With more people turning to walking as a simple affordable way to relax, improve wellbeing, and spend time outdoors, new research from Rydale Country Clothing has revealed Yorkshire’s quietest walking routes for those looking to escape the crowds.
From sweeping dales and rugged moorland scenery to peaceful reservoirs, woodland valleys, and dramatic coastal paths, Yorkshire is home to some of the most varied walking landscapes in the UK.
But while many of its best-known beauty spots attract growing visitor numbers, the county still offers plenty of quieter routes where walkers can enjoy the scenery without the busiest trails.
To identify Yorkshire’s most peaceful routes, Yorkshire-born Rydale Country Clothing analysed data from best-rated hiking apps across North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire. Routes marked as quiet or not crowded were shortlisted before being assessed using factors including user rating, review volume, distance, elevation gain, and route difficulty.
The findings showed every part of Yorkshire offers standout peaceful walks, with each sub-region producing highly rated routes that combine scenery, accessibility, and a welcome sense of space.
Danes Dyke Bay and Woodlands, East Riding of Yorkshire
East Yorkshire’s top route was Danes Dyke Bay and Woodlands, which received a strong 4.8 out of 5 rating. Blending woodland paths with coastal scenery, it stands out as one of Yorkshire’s best-rated easy walks.
Halton Gill and Hesleden Circular, North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire’s leading route was Halton Gill and Hesleden Circular, scoring 4.7 out of 5. Set in Littondale, the walk offers classic dales scenery, open countryside, and a peaceful away-from-it-all atmosphere.
Low Bradfield, Agden Reservoir, and Dale Dike Reservoir Circular, South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire’s highest-ranked route scored 4.6 out of 5. With waterside views, surrounding hills, and a calm setting, it offers a rewarding longer walk close to major towns and cities.
Clough Hole and Hebden Water Circular, West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire’s top-ranked route was Clough Hole and Hebden Water Circular, which achieved an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating, the highest score recorded anywhere in the Yorkshire study. Near Hebden Bridge, the route combines riverside scenery, woodland trails, and open countryside into a rewarding circular walk with a genuine sense of escape.
How the rankings were calculated
As part of the wider Yorkshire report, Rydale Country Clothing analysed 32 walking routes and 7,524 user reviews across North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Each region was narrowed down to eight qualifying walks using in-app indicators such as ‘quiet’ and ‘not crowded’. User rating was treated as the primary ranking factor, with review count used only as a secondary tie-breaker where routes shared the same score.
Laura Forsyth, Communications Executive at Rydale Country Clothing, said: “Yorkshire is home to some of the country’s most famous walking destinations, but many of the best-known spots can become especially busy during peak times. Our findings show there are still fantastic quieter routes right across the county, whether walkers want dales scenery, coastal views, calming reservoirs, or woodland trails.”
For the complete list of rankings, route data, and methodology, see the full study here.
About Rydale Country Clothing
Founded in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Rydale creates affordable country clothing inspired by life outdoors, from walking jackets and boots to everyday rural wear. Known for combining practical design with classic British country style, the brand helps thousands of customers enjoy the outdoors in comfort, whether on dog walks, countryside breaks, or everyday adventures.