We love sharing the beauty of Goathland and are excited to tell you about the stunning walking trails that lead from this village.
These routes showcase the stunning landscapes, historic sites, and a rich tapestry of nature you can find a short walk away from Goathland. Here are some of the best walking trails you can explore around Goathland.
Goathland to Mallyan Spout Waterfall walk
Under 3 miles / 4.8km
The Mallyan Spout waterfall stands over 70 feet tall and cascades down West Beck. It can be reached via a pathway behind the Mallyan Spout Hotel. These stunning falls were a popular attraction for visitors in the Victorian era.
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How to get to Mallyan Spout Waterfall
To access the falls, take the footpath next to the Mallyan Spout Hotel, situated at the western edge of the village. Exercise caution, as the path can become slippery and muddy when wet.
Upon reaching West Beck, turn left and follow the ledge along the side of the ravine. You'll soon reach the falls, but please be mindful of navigating large, slippery boulders and some scrambling. The trail passes under the waterfall and leads through Scar Wood, which is under the protection of the Woodland Trust.
West Beck originates from the moorland above Goathland and is supplied by several springs. It meanders into New Wath Scar, a steep-sided ravine sculpted out of sandstone over thousands of years by the force of water.
As it nears Mallyan Spout, the ravine's walls soar up to 70 feet and are adorned with lush moss. The water descends almost vertically, creating a breathtaking display, especially after heavy rains. During winter and early spring, the view is unobstructed by vegetation, making it a special place as the falls continue to be a magnificent sight even in the summer.
If you choose to continue walking along West Beck, you'll encounter a bridge and a footpath ascending the eastern side of the ravine. This creates a delightful circular route back to the hotel through Scar Wood.
Enjoy food and drink at The Mallyan Spout Hotel
If you fancy refreshments, stop at the Mallyan Spout Hotel, which is known for its excellent menu and features dishes that celebrate the flavours of Yorkshire and change with the seasons. I would recommend the fish and chips; they were huge! Just what was needed after a walk to the waterfall.
Goathland to Beck Hole circular walk
2.8 mile / 4.5km circular
This easy circular route is perfect for families; it takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.This walk begins at the Goathland car park. The parking fee is £4.00 for the entire day. Please be aware that the car park tends to fill up quickly during peak times. Additionally, there is a toilet available at this location.
Start this walk by exploring lovely Goathland with its tearooms and the local shop that was part of the set for the long-running drama Heartbeat. If you're a fan of the series, you can purchase Heartbeat memorabilia here. Additionally, you might spot vintage vehicles used in the series parked on the village green, providing a great photo opportunity.
You will also come across the Aidensfield Garage near the Aidensfield Arms (The Goathland Hotel). This vintage-looking garage has been featured in Heartbeat and was taken over by Bernie Scripps in season 5, who gave it a new name.
As you follow the main road and it bends left, be mindful of the sheep that often roam the wide grassy verges!
Eventually, you'll reach the village's southern end, where the Mallyan Spout Hotel stands on the right. You'll spot a signposted path to ‘Mallyan Spout' just before the hotel entrance. Follow this path, but be cautious in wet conditions as it can get muddy, and there are some steep steps.
Mallyan Spout Waterfall
The path leads to West Beck. If you turn right here, you can continue to the waterfall, Mallyan Spout. While the path involves a bit of a scramble across stones, the sight of the gentle waterfall is truly worth it.
After taking in the beauty of the waterfall, you can backtrack alongside the beck. Instead of following the path you took to descend, proceed ahead and make your way along the boardwalk. This trail runs parallel to the beck for a while until you reach a gate, where you'll then continue along an elevated path with fields on your right and a steep wooded slope to the left. Once you reach Beck Hole, you'll descend once more.
Detour to Birch Hall Inn, The smallest pub in the North York Moors
As you emerge from the valley, you'll be greeted by the view of Incline Cottage. If you're in need of a quick Yorkshire pint for refreshment, consider taking a detour to Birch Hall Inn in Beck Hole. Despite being the smallest pub in North York Moors, it offers a cosy beer garden at the back and a couple of benches outside. To visit this lovely spot, simply turn left at Incline Cottage and follow the signs to Beck Hole.
Retracing your steps if you visited Beck Hole, turn right at Incline Cottage and follow the path straight up. This is a slow, steady hill that will bring you out onto the road. Follow it to the right, and you will return to the village centre where the car park is on the left.
Goathland to Grosmont circular walk
3.5 miles (7 mile circular) / 5.6km (11.2km circular)
The Goathland to Grosmont walk also starts at the Goathland Car Park. From the car park, head towards the main road, known as The Green, and turn left, following the signs for Goathland Station. There are footpaths on both sides of the road. You will pass the Goathland Hotel on your right as you continue towards the station. The road then descends towards the beautiful Goathland Station.
After exploring the station, walk back up the hill and continue along The Green. When you reach the top of the road near the village green and memorial cross, turn right down the road signposted to Beck Hole. Follow this road past the village hall on your left and a large cream house on your right. As you descend the hill, turn left at the gates at the bottom, following the sign for Rail Trail Grosmont.
The Rail Trail | 3 miles / 4.8km
The Rail Trail is a simple pathway that guides you for three miles to the village of Grosmont. This route traces the trackbed of George Stephenson’s Whitby and Pickering Railway. Initially, you will descend past Incline Cottage to the site of Beck Hole Station. The trail then continues north through the valley, following the course of the Murk Esk River.
This Goathland to Grosmont walk is easy to follow, with signposts marking the way. After passing the railway cottages, continue for about another half a mile until the track leads to a viewing area of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway engine sheds. From here, you will ascend to the top of a grassy bank, offering splendid views down to Grosmont. Turn right and head downhill through a gate to reach the village.
Grosmont Railway Station
After crossing a large iron footbridge and passing through the railway viewing area with several benches, you will finally arrive at Grosmont Railway Station. The station is usually lively, especially when steam locomotives operate. It offers amenities such as a shop, toilets, a café, and a pub known as the Station Tavern by the railway level crossing.
Once you've taken in the sights at Grosmont Railway Station, you can walk back along the Rail Trail to Goathland or take a train. The distance from Goathland Railway Station to Grosmont Railway Station is approximately 3½ miles one way. Therefore, the round trip for your Goathland to Grosmont walk will be roughly 7 miles.
Goathland, Mallyan Spout, and the Roman Road
6 miles / 9.6km
For the more adventurous walkers, the loop connecting Goathland, Mallyan Spout, and the Roman Road presents a fantastic challenge. It takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete. This longer route, approximately 6 miles, takes you through woodlands, open moorland, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
This walk begins again in the Goathland car park and leads northwest towards Beck Hole; then veers left onto a path alongside Wheeldale Beck. Along the way, you'll encounter the impressive Mallyan Spout, the highest waterfall in the North York Moors National Park. Exercise caution in the gorge section, especially during wet weather when the surface may be slippery.
Following the beck southwest, you'll eventually reach the Roman Road. After turning left onto Wheeldale Road for a brief stretch, you'll return to the trail by turning left again. The next phase includes crossing Wheeldale Beck and heading north across the moor back to Goathland.
Be mindful that certain parts of the trail may become muddy in wetter months, so wear appropriate footwear and dress in layers for a more enjoyable walk!
Whether you’re drawn to the tranquillity of the moors or the majesty of Mallyan Spout, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of the North York Moors. We hope you enjoy trying these walking routes from Goathland.
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