Winter adventures: why now is the best time to head out and discover the Yorkshire landscape
See God’s own county in a new light with a wealth of outdoor adventures and natural beauty during the colder months.
Whether you're into hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the wintry landscapes, there are plenty of places to explore.
Here are some outdoor adventure ideas for winter in Yorkshire:
The Yorkshire Dales
Explore the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Hike through valleys, past waterfalls and around dramatic limestone cliffs at spots like the jaw-dropping Malham Cove, Ingleborough (our favourite of the Yorkshire Three Peaks), and the hidden gorge at Gordale Scar.
The Dales also offer fantastic opportunities for winter birdwatching, as many migratory birds visit the region during this season; it’s a great time to spot birds of prey like peregrine falcons and red kites too.
The North York Moors
This national park offers remarkable coastal cliffs, heather-covered moorlands and picturesque villages. There are numerous walking and cycling trails to explore, such as the 109-mile Cleveland Way which skirts the park, and the Coast to Coast Path across the country. The moors take on a unique beauty during the winter months no matter the weather, but a dusting of snow brings a real sparkle.
Yorkshire Wolds
These rolling chalk hills promise big skies, breath-taking views and incredible wildlife – which makes for some very scenic winter walks through picturesque landscapes. Explore the 79-mile Wolds Way from Hessle to Filey or visit charming villages like Thixendale and Millington.
Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Located west of the Dales, Nidderdale AONB offers beautiful walks, wildlife spotting, and the stunning landscapes of Scar House Reservoir and Gouthwaite Reservoir. Choose between windswept moorlands or sheltered valleys in this unique and diverse landscape; there’s plenty to please birdwatchers, especially the curlew and lapwing that breed in the meadows and pastures.
Brontë Country
Visit Haworth, the home of the Brontë sisters, and explore the rugged countryside that inspired their novels. The Brontë Waterfall and the ruined farmhouse at Top Withens, said to have inspired Wuthering Heights, are popular sites to visit.
Ribblehead Viaduct
Take a walk to the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, which stands in the shadow of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and marvel at this feat of Victorian engineering. The viaduct is particularly striking in winter with its surrounding hills often dusted with snow.
Humber Bridge Country Park
This dog-friendly nature reserve near Hull offers lovely riverside walks along the Humber Estuary. The varied habitats of this old chalk quarry support a rich range of wildlife, and it's a great place for birdwatching and enjoying winter sunsets.
How to stay safe
Yorkshire's diverse landscapes offer something for every outdoor enthusiast, from challenging hikes to leisurely strolls, so you can fully embrace the beauty of the region during the winter months.
Before you head off exploring the outdoors, make sure you check the weather conditions, dress appropriately, and carry essentials like maps, navigation aids, and extra clothing.
Don’t fight for power
Jackery, the leading provider of mobile power solutions, has just launched its smallest model to date, the Explorer 100 Plus – guaranteeing maximum safety with strong and long-lasting performance.
Combined with the 80W or 100W solar panel, the small power station can function as a solar generator and, thanks to its fast-charging function, supplies mobile devices with emission-free power – it’s even small enough to take onboard a flight in hand luggage.
After Jackery pioneered the first portable outdoor power station in 2016 and the world's first mobile solar panel in 2018, the company now impresses with its experience, innovative in-house developments and with more than 3 million devices sold worldwide.
And Yorkshire Post readers can enjoy big savings in the Jackery Black Friday sale with selected power stations and solar generators up to half-price, from today (Friday, 17 November).
Visit their Amazon store and Jackery direct at uk.jackery.com/pages/black-friday to discover great savings for the great outdoors daily until November 28 (Amazon Black Friday offers are valid until 27 November 2023).