The best walks and hikes around Osmotherley

There is a public car park within the village of Osmotherley, which is a convenient starting point for many local trails. For walks specifically around Cod Beck Reservoir, there is a dedicated car park right by the water, which is the starting point for the popular Cod Beck Reservoir and Beacon Hill loop. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as spaces can fill up quickly.

Yes, Osmotherley is well-equipped to welcome hikers. The village has three pubs and a cozy tearoom, making it a great place to relax and refuel after a day on the trails. These establishments are a popular feature for those completing walks that start and end in the village.

Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths around Osmotherley. However, you will be walking through the North York Moors National Park, which includes open moorland with ground-nesting birds (especially between March and July) and farmland with livestock. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead and under close control in these areas.

The terrain is quite varied. You can expect a mix of gentle woodland paths, accessible tracks around reservoirs like Cod Beck, and more challenging ascents onto open heather moorland. Routes often involve some hills, such as the climb up Beacon Hill, but reward you with expansive views across the moors and Tees Valley.

The walk around Cod Beck Reservoir is an excellent choice for families. The Cod Beck Reservoir loop from Kepwick offers a relatively flat and scenic path of about 5 miles (8 km) through woodland surrounding the water, making it manageable for most ages and abilities.

A great option is the Osmotherley Village – Scarth Wood Moor loop from Kepwick. This 7.1-mile (11.4 km) trail offers a classic North York Moors experience, taking you across the open, heather-clad Scarth Wood Moor and providing a good sense of the local landscape without being overly strenuous.

Osmotherley is a key hub for long-distance walkers as it sits at the crossroads of three major trails. The Cleveland Way National Trail, the famous Coast to Coast Walk devised by Alfred Wainwright, and the challenging Lyke Wake Walk all pass through or very near the village.

The area is rich in scenic spots. Key features include the tranquil Cod Beck Reservoir, the panoramic views from Carlton Bank, and the dramatic rocky outcrops of The Wainstones, which are a popular destination for their rugged beauty. Many trails also offer fantastic views from the open moorland of the North York Moors National Park.

Yes, you can. There is a pleasant circular walk of approximately 3 miles from Osmotherley to Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens. This allows you to combine a scenic hike through fields and woodland with a visit to the best-preserved Carthusian priory in Britain.

The trails around Osmotherley are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the variety of scenery, from sheltered woodlands to expansive moorland, and the excellent network of well-marked paths. The views from the higher points are also a consistently highlighted feature.

There are over 75 different hiking routes to explore around Osmotherley on komoot. These range from easy, short strolls to challenging all-day treks, ensuring there is a suitable option for every fitness and experience level.

Certainly. For those seeking a challenge, the Black Hambleton and Thimbleby Bank Plantation loop is a great choice. This 10.3-mile (16.6 km) route involves a significant ascent of 396 meters, crossing exposed moorland and offering a rewarding and strenuous day of hiking.