The best walks and hikes around Barlow

There are over 180 hiking routes around Barlow, offering a wide variety of experiences. The majority are easy to moderate, with 119 easy and 63 moderate trails, making the area accessible for many different skill levels.

Hiking around Barlow is characterized by its flat terrain, river valleys, and canal towpaths. You'll find accessible routes along waterways and through open countryside, providing a gentle and open environment for outdoor activities. The landscape is defined by its network of canals, including the Selby Canal, and the presence of rivers.

Yes, Barlow offers many easy, family-friendly walks. A great option is the Selby Canal Towpath – Selby Canal loop from Selby, an easy 4.2-mile path that follows the canal, offering flat and scenic views along the waterway. Another easy choice is the Swans at Barkby Thorpe – Barmby Barrage loop from Hemingbrough, a 4.9-mile trail through riverine areas.

Many of the trails around Barlow, particularly those along canal towpaths and through open countryside, are suitable for dogs. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas, and to check specific route details for any restrictions.

Yes, Barlow features several enjoyable circular routes. The Selby Horseshoe Trail is a popular moderate 9.0-mile loop. For an easier option, consider the Selby Canal Towpath – Selby Canal loop from Selby, which is a 4.2-mile easy circular path.

Given the flat terrain and canal-side paths, hiking in Barlow is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the open countryside and waterways. Autumn provides beautiful scenery, while winter walks can be crisp and refreshing, though some paths might be muddy after rain.

Near the hiking trails, you can explore several interesting places. The Selby Canal itself is a prominent feature, offering scenic views. You might also find historical sites like Howden Minster Ruins or memorials such as the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common. For a break, the Birkin Tea Room is also nearby.

The hiking routes in Barlow are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average score of 4.3 stars from over 170 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful canal-side walks, the flat and accessible terrain, and the opportunity to enjoy the open countryside.

While Barlow is known for its accessible, shorter walks, you can find longer day hikes. The Selby Horseshoe Trail is a moderate 9.0-mile route that takes around 3 hours 43 minutes to complete, offering a good option for a longer day out.

Barlow is a village, and while specific bus routes connect it to nearby towns like Selby, direct public transport access to every trailhead might vary. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections from larger hubs like Selby, which often serve as starting points for many canal-side walks.

Parking is generally available in and around Barlow village, as well as at various points along the canal towpaths or near trailheads in surrounding areas like Selby or Hemingbrough. Specific parking details can often be found in the route descriptions on komoot.

Barlow's landscape is predominantly flat, focusing on easy to moderate walks along canals and river valleys. While there are over 180 routes, only a small number (2) are rated as difficult, meaning truly challenging hikes with significant elevation gain are rare in this specific area. Most routes offer a gentle experience.

Yes, the area around Barlow, including nearby villages and towns, offers opportunities to enjoy a pub lunch after your hike. Many routes pass through or near settlements where you can find local pubs and cafes to refuel.