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United Kingdom
England
Yorkshire And The Humber
North Yorkshire
Richmondshire

Kirby Hill

Easy hikes and walks around Kirby Hill

4.5

(306)

2,775

hikers

87

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Kirby Hill are characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and historic landscapes within North Yorkshire. The region features a blend of pastoral beauty and geological elements, including areas near the River Swale and woodlands. Hikers can expect varied terrain with gentle gradients, connecting historic sites with natural beauty. The landscape provides wide open spaces for tranquil exploration.

Best easy hiking trails around Kirby Hill

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Richmond and Hudswell Woods Circular

Last updated: May 19, 2026

4.3

(12)

79

hikers

#1.

Richmond and Hudswell Woods Circular

6.08km

01:44

140m

140m

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

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Easy

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

Easy
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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
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Tips from the Community

Tracey Price
July 25, 2025, Easby Abbey Ruins

Great tea barn just past the Abbey car park

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

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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…….

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

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Muddy path when wet, wear sensible shoes

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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.

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Brian
February 27, 2024, Richmond Town Centre

Easy short delightful walk, with history included!!

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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!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Kirby Hill?

There are 35 easy hiking trails around Kirby Hill, offering a variety of experiences. These routes are part of a larger network of over 80 trails in the area, catering to different ability levels.

What kind of landscapes can I expect on easy hikes near Kirby Hill?

Easy hikes around Kirby Hill feature rolling hills, picturesque river valleys, and historic landscapes, primarily within North Yorkshire. You'll encounter a blend of pastoral beauty and geological elements, especially near the River Swale and through woodlands. The region offers wide open spaces for tranquil exploration.

Are there any easy circular walks in the Kirby Hill area?

Yes, many easy trails around Kirby Hill are circular. For example, the Richmond and Hudswell Woods Circular is a popular 6.1 km route exploring woodlands and riverside paths. Another option is the View of the River Swale – Whitcliffe Wood loop from Hudswell, which offers lovely views and woodland sections.

Can I bring my dog on easy hikes around Kirby Hill?

Many trails in the Kirby Hill area are dog-friendly. A great option is the Hudswell Woods – Dog Swimming Spot on the River loop from Hudswell, which specifically highlights a spot for dogs to enjoy the water along the River Swale. Always keep dogs under control, especially near livestock.

Are the easy trails around Kirby Hill suitable for families with children?

Yes, the easy trails around Kirby Hill are generally suitable for families. They feature gentle gradients and varied terrain that can be enjoyed by all ages. Routes like the Richmond and Hudswell Woods Circular offer engaging scenery and manageable distances for a family outing.

Are there any waterfalls to see on easy hikes near Kirby Hill?

Yes, you can find waterfalls on easy hikes in the vicinity. The St. Edmund's Church – Orgate Force Waterfall loop from Marske is an easy 4.5 km route that takes you to Orgate Force Waterfall, offering a beautiful natural highlight.

What historical sites or landmarks can I visit on an easy hike?

The area around Kirby Hill is rich in history. You can explore the Ruins of Easby Abbey, which lie by the River Swale, or visit Richmond Market Town and Castle. The Ruins of Easby Abbey – Richmond Town Centre loop from Richmond is an easy 6.6 km path connecting these historic sites.

What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Kirby Hill?

The easy trails around Kirby Hill are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 280 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil riverside paths, the beauty of the woodlands, and the well-maintained routes that connect natural beauty with historic landmarks.

How long do easy hikes around Kirby Hill typically take?

The duration of easy hikes varies, but many can be completed within 1 to 2 hours. For example, the Hudswell Woods – Dog Swimming Spot on the River loop from Hudswell is about 4 km and takes approximately 1 hour 8 minutes, while the Richmond and Hudswell Woods Circular (6.1 km) typically takes around 1 hour 44 minutes.

Are there options for parking near the easy hiking trails?

Yes, many trailheads for easy hikes around Kirby Hill offer parking facilities, particularly in and around towns like Richmond and Hudswell. It's advisable to check specific route details for parking availability at the starting point of your chosen trail.

Can I reach the easy hiking trails around Kirby Hill using public transport?

While some routes may be accessible via local bus services to towns like Richmond, public transport options can be limited for reaching all trailheads directly. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus schedules is recommended if you intend to use public transport.

What is the best time of year to enjoy easy walks in Kirby Hill?

The Kirby Hill area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for easy walks with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter walks can be charming, especially on crisp, clear days, but be prepared for potentially muddy paths.

Are there any easy trails that offer good viewpoints?

Absolutely. Many easy trails provide scenic viewpoints, especially those along river valleys or through elevated woodlands. The View of the River Swale – Whitcliffe Wood loop from Hudswell is a great example, offering lovely vistas of the river. Additionally, areas near Richmond Market Town and Castle provide elevated perspectives of the historic town and surrounding landscape.

Most popular routes around Kirby Hill

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