4.2
(172)
1,538
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking around Brayton explores the largely flat landscape of North Yorkshire, featuring a mix of rural countryside and woodland. The region's terrain is defined by paths along the Selby Canal and trails through the prominent wooded hill, Brayton Barff. This combination offers accessible, gentle routes suitable for leisurely walks.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
2.7
(3)
19
hikers
6.82km
01:43
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
hikers
2.04km
00:32
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
20
hikers
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.
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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One of four surviving tunnel culverts designed by William Jessop in 1778 to prevent the canal from being damaged or inundated by floodwater.
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Easy path alongside the Selby Canal, a historic waterway connecting the River Ouse at Selby to the River Aire in Chapel Haddlesey.
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Spectacular abbey for such a small town. Interesting info board describing the 19th Century cholera epidemic and associated graveyard, much like the one just outside the walls opposite York Station.
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Parking, seating, an information board, and a pleasant walk along the canal.
2
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Selby Canal is a very pleasant walk. From Selby to Burton Hall Bridge is around 2.5 miles each way.
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Burton Hall Bridge. Walking from Selby to this point is a very pleasant walk, just over 2.5 miles each way.
3
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Brayton Barff is riddled with wide tracks and overgrown paths, and feels much larger than it looks on the map. A nice place to include on your walk and the only place in miles that has a tiny bit of elevation to it, in an otherwise flat landscape.
2
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Selby Canal is a pleasant walk, and you may see a couple of canal boats pootling by.
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Yes, the region's flat terrain and accessible paths make it ideal for family outings. The trails around Brayton Barff are particularly popular with families, offering pleasant woodland walks with plenty of space to explore. Many routes, like the paths along the Selby Canal, are level and manageable for younger walkers.
Most trails in the Brayton area are dog-friendly. The woodland paths at Brayton Barff are a well-regarded spot for dog walking. The towpaths along the Selby Canal also provide long, flat stretches perfect for walking with a dog. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially near farmland or wildlife.
Yes, circular walks are very common around Brayton. The landscape is well-suited for loops that often combine sections of the Selby Canal towpath with paths through woodland and across open fields. A good example is the Burn Bridge on Selby Canal – View of Burton Hall Bridge loop from Brayton, which offers a short and easy circular route.
The landscape is predominantly flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Hikes typically follow well-maintained canal towpaths, woodland trails, and footpaths across open fields. The main point of elevation is Brayton Barff, a wooded hill that provides a gentle contrast to the surrounding flat countryside.
For walks around Brayton Barff, there is a dedicated car park at the entrance to the woodland, which is the most convenient starting point. For walks along the Selby Canal, you can often find parking in nearby villages or at designated spots close to the main access bridges, such as Burn Bridge or Burton Hall Bridge.
Definitely. The majority of trails around Brayton are classified as easy. The flat towpaths along the Selby Canal are perfect for beginners, offering straightforward navigation and no significant climbs. The View of Burton Hall Bridge – Burn Bridge on Selby Canal loop from Brayton is a great option, providing a gentle 6 km walk.
Walking the Selby Canal towpath offers a peaceful experience with classic English countryside scenery. Highlights include spotting a variety of water birds, watching the narrowboats pass by, and enjoying the easy, flat paths that are accessible year-round. The historic bridges and locks along the way add to the charm.
Brayton Barff is a local favorite because it's a beautiful, self-contained woodland offering a network of paths suitable for all abilities. It's highly regarded for its peaceful atmosphere, diverse birdlife, and excellent paths for both walking and dog walking. The hill provides a rare bit of elevation in the area, with pleasant views from its clearings.
Yes, for those seeking a more substantial walk, the nine-mile Selby Horseshoe Walk is a great option. This circular route starts from Selby Abbey and incorporates sections of the Selby Canal towpath and a walk through the ancient woodland of Brayton Barff, showcasing the best of the local landscape.
There are over 20 hiking routes to explore around Brayton. The selection is primarily made up of easy and moderate trails, with a strong focus on gentle canal-side walks and woodland loops.
The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the peacefulness of the canal walks and the beautiful, accessible woodland paths at Brayton Barff. The flat, easy-to-navigate terrain is often highlighted as a major positive.


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