One of the nicest things about Easingwold is how quickly town gives way to countryside.
A short stroll from the market square and the landscape begins to open up - quiet lanes, open fields and plenty of reasons to stay outdoors a little longer.
Whether it’s a morning walk, fresh air before lunch or a full day exploring further afield, the countryside feels very much part of life here.
On your doorstep
You don’t have to go far to stretch your legs…
Millfields Park is a local favourite, with open space and easy paths close to town, while nearby Oulston Reservoir offers peaceful walks and wide countryside views.
There are gentle routes around Crayke too, and quieter woodland trails at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Moorlands Woodland Nature Reserve.
Pick up something from the bakehouse or butchers and make a little adventure of it!
Gateway to the Howardian Hills
Beyond Easingwold, the landscape starts to shift.
The Howardian Hills National Landscape is one of Yorkshire’s quieter corners — rolling countryside, wooded hills, scenic villages and roads worth taking slowly.
Spend the day exploring places like Hovingham, Coxwold and Terrington, walk through Yearsley Woods, discover the ruins of Byland Abbey or make time for Castle Howard and its sweeping grounds.
This is the kind of countryside that rewards a wanderer!
Neighbouring the North York Moors
If you’re after bigger views, the North York Moors are within easy reach.
Walk up to the famous Kilburn White Horse for sweeping views across Yorkshire, explore walking routes across the moors or spend time outdoors at the York Bird of Prey Centre, where owl and hawk experiences offer something a little different.
Then back to Easingwold for dinner.
YORKSHIRE WALKS TO WORK UP A THIRST
Whether it’s a coffee and cake stop, a pint in a village pub or lunch after a few miles in the fresh air, Yorkshire walks always seem better when there’s something waiting at the end. Around Easingwold, there are plenty of routes that do exactly that , easy countryside walks with big skies, lovely views and somewhere worth stopping afterwards. Here are a few worth pulling on your boots for…
EASINGWOLD TO CRAYKE
Best for: Village charm and an easy half-day walk
If there’s one walk that feels quintessentially Easingwold, it’s the route towards Crayke. This pretty village sits just a few miles away and makes the perfect destination for a leisurely countryside wander.
The route takes you through open farmland and quiet lanes before arriving in Crayke, where the village green, historic feel and views back across the Vale of York reward your effort.
Nearby highlights include Crayke Castle and The Yorkshire Bakehouse at Mill Green Farm – perfect for some sustenance!
You can go there and back or make it a circular walk – full details here.
ST CUTHBERT’S CHURCH & OULSTON RESERVOIR LOOP
Best for: Proper countryside and a good half-day walk
If you’re after a walk that feels a little more substantial, the St Cuthbert’s Church and Oulston Reservoir Loop from Crayke Plant Nursery & Café is a great option near Easingwold.
Starting in Crayke, the circular route winds through the Howardian Hills, taking in open farmland, quiet paths, St Cuthbert’s Church and the peaceful setting of Oulston Reservoir.
At around 8 miles, it’s a longer walk, but an easy one to settle into scenic without being strenuous. Better still, starting and finishing at Crayke Plant Nursery & Café means there’s every excuse to stop for coffee and cake afterwards.
BENINGBROUGH HALL AND RIVERSIDE WALKS
Best for: Families and easy-going walking
Just 15 minutes from Easingwold, Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens is one of those places that feels like a proper day out without needing much planning.
The striking Georgian hall, run by the National Trust, is known for its beautiful architecture, formal gardens and art gallery, but you don’t actually have to pay to enjoy a walk here.
There are lovely free routes around the edge of the estate, taking you through open parkland, past ancient trees and down towards the River Ouse, with glimpses of the hall along the way.
Here’s the details of the free route
KILBURN WHITE HORSE AND SUTTON BANK
Best for: An easy walk with epic views
One of the most rewarding walks near Easingwold is the route from the visitor centre at Sutton Bank to the iconic White Horse at Kilburn.
Starting high on the escarpment, the walk offers sweeping views across the Vale of York before gently winding through woodland and open countryside to the famous hillside figure carved into the chalk.
It’s an easy-to-moderate route with plenty of places to pause and take in the scenery - perfect for families, dogs and anyone wanting a proper Yorkshire view without a strenuous hike. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles.
Upgrade your walk to a moderate circular walk with this route.