from Larpool house to Pannett park and then on to Whitby town

Highlight: Exploring Whitby  

Option 2 - Robin Hood, Little John and the Cleveland Way

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: We begin following the cinder track and then farmland, passing a site commemorating a visit to Whitby by famous outlaws, then take a fabulous cliff top walk along part of the Cleveland Way back to Whitby.

Highlight: The ruins of Whitby Abbey stand prominently on the headland above the harbour. Discover how this dramatic setting inspired Bram Stoker's gothic novel Dracula. 

Option 3 - Cinder Track to the Coast and Cliffs of Whitby

Distance: 9 miles (14km)

Ascent: 1,400 feet (440m)

In summary: The cinder track takes us South East before returning to Whitby using part of both the Coast to Coast walk and the Cleveland Way.

Highlight: Fabulous coastal views along the Cleveland Way.


Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.


See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running

Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.


Option 1 - Pannett Park and Whitby

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 200 feet (60m)

In summary: A pleasant walk taking us from Larpool house to Pannett park and then on to Whitby town

Highlight: Exploring Whitby  

Option 2 - Cinder Track and Coast to Whitby

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 780 feet (236m)

In summary: We begin following the cinder track and then farmland, passing a site commemorating a visit to Whitby by famous outlaws, then take a fabulous cliff top walk along part of the Cleveland Way back to Whitby.

Highlight: The ruins of Whitby Abbey stand prominently on the headland above the harbour. Discover how this dramatic setting inspired Bram Stoker's gothic novel Dracula. 

Option 3 - Cinder Track to Hawkser, Cleveland Way and Whitby

Distance: 7.5miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,180 feet (360m)

In summary: The cinder track takes us to the village of Hawkser.  Leaving the village, we cross fields to join the  Cleveland Way to return to Whitby.

Highlight: Fabulous coastal views along the Cleveland Way.


Option 1 - Castleton to Danby

Distance: 3 miles (4.5km) 

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: Starting in the village of Castleton we join the Esk Valley Way through Danby Park before ending our walk at The Moors Centre at Danby Lodge.  

Highlight: Take time to explore the Moors Centre and learn more about the National Park. 

Option 2 - Esk Valley Walk to Danby Visitor Centre

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km) 

Ascent: 530 feet (160m)

In summary: Starting high on Castleton Rigg we descend into Danby Dale to join the Esk Valley Walk to Castleton.  Leaving the village, we cross the River Esk and rejoin the Esk Valley Walk through Danby Park,  the villages of Danby and Ainthorpe to arrive at the Danby Lodge Visitor Centre. 

Highlight: The Moors Centre has excellent interpretive displays about the national park, and a rolling programme of exhibitions by local artists. 

Option 3 - Danby Dale to Danby Visitor Centre

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 760 feet (230m)

In summary: From Castleton Rigg we descend on the road to Botton Village where we join the Esk Valley Walk which we follow northwards. Skirting around Danby Low Moor we pass through the village of Castleton and descend to cross the River Esk.  Now on the north side of the river, we pass through Danby Park and then take moorland paths passing to the north of Danby to arrive at the Danby Lodge Visitor Centre.

Highlight: A beautiful walk using valley and moorland paths offering superb views throughout.


Discover more about Larpool Hall and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.


Option 1 - Slapeworth to Boosebeck and Saltburn

Distance:   3.5 miles (5.5 km)

Ascent:  185 feet (56m)

In summary:  Starting from the small hamlet of Slapewath, we walk through the Margrove Ponds Nature Reserve to the village of Boosebeck where our transport will pick us up and take us to Skelton to join the Cleveland Way.  We descend woodland steps to cross Skelton Beck whilst admiring the impressive Saltburn Viaduct.  A short ascent leads us to a shady woodland path leading to Saltburn’s Valley Gardens and the coast. 

Highlight:  The Valley Gardens with its tiered and formal gardens, café and miniature railway.

Option 2 - Slapewath to Saltburn via Skelton

Distance:  5 miles (8km)

Ascent:  360 feet (110m)

In summary:  Starting from Slapewath we ascend onto Cleveland Street Walk which affords us views across the lovely Margrove Valley.  After several fields and stiles we arrive at Skelton Green from where we join the Cleveland Way and follow this through Skelton and on to Skelton Beck and a lovely woodland walk to Saltburn’s Valley Gardens. 

Highlight:  The Valley Gardens and Saltburn’s sea front.  Walk along the last remining pier in Yorkshire and admire the oldest operating water balanced cliff lift in the UK.

Option 3 - Guisborough to Saltburn

Distance:  7 miles (11km)

Ascent:  515 feet (156m)

In summary:  From the centre of Guisborough, a short ascent leads to the Guisborough Walkway which is followed to Slapewath.  From here on the walk follows the same route as the Option2 walk. 

Highlight:  The Valley Gardens and Saltburn’s sea front.  Walk along the last remining pier in Yorkshire and admire the oldest operating water balanced cliff lift in the UK.


Option 1 - Goathland to Grosmont

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 150 feet (40m) 

In summary: From Goathland we follow the Esk Valley through Beck Hole and on to Grosmont.  

Highlight: Goathland is the setting of the village of Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat then on to Grosmont station, why not take a look around the impressive engine sheds. 

Option 2 - Goathland to Abbot’s House & Grosmont

Distance:  5.5 miles (9 km)

In summary:  An initial short circuit leads us through the village to the railway station (Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films), and on to Abbot’s House before returning across fields to the outskirts of Goathland.  Returning to our start point we follow the old railway track through the Esk Valley to Beck Hole and Grosmont. 

Highlight:  Exploring ‘Aidensfield’ (as in the TV series Heartbeat) and the stations at Goathland and Grosmont.  Enjoy a morning break at the idyllically situated Beck Hole. 

 

Option 3 - Goathland to Moorgates and Grosmont

Distance:  7 miles (11km)

Ascent:  400 feet (120m)

In summary:  From the village the old railway track takes us south to Moorgates, an ideal trainspotting venue!  The return to the village is on good moorland paths on the opposite side of the railway.  The second half of the walk follows the same route as options 1 and 2, along the Rail Trail, passing Beck Hole, to Grosmont. 

Highlight:  Exploring the delights of Goathland and Grosmont,


Option 1 - Stokesley To Great Ayton

Distance: 3½ miles (6km) 

Ascent: 100 feet (40m) 

In summary: Walk from the elegant market town of Stokesley heading along the banks of the picturesque River Leven to the village of Great Ayton, childhood home of Captain James Cook.     

Highlight: A Town Trail in Stokesley, then there will be time to explore Great Ayton in the afternoon and learn about its famous son – Captain James Cook. 

Option 2 - Pinchinthorpe and Newton Wood to Great Ayton

Distance:  6 miles (9.5km)

In summary:  From the Visitor Centre, a walk along the old railway track and field footpaths leads to Newton Under Roseberry.  From here a good track leads to Newton Wood and Great Ayton

Highlight:  Great views of Roseberry Topping and time to explore Great Ayton.

Option 3 - Stokesley and Roseberry Topping to Great Ayton

Distance:  8 miles (13km)

Ascent:  750 feet (230m)

In summary:  A riverside path leads from Stokesley to Great Ayton.  Passing Low and High Green, field footpaths then take us through National Trust woodland to the flanks of Roseberry Topping.  We return to Great Ayton via Airyholme Farm, where Captain James Cook’s father was employed, and Little Ayton.

Highlight:  Superb views of the Cleveland Hills throughout the walk. 


Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.


Larpool Hall

Given that the Yorkshire coast never loses its capacity to enchant, it’s easy to see the appeal of this Grade II-listed house overlooking the Esk Valley and the North Sea. The setting is perfect; in the former fishing town of Whitby that’s best known for its fish and chips, quaint harbour, and Dracula connections (Irish author Bram Stoker drew his inspiration for his Gothic novel when holidaying here in 1890). You’ll have all the sightseeing greats within walking or driving distance, including the 13th century Whitby Abbey, the wonderful Whitby Sands, and the 199 Steps leading up to the old St. Mary’s Church (it’s customary to count them as you climb). Not only are the North York Moors right on your doorstep, but the walk along Cleveland Way to Robin Hood’s Bay is rather special, too. 

 

 

Rooms

Designed with your comfort in mind, Larpool Hall has 29 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: The spacious Room 15 on the ground floor for its lovely décor, comfy sofa, large fireplace, and views across the Esk Valley. Room 2 on the first floor offers fabulous views while Room 30 on the second floor has eaves and exposed beams. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.  

On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.  

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

About your stay

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

Food & drink

Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.

HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.

Accessibility

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Larpool Hall

10674_0050 - Larpool Hall - Exterior

Getting to Larpool Hall

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Address

Larpool Hall
Larpool Drive
Whitby
North Yorkshire YO22 4ND

Tel: +44 (0)1947 602737

By train

The nearest station is Whitby. 

However, travelling to Scarborough station may be more convenient. Check National Rail for routes and journey times. 

By taxi

The two-mile journey from Whitby station takes approximately 10 minutes.  

From Scarborough train station, it’s a 21-mile journey, taking 40 minutes.  

For pricing, please contact Whitby Taxis directly.

Whitby Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Abbey Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1947 601212
Email: abbeytaxiswhitby@gmail.com

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Larpool Hall.

*Whitby Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

The 93 and 94 buses run regularly between Scarborough station and Whitby taking around an hour. As you approach Whitby, alight by the Larpool Lane Industrial Estate. From here it’s an 800m walk up Larpool Lane to Larpool Hall. Please note that Larpool Hall's driveway is not lit. 

Check Traveline for up-to-date bus information. 

By car

There’s a free car park at Larpool Hall if you decide to drive. 

The A171 from Teesside and the A169 from Pickering converge at a roundabout about two miles outside Whitby.  

After this roundabout and as you approach Whitby, cross another roundabout then turn right at the traffic lights signposted Scarborough. Cross over the River Esk, then immediately turn right into Larpool Lane. Towards the top of the hill, turn into Larpool Drive – you'll see Larpool Hall at the end of this road.  

By air

The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport. 

Catch the airport bus to Leeds where there are connecting trains to Scarborough taking about 90 minutes.

There’s also Manchester Airport, which is served by a range of long-haul flights. From here, there are trains every hour to Scarborough with one change at Manchester Piccadilly or York. Allow around three hours to reach Scarborough. 

Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option but it’ll take you around 4.5 hours to reach Scarborough. From Heathrow first take the Piccadilly line to London Kings Cross station, then connect to Scarborough (with one change at York). 

Check National Rail for train information. 

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Larpool Hall Calendar

  • Guided Walking
  • Self-Guided Walking
  • Special Interests
  • Unavailable to Book

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.


Holiday prices

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

19 Sep - 26 Sep 2025

7 nights

Gentle Walks 2025

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,269 pp

from

£1,269 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now
2026

10 Jul - 17 Jul 2026

7 nights

Gentle Walks 2026

Single from

£1,409

Double from

£1,339 pp

from

£1,339 pp

from

£1,409

Trip Notes
Book Now

25 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

7 nights

Gentle Walks 2026

Single from

£1,409

Double from

£1,339 pp

from

£1,339 pp

from

£1,409

Trip Notes
Book Now
Duration:
7 nights
Type:
Gentle guided walking
Walking Grade:
1 & 2

7 nights from £1,269pp

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 161Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More