4.5
(827)
6,183
hikers
256
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Thirlby offer access to the tranquil landscapes of the North York Moors National Park. The area features diverse terrain, including woodlands, open countryside, and notable landmarks. Hikers can explore the vicinity of Gormire Lake, a serene body of water, and the iconic Kilburn White Horse, a turf-cut figure visible from a distance. The region provides a network of paths suitable for various skill levels, with many routes connecting to broader trails within the national park.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.8
(32)
465
hikers
6.07km
01:42
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(12)
56
hikers
4.46km
01:22
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(5)
37
hikers
6.76km
01:59
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
13
hikers
5.67km
01:33
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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Walk to Sutton Bank not just for the stunning scenery, but to watch gliders take off, towed by small planes, and glide back down. Sometimes they feel just an arm’s length away! A unique and thrilling sight.
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Expensive parking but some nice routes
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Great route despite the heavy rain in previous days. Will plot a route staying more on the high moor tracks.
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Sutton Bank National Park Centre - all the facilities to start and finish your ride.
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Meaning "filthy swamp", there are many local legends and myths surrounding this lake, such as it is bottomless (it is 6.5m deep) and was created by an earthquake that swallowed a village resulting in the lake today (it is a glacial lake).
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Impossible to miss if you are following the Cleveland Way and well worth pausing to admire the view. You can see Whernside on the horizon, 31 miles away.
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Thirlby offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 80 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the area features more than 260 hiking routes across various difficulty levels within the North York Moors National Park.
Easy hikes around Thirlby feature diverse terrain, including tranquil woodlands like Garbutt Wood, open countryside, and paths around natural highlights such as Gormire Lake. You'll find a mix of gentle slopes and relatively flat sections, though some paths can be muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Yes, Thirlby has several easy circular walks. For example, the Yorkshire Gliding Club – Kilburn White Horse loop from Hood Grange is a popular 3.8-mile (6.1 km) option, and the View from Sutton Bank – Gormire Lake loop from Hood Grange offers a 2.7-mile (4.4 km) circular path.
The duration of easy hikes varies depending on the route and your pace. For instance, the Yorkshire Gliding Club – Kilburn White Horse loop from Hood Grange typically takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, while the shorter View Over the Vale of York – View from Sutton Bank loop from Hood Grange can be completed in around 53 minutes.
Easy hikes often lead to stunning natural features. You can explore the serene Gormire Lake, surrounded by lush woodland, or enjoy panoramic views from Sutton Bank. The area also features extensive woodlands, providing habitats for local wildlife.
Absolutely. A prominent historical landmark is the Kilburn White Horse, a striking turf-cut figure visible from a distance. Some easy trails, like the Yorkshire Gliding Club – Kilburn White Horse loop from Hood Grange, offer direct views of this iconic site. Further afield, you can find historical sites like Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey Ruins.
Many easy trails provide excellent viewpoints. The View from Sutton Bank – Gormire Lake loop from Hood Grange offers scenic overlooks from Sutton Bank. Another great option is the View Over the Vale of York – View from Sutton Bank loop from Hood Grange, which provides expansive views over the Vale of York.
Yes, the easy hiking trails around Thirlby are generally well-suited for families. Their manageable distances and gentle gradients make them enjoyable for all ages. Many routes pass by interesting landmarks or natural features, keeping younger hikers engaged.
Most easy hikes in the North York Moors National Park, including those around Thirlby, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or sensitive wildlife areas. Always follow the Countryside Code and clean up after your dog.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 700 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the stunning views from places like Sutton Bank, and the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as the Kilburn White Horse and Gormire Lake.
Yes, parking is generally available at common starting points for trails, such as near Hood Grange or Sutton Bank. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot.
Thirlby offers enjoyable easy walks year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides pleasant weather for exploring Gormire Lake, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Even in winter, with appropriate gear, the trails can be beautiful, especially around the dramatic landscape of the Kilburn White Horse.


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