The walk to Hawnby Hill is a lesser known yet enjoyable trail option in the North York Moors. Many people include Hawnby Hill as part of a longer +11 km (7 mile) circular route. Personally, Beck and I did a much shorter 3km out and back walk to Hawnby Hill from the village of Hawnby, which we really enjoyed and highly recommend.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about doing this Hawnby Hill return walk.
Table of Contents
Hawnby Hill Walk: The Shorter Version
Most information online related to a walk to Hawnby Hill involves a longer circular route. This route begins in Hawnby, passes by Hawnby Hill, and then proceeds to Hawnby Moor and Easterside Hill.
Beck and I were interested in doing this walk during one of our trips to the North York Moors. But, we didn’t have enough time to do this longer route option. Admittedly, we didn’t want to miss out altogether. So instead, from Hawnby, we simply did an out and back walk to Hawnby Hill.
For those seeking a more straightforward and quicker trail option that involves reaching the summit of Hawnby Hill, this shorter trail may be a better fit. Although it’s a shorter route option, you’ll still reach Hawnby Hill and enjoy the breathtaking views from this vantage point.
About Hawnby Hill, North York Moors
Hawnby Hill is a lesser-known hill in the North York Moors. It reaches a height of around 300 metres. The hill forms part of the western edge of the Tabular Hills in North Yorkshire.
The peak of the hill consists of a relatively narrow limestone ridge, which is epic in its own right. Plus, the views from the hill of the surrounding countryside, farmland and woodland are also sensational.
Where Is It?
It’s located just north of the village of Hawnby in the North York Moors in North Yorkshire.
Hawnby Hill Walk: Trail Specs
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 3km
- Time: 45 minutes
- Elevation gain: 155m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Hawnby
Hawnby Hill Walk: Distance
This out and back Hawnby Hill Walk is approximately 3km. According to the map below, it’s 2.75km. Although the distance covered depends on how much of the hill’s ridge you explore!
Hawnby Hill Walk Route Map
Below, you’ll find a map of the short version of the Hawnby Hill Walk.
GPS-guided map: AllTrails
Hawnby Hill Walk Parking
To do this walk, you’ll park in the village of Hawnby. As you can see in the photo below, we parked opposite a lovely pub called The Owl. More or less, the walk starts from this spot in Hawnby.
Unfortunately, there are only a few spots to park opposite The Owl. Otherwise, parking is quite sparse in Hawnby. So, if there are no spots available there, you might need to hunt around for some street parking a little further away from The Owl.
Beck and I arrived early on a Saturday, and by doing so, we were able to park opposite The Owl. We recommend arriving early to up your chances of securing this convenient parking spot for the walk.
Our Experience Doing The Walk
Setting off from Manchester at the crack of dawn, Beck and I arrived bright and early in Hawnby. From the quaint village, we joined the trail, which immediately began to ascend, getting our heart rates going.
Along the route, you’ll pass by farm buildings and through some kissing gates. Even very early on in the walk, you’ll start to enjoy sprawling views of the surrounding countryside.
After a short but steep walk, you’ll arrive at the peak of Hawnby Hill before you know it. A cairn and a nearby wooden bench mark the top of the hill. From the peak, you’ll enjoy splendid views of the North York Moors National Park.
Even better than the views is the hill itself. Featuring a narrow grassy ridge, Beck and I enjoyed walking along and exploring the hill itself. We enjoyed walking along the ridge, back and forth, capturing some aerial footage that you can see in our North York Moors YouTube video (coming soon).
For sure, you’ll want to spend some time at the top of the hill, taking in the beauty of both the landform and its surrounding landscape.
By going early in the day, Beck and I didn’t encounter another person on this walk. If you like exploring trails at their quietest and most peaceful, we recommend doing this walk either early or late in the day.
Once we enjoyed our time at the peak of the hill, we made our way back down to Hawnby. From there, we continued our busy long weekend, walking and waterfall chasing in the North York Moors.
Other Walks Nearby
If you want to enjoy another short walk in the North York Moors other than just the Hawnby Hill Walk, we recommend the Roseberry Topping Walk. Shorter than both of these walks in the North York Moors is the quick-to-reach roadside waterfall called Blow Gill Waterfall.
Of course, Beck and I also enjoy going on longer walks. Some of the best moderate to long-distance walks in the North York Moors include the Hole of Horcum Circular Walk, the Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby Walk, the Goathland Waterfall Walk and the Lord Stones to Wainstones Walk (all guides are coming soon).
Read more: North York Moors Walks Guide (coming soon)
Where We Stayed in the North York Moors
Beck and I have visited and stayed in the North York Moors several times now. We have camped in Fylingthorpe, which is just outside of Robin Hood’s Bay, at Middlewood Farm Holiday Park. For sure, this is one of the best campgrounds in the North York Moors.
On another occasion, we stayed at The George & Dragon Hotel in Kirkbymoorside, near Helmsley, which is in the south of the North York Moors. If you’re looking for one of the best budget stays in the North York Moors, we highly recommend staying there.
Best Value Stay in the North York Moors
- You can usually find decent deals staying here
- The pub and accommodation are in separate buildings, so it isn’t noisy
- Fantastic food and local ales at the pub
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