The best walks and hikes around Tunstall
4.3
(427)
3,537
hikers
94
hikes
Hikes around Tunstall explore the rolling countryside of North Yorkshire. The region is characterized by riverside paths, agricultural fields, and routes that pass by local historical sites. The terrain is generally composed of gentle hills and flat sections, making it accessible for various hiking abilities.
Best hiking trails around Tunstall
- The most popular hiking route is Ruins of Easby Abbey – View of Easby Abbey loop from Catterick, a 9.5 mile (15.4 km) trail that takes around 4 hours to complete. This route features views of the historic Easby Abbey ruins along the River Swale.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Waterfall – Rapeseed Field loop from Colburn, a moderate 7.5 mile (12.1 km) path. The trail leads through open fields and past a local waterfall.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the The Hildyard Arms loop from Catterick Garrison, a 2.9 mile (4.6 km) trail leading through the surrounding farmland, often completed in about 1 hour 12 minutes.
- Hiking around Tunstall is defined by riverside walks, open farmland, and paths connecting small villages. The network of trails offers both shorter, easy walks and longer moderate routes suitable for a half-day outing.
- The routes in Tunstall are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 340 reviews. More than 2,900 hikers have used komoot to explore Tunstall's varied terrain.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
4.5
(6)
101
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(2)
12
hikers
12.1km
03:16
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
33
hikers
11.1km
02:59
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
35
hikers
9.60km
02:34
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.9
(8)
23
hikers
10.6km
02:41
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Grange Lake was formed from the former RAF Scorton airfield, which was later turned into a gravel quarry.
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The plaque and memorial windsock were unveiled in 2013 to honor the airfield's role during World War II.
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The top of the tower is accessible and offers some great views across Richmond and the Castle Grounds
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The wall paintings are wonderful - always a joy to see. The bike ride alongside the Swale is perfect. Watch out for herons, which can often be seen fishing on a rock. The ice cream at the parlour as you arrive at the station is delicious. The deli just inside is also fabulous…….
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Biggest ruins I've seen, no entry fee, lots of interesting places to see, my favourite part was the roof underneath the refectory
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Legend has it that at the end of the eighteenth century, a tunnel was discovered at Richmond Castle that was believed to lead to Easby, where there is a ruined abbey. It is said that the entrance to this tunnel was uncovered by soldiers but the passageway beyond was so narrow and full of rubble that they couldn’t fit through it. So a little drummer boy was lowered in and the boy was told to walk along the tunnel, banging his drum, whilst above ground the soldiers would follow his drumming and learn where the tunnel led. All was well at first. The soldiers walked along, listening carefully, and were led out of the castle, across the marketplace and down towards the river. It is told that they managed to follow the drumbeats all the way to Easby woods but all of a sudden the drumming stopped, still some distance from Easby and the abbey. The drumming never resumed and the Drummer Boy was never seen again. A marker of the tunnel above ground is the Drummer Boy’s Stone, on the path to Easby, pinpointing the spot where it’s said that the drumbeats of this poor unfortunate lad were last heard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Tunstall?
Yes, there are over 90 different routes to explore in the Tunstall area. The trails range from easy, short walks to more challenging half-day hikes, with the majority being rated as easy or moderate.
What is the hiking terrain like in this region?
The landscape around Tunstall is defined by rolling countryside and gentle hills. You can expect to find many paths that follow the River Swale, cross open agricultural fields, and connect small, historic villages. The terrain is generally not too strenuous.
Are there any circular walks available?
Many of the trails in the area are circular. A good example of a shorter loop is The Hildyard Arms loop from Catterick Garrison, which is under 3 miles and takes you through local farmland. You can easily filter for more loop trails on komoot to find one that suits your preferred distance.
Can I bring my dog on the hikes around Tunstall?
Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths in the area. However, many routes pass through active farmland with livestock. It's essential to keep your dog on a lead and under control, especially when animals are present.
Are there any family-friendly or easy walks?
Absolutely. There are over 40 easy-rated trails in the region. These routes typically have minimal elevation gain and are shorter in distance, making them perfect for a family outing or a relaxed stroll through the North Yorkshire countryside.
What do other hikers say about the trails near Tunstall?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4 stars. Hikers often praise the scenic riverside sections along the River Swale and the peaceful paths through open farmland.
Are there any routes with historical points of interest?
Yes, the region is rich in history. For a walk that combines nature and heritage, consider the Ruins of Easby Abbey – View of Easby Abbey loop from Colburn. This trail offers fantastic views of the historic abbey ruins, which date back to the 12th century.
Can I find a walk that includes a pub stop?
Several trails pass through villages with traditional pubs. For instance, the Waterfall – The Hildyard Arms loop from Colburn is designed to include a stop at The Hildyard Arms, making it a great option for a rewarding break during your hike.
Are there any trails with waterfalls?
Yes, you can find waterfalls in the area. The Waterfall – Rapeseed Field loop from Colburn is a popular moderate hike that specifically features a local waterfall as one of its highlights.
What's a good hike for seeing the local scenery?
For a route that showcases the region's characteristic scenery, the Ruins of Easby Abbey – View of Easby Abbey loop from Catterick is an excellent choice. It combines riverside paths along the Swale with views of historic ruins and the surrounding agricultural landscape.
What should I know about parking for these hikes?
Parking availability varies by route. Many hikes start from nearby towns or villages like Catterick or Colburn, where you can find street parking or designated car parks. It's always a good idea to check the starting point of your chosen route in advance to plan your parking.
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