Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
United Kingdom
England
Yorkshire And The Humber
North Yorkshire
Richmondshire

Hudswell

Easy hikes and walks around Hudswell

4.5

(785)

5,896

hikers

245

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Hudswell are found within the scenic Swaledale Valley, where the River Swale flows through a landscape of ancient woodlands and steep grassy slopes. The region is characterized by features like Hudswell Woods, a significant ancient woodland, and areas of moorland offering varied terrain. Hikers can explore riverside paths, wooded ravines, and open landscapes, with elevations generally consisting of gentle inclines and descents.

Best easy hiking trails around Hudswell

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Richmond…

Last updated: June 30, 2026

4.3

(13)

83

hikers

#1.

Richmond and Hudswell Woods Circular

6.08km

01:44

140m

140m

Hike the easy 3.8-mile Richmond and Hudswell Woods Circular, exploring ancient woodlands, riverside paths, and views of Richmond Castle.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
Sign up for free to see 241 more hikes around Hudswell.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Tips from the Community

Tracey Price
July 25, 2025, Easby Abbey Ruins

Great tea barn just past the Abbey car park

0

0

The top of the tower is accessible and offers some great views across Richmond and the Castle Grounds

0

0

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…….

0

0

Biggest ruins I've seen, no entry fee, lots of interesting places to see, my favourite part was the roof underneath the refectory

0

0

Muddy path when wet, wear sensible shoes

1

0

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.

0

0

Brian
February 27, 2024, Richmond Town Centre

Easy short delightful walk, with history included!!

0

0

Hudswell Woods is a wonderful area to walk through. Near Richmond, it's pretty much accessible to just about anyone who can walk. Very green, beautiful flowery meadows in the spring and summer. There is also a small rounded hill, Round Howe, at the eastern end of the woods. Enjoy your stroll!

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available in Hudswell?

Hudswell offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 80 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 240 hiking routes of varying difficulty levels in the area.

What makes the easy trails around Hudswell unique?

The easy trails in Hudswell are unique due to their setting within the picturesque Swaledale Valley, featuring the meandering River Swale and the ancient Hudswell Woods. You'll find a mix of riverside paths, wooded ravines, and open moorland, offering diverse scenery and rich biodiversity, including opportunities for birdwatching.

What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Hudswell?

The easy trails around Hudswell are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 700 reviews. Hikers often praise the scenic beauty of the Swaledale Valley, the tranquility of Hudswell Woods, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable, accessible walks.

Are there any family-friendly easy walks suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, many easy trails in Hudswell are suitable for families. Routes like the Hudswell Woods – Dog Swimming Spot on the River loop from Hudswell offer relatively flat terrain through woodlands, which can be enjoyable for children. While some paths might be suitable for sturdy strollers, it's always best to check individual route details for specific accessibility information, as some sections may involve steps or uneven surfaces.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hikes in Hudswell?

Yes, Hudswell is a dog-friendly area, and many easy trails welcome dogs. The Hudswell Woods – Dog Swimming Spot on the River loop from Hudswell is even named for a popular spot where dogs can enjoy the water. Always keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and be mindful of local signage regarding leads.

Are there easy circular routes in Hudswell?

Yes, Hudswell offers several easy circular routes. A popular option is the Richmond and Hudswell Woods Circular, which provides a scenic loop through the woods and along the River Swale. These circular paths allow you to start and end your hike in the same location without retracing your steps.

What natural features or landmarks can I see on an easy hike?

On an easy hike around Hudswell, you can discover several interesting features. The Hudswell Woods themselves are an ancient woodland rich in biodiversity. You might also encounter the path with 365 steps leading to the river, an old lime kiln with twin arches, and the intriguing 'King Arthur's Oven,' a large crack in the limestone. The nearby Ruins of Easby Abbey are also accessible on some easy routes.

Are there any easy walks that include a pub stop?

Yes, you can certainly combine an easy walk with a pub stop in Hudswell. The village is home to the George & Dragon, a community-owned pub, which is a welcoming spot to relax after a hike. Many local routes start or pass through Hudswell, making it convenient to enjoy refreshments.

What are some shorter easy walks in Hudswell?

For a shorter easy walk, consider the Hudswell Woods – Dog Swimming Spot on the River loop from Hudswell. This route is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) and can typically be completed in just over an hour, offering a pleasant experience through the woods without requiring a long time commitment.

Is public transport available to access easy hiking trails in Hudswell?

While Hudswell itself is a small village, it is located approximately two miles west of Richmond, which has more public transport options. From Richmond, you may find local bus services that can get you closer to Hudswell or specific trailheads. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Where can I park for easy hikes in Hudswell?

Parking is generally available within or near Hudswell village, often in designated areas or on-street where permitted. For routes starting directly from Hudswell, you can usually find suitable parking. If starting from nearby Richmond, there are public car parks available, from which you can access trails leading towards Hudswell.

What is the best time of year to go hiking on easy trails in Hudswell?

Hudswell offers enjoyable easy hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring is particularly beautiful with bluebells and wild garlic blooming in Hudswell Woods. Summer provides pleasant weather for riverside walks, while autumn brings vibrant foliage and an abundance of fungi. Even in winter, the trails can be charming, though conditions may be wetter.

Most popular routes around Hudswell

Road Cycling Routes around Hudswell

Most popular attractions around Hudswell

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

HuntonGaylesWest HauxwellLow AbbotsideKirby HillRavensworthThornton RustWhashtonEast HauxwellScottonEast LaytonRichmondBurton-Cum-WaldenNewbigginMoultonAskriggAysgarthHipswellThoralbyColburnSkeebySt. Martin'SCarkinGilling With Hartforth And SedburyHawesHigh AbbotsideNew ForestPreston-Under-ScarTunstallBainbridgeCarperby-Cum-ThoresbyAskeMiddlehamPatrick BromptonReeth, Fremington And HealaughSemer WaterNewton MorrellCarlton HighdaleConstable BurtonWalburnStapletonArkengarthdaleWest WittonBartonBardenCastle Bolton With East And West BoltonAkebarMukerCatterickGrintonNewton-Le-WillowsFinghallAldbroughWensleyStaintonMelbecksEpplebyHutton HangThornton Steward ReservoirHornbyLeyburnGarristonBellerbyCroft-On-TeesDownholmeBolton-On-SwaleBrompton-On-SwaleMiddleton TyasNorth CowtonNewshamHarmbyDaltonEllerton-On-SwaleCoverham With AgglethorpeRedmireCliffeStanwick St. JohnEllerton AbbeyWest ScraftonCleasbyEasbyMelsonbyBishopdaleEast WittonMarskeUckerbyBrough With St. GilesScortonCaldbergh With East ScraftonForcettMarrickManfieldAppleton East And WestArrathorneEryholmeDalton-On-TeesThornton StewardWest LaytonSpennithorneCaldwellCarlton TownMelmerby

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Richmond

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy