The best walks and hikes around Slingsby
4.4
(524)
3,489
hikers
15
hikes
Hiking around Slingsby offers a network of trails through the rural landscape of North Yorkshire. The area features gentle rolling terrain, agricultural fields, and scattered woodlands, including areas like Thurtle Wood. Historical landmarks such as Slingsby Castle and the Fryton Mosaic are often incorporated into walking routes, providing points of interest. The elevation changes are generally modest, making many paths accessible for various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Slingsby
- The most popular hiking route is Mowbray's Bakery – All…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.7
(3)
30
hikers
11.1km
02:57
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
17
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
12
hikers
3.76km
00:57
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
7
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
hikers
3.77km
00:58
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Pyramid at Castle Howard was built in 1728. It is hollow inside and contains a colossal bust of Lord William Howard, the 3rd Earl's great-great-great grandfather.
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Walk west along Brookside and turn left to access the Ebor Way to Cawton.
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Fryton Lane ends here, where it meets Fryton West Wood. Off-road parking for a couple of cars. Far-reaching views to the north across the Vale of Pickering. Great track to the east, through Fryton East Wood, which is blanketed in bluebells in Spring.
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Grassy track over the New River, nice views of the estate and various follies from the bridge. Per historicengland.org: "c1740. By Daniel Garrett for Henry, 4th Earl of Carlisle. Sandstone ashlar. Banded rustication to cutwaters dividing 3 stepped segmental arches each with rusticated voussoirs and a mask keystone to central arch. Niches in tooled architraves with pulvinated friezes and consoles supporting pediments flank the main arch. Brackets support cornice surmounted by low parapet with central balustrade and coping. Ramped approaches have balustrading, rusticated piers to centre, and square-section end piers."
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Easily accessible as a public footpath runs north/south right past the tower. One of a number of towers that radiate east/west from the Castle Howard Gatehouse (aka Temperance Inn).
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The original Gate House, with its famous pyramid, was built in 1719 by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect who designed Castle Howard itself. Its flanking wings plus building were built in the 1750s, at which time it was referred to as The New Inn and served people journeying from York to Castle Howard and the Vale of Pickering. By the 1850s, the Gate House had become an inn and an hotel. By the late 19th century, it was developed into The Temperance Hotel, where the ninth Countess of Carlisle would accommodate women and children from the industrial belt of the North to help them to escape "urban drudgery".
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Pyramid and surrounding piers, designed in 1728 by Nicholas Hawksmoor. The interior contains a large bust of Lord William Howard. The Pyramid acts as an eye catcher from the main house at Castle Howard and was restored in 2016: https://www.castlehoward.co.uk/DB/news-archive/restoring-the-pyramid
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Welcome to Egypt!... Ok, not quite, but it's a very unusual sight to be sure in the middle of North Yorkshire! One of the many wonders and oddities in the Castle Howard grounds, this one was built in 1728, and it is surrounded by four pairs of piers. Easy to walk up to and admire from up close!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Slingsby?
There are over 15 hiking trails around Slingsby, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes. The komoot community has explored these paths over 3000 times, with routes averaging a 4.4-star rating.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in Slingsby?
Yes, Slingsby offers several easy and family-friendly hiking options. For instance, the Fryton Mosaic – View of Slingsby Castle loop from Slingsby is a gentle 2.3-mile (3.8 km) trail, often completed in under an hour, perfect for a relaxed outing.
What are the typical distances and durations for hikes around Slingsby?
Hikes around Slingsby vary in length and duration. You can find shorter routes like the View of Slingsby Castle – Fryton Mosaic loop from Slingsby, which is about 2.3 miles (3.8 km) and takes around an hour. Longer options include the Mowbray's Bakery – All Saints Church, Hovingham loop from Slingsby, a 6.8-mile (11.0 km) trail that typically takes nearly 3 hours.
Can I bring my dog on hikes around Slingsby?
Most public footpaths and trails around Slingsby are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock. It's always best to keep your dog on a lead to protect wildlife and farm animals.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Slingsby?
Slingsby's rural landscape is enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, while autumn brings vibrant colours. Winter walks can be beautiful, though paths may be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Are there circular walking routes available in Slingsby?
Yes, many of the trails around Slingsby are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular All Saints Church, Hovingham – Mowbray's Bakery loop from Slingsby, which is an easy 4.6-mile (7.4 km) path.
What kind of historical landmarks or attractions can I see along the hiking trails?
Hiking trails around Slingsby often incorporate historical landmarks. You can enjoy views of Slingsby Castle and pass by sites like the Fryton Mosaic. Further afield, you might encounter attractions such as Castle Howard or the ruins of Kirkham Priory, which are accessible via some longer routes.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots on the walks near Slingsby?
Many routes offer scenic views of the rolling North Yorkshire countryside and local landmarks. The Fryton Mosaic – View of Slingsby Castle loop from Slingsby specifically highlights views of Slingsby Castle, providing picturesque photo opportunities.
Are there any pubs or places to eat along the hiking trails in Slingsby?
While specific pubs directly on every trail are not guaranteed, many routes connect villages like Slingsby and Hovingham, which typically have local pubs or bakeries. The route Mowbray's Bakery – All Saints Church, Hovingham loop from Slingsby, for example, suggests points of interest that may include local eateries.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Slingsby?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. Reviewers often praise the gentle rolling terrain, the blend of rural paths and scattered woodlands, and the historical landmarks that add interest to the walks.
Are there any longer or more challenging hikes around Slingsby?
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, there are longer routes available. The Thurtle Wood Forest Trail – The Pyramid at Castle Howard loop from Slingsby is a difficult 17.3-mile (27.8 km) hike, featuring more significant elevation changes and taking several hours to complete.
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