By Bethany

If you’re like me - you love the outdoors and the fresh air but you’re not as much of a fan of hiking and walks that take hours and hours then this list might be for you.

Whenever I try to find a list of nice walks round Yorkshire they are usually hiking trails that are for serious and dedicated walkers. For me, I want to enjoy a shorter walk with beautiful countryside to enjoy the sunshine and the crisp fresh air without needing a lie down when I get home.

I also take my gorgeous dogs with me on all my walks. Alfred is a Border Collie who would happily walk for ten minutes or ten hours. However my Miniature Dachshund, Barnaby, can’t walk for hours as he only has little legs. This is why I created a list of beautiful but shorter walks round Yorkshire. Perfect for those who want something shorter for themselves or for their puppies, but just as enjoyable.

If your dog is like Alfred and can walk for hours then these walks are also perfect for making them as long or as short as you like. You could keep walking and do longer routes, or, like I usually do, have them on a very long lead so they can go off exploring whilst your little dog stays closer by.

Number One // Sutton Bank (near Thirsk)

This walk you can make easier or harder depending on how energetic you’re feeling. You can start at Sutton Bank and walk cross the bank to the White Horse. Or, you can start at the White Horse, walk up the many, many steep steps and cross to Sutton Bank. Both are beautiful and see the same stunning views of the Yorkshire landscape. This is one of my firm favourites no matter the time of year.

Photography: Bethany Chawner // Sutton Bank

Number Two // Aysgarth Falls (Leyburn)

Again, you can make this long or short. A short walk allows you to walk alongside the waterfall, be careful where you’re stepping as it can be slippy in places, and take in the scenery or the woodland that surrounds Aysgarth Falls.

Number Three // Beningbrough Hall (near York)

Beningbrough Hall is a National Trust house and gardens near York. The house itself is beautiful inside and you may choose to visit it, however you can also go for a walk round the gardens and through the woods that sit in the Beningbrough Hall grounds without having to buy tickets. There is also a lovely farm shop and cafe if you want some retail therapy after your walk.

Photography: Bethany Chawner // Beningbrough Hall

Number Four // Roundhay Park (near Leeds)

Situated in the heart of Roundhay, it is a blue and green oasis that offers a stark contrast of the built up town it sits in. You can walk the whole way round the lake or you can just walk a section and turn round. There are also lots of local cafes around Roundhay Park, so on a sunny day it is the perfect location to get take-out drinks and food to enjoy whilst you watch the world go by.

Number Five // Sandsend (near Whitby)

If, like me, you’re a fan of the sea breeze in your hair then look no further than Sandsend Beach. It tends to be a bit quieter than some of the bigger beach resorts around the Yorkshire coastline. It also offers two different walks. You can walk along the sea edge or you can walk along the cliff edge that overlooks the beach. Both are beautiful walks and having the two options works well if you get the tide times wrong!

Photography: Bethany Chawner // Sandsend Beach

Number Six // Fountains Abbey (Ripon)

I remember first visiting Fountains Abbey when I was in primary school, then again in high school for sketching lessons. When I visit now it brings back all these memories so always fills my heart with nostalgia which I love. I particularly like visiting Fountains Abbey in the Winter when its moody and dull as it always give the place a feeling of mystery with the towering ruins that surround you.

Number Seven // York City Walls (York)

Whilst I love the countryside, sometimes I want something a little more city based and the York City Walls over me this. You can do a loop of the whole city or you can get on and off the walls at different stages which allows you to make the walk as long or short as you’d like. Being in the centre of York also means there are lots of little independent cafes to get a take-out drink from to enjoy whilst you soak up the historic city from their iconic walls.

Photography: Bethany Chawner // York City Walls

Number Eight // Temple Newsam (near Leeds)

Another walk that offers a day out if you want to explore Temple Newsam itself, however, you can still enjoy the vast grounds and woodlands that surround the house if it’s just some fresh air you’re looking for. The long walk down to the house offers stunning views of Temple Newsam and makes a lovely change of scenery for a short walk. If you want something more adventurous then you can venture into the woods that flank the walk and explore what they have to offer.

Number Nine // Knaresborough (near Harrogate)

Knaresborough is a market town that sits on the River Nidd. Whilst it has a warren of medieval streets which house cute cafes and independent shops - all of which are worth a visit - it also offers a lovely walk along the river. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can even hire peddle boats to take on the river.

Photography: Bethany Chawner // Harrogate Viaduct

Number Ten // Malham (Yorkshire Dales)

Malham isn’t technically just a walk it’s a whole village that can be found in the Yorkshire Dales. But it is a beautiful village with a number of lovely walks on offer so I couldn’t not include it on my list. You have the stunning scenery of Malham Cove or Gordale Scar or just go for a lovely walk round the village itself.

I hope this helps you to explore some of the beautiful areas of Yorkshire whilst not being too tiring.

Let me know down below if you have any other walks I should be venturing out on..

People often joke that January is a trial month, but this year that concept has very much resonated with me. The New Year often brings with it a lot of pressure. Pressure to start the year with a bang and immediately start ticking off those goals.

But, for some people this pressure has the opposite effect. It makes you become more introverted and scared to go for things for fear of failing whilst others succeed around you.

Recently, I have taken a step back to look at what I really want to achieve in 2022, now that the novelty of a ‘new beginning’ has worn off. Having heard lots of people recommend ‘Manifest’ by Roxie Nafousi, I decided to but it myself and see if it would have the same inspiring effect on me. I must admit, so far I can see why the book resonates with so many people. If you’re open to trying something new then manifestation should be a big part of that. It has helped me to explore a new approach to what I would like from 2022 and to create a clear plan for what I want to achieve over the 12 months.

For me, this includes my blog. Writing has always been something I’ve enjoyed. I use it as an escape to focus on something else and I like how it documents your life for you to look back on in years to come and use it like a memory bank.

So, here we are. My first post on By Bethany. My blog will focus on my everyday adventures, whether that be within the United Kingdom, travelling further afield round Europe or flying to the other side of the world. I will talk about my love for travelling, the outdoors, good food and everything in between.

Please join me in my everyday adventures and I do hope that you enjoy what I have to say and share and that it might inspire you to try something or visit somewhere new.

So, lets begin..