After living in Yorkshire for nearly seven years, the North York Moors National Park is one of my favorite areas. Without a doubt, the Hole of Horcum is my favorite hike not just in the North York Moors or Yorkshire, but in the entirety of the UK. I’ve done this walk so many times I’ve lost count, in every season. If you’re in the area and only going to do one walk, it should be this one! Here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Hole of Horcum.

Hole of Horcum: Overview

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)

Time: 2 to 3 hours

Start Point: Levisham village or Saltergate car park

What to Pack for the Hole of Horcum Hike

I recommend sturdy hiking boots for this walk – I love my Scarpa Mistral boots! While most of the paths are well-formed and probably suitable in good trainers, they can often be very muddy and slippery (especially in the hole itself). Boots with grip will be helpful. Be sure to bring waterproof layers and, on a sunny day, sunscreen. The hike is very exposed once you’re in the hole and on Levisham Moor – so be prepared for the elements. While this isn’t a particularly long or difficult hike, it is located in a very rural area. Bring your own snacks and water – there is sometimes an ice cream van at Saltergate car park. There is nowhere else to buy anything on the walk, unless starting/finishing at the pub in Levisham.

When is the Best Time of Year to Hike the Hole of Horcum?

I’ve done this hike between 15 and 20 times, in every single season. So, I consider myself something of an expert! The best time of year to do the Hole of Horcum hike is at the end of August, when the purple heather is in bloom. I do this walk every year around this time – it truly is spectacular! It’s my favorite place to see heather in Yorkshire.

But this walk is suitable at all times of the year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The Hole of Horcum looks pretty covered in snow, too!

Starting the Hole of Horcum Hike

There are two different route options for this walk: starting at the Saltergate car park on the A169 road, or starting in Levisham village. I always start in Levisham, where there’s free parking! Note that the village is small (it can get busy), so please park considerately. You can walk the route in either direction as it’s done as a loop. I typically start in Levisham, walk through Dundale Griff, into the hole and up the hill, and then back along Levisham Moor. But you can do it in the opposite direction, and avoid the steep hill coming out of the hole near the A169.

Look for highland coos (cows) around Dundale Pond!

Walking Through the Hole of Horcum

After leaving the pond area, head through the ravine at Dundale Griff. Eventually, you’ll come to another path junction and cross a stream.

You’ll then follow this stream into the Hole of Horcum itself, where the views really open up. There is an old farmhouse here, and you’ll probably come across some livestock (either sheep or cows). Be sure to give them plenty of space.

The Hole of Horcum is roughly ¾ of a mile across, and 400 feet deep. It was created through a process called spring-sapping. Water welled up on the hills, and gradually sloped down over the rocks. This created a wider and deeper valley, and shaped the hole as we know it.

There’s a steep climb up to the top of the Hole of Horcum, where the trail passes near the A169 road. The views are absolutely worth it though! The scenery here is spectacular. This is one of my favorite places in the world.

Finishing the Walk in Levisham

If you start at Saltergate, you’ll finish the walk here, To return to Levisham, head back along the tops of the moors to the village. There are great views here, especially looking down into the hole itself. This part of the moors is particularly pretty when the heather is in bloom! The path is wide and easy to follow, with a brief climb to return to the lane and Levisham.

After all that hiking, be sure to stop at the pub in Levisham: the Horseshoe Inn. The pub is excellent for both food and drinks, and I’ve stopped here many, many times over the years. If you’re wanting to eat at the pub, be sure to check their food hours over lunch. I’d usually recommend booking a table, as they can get busy.

Planning Your Trip to the North York Moors

The Hole of Horcum is in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. It’s accessible by bus on the 840 Coastliner service, which runs from Leeds to Whitby. The bus stops at Saltergate car park, an easy starting point for the hike. It’s definitely possible to do this hike as a daytrip from York or Leeds with public transportation – it’s one of the best car-free walks from York. You can also take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Pickering to Levisham – note that the station is about a 1.3-mile walk (one-way) from the village. It’s a bit further on to reach the footpaths for the walk.

The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford airport – I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Looking for more things to do in the area? Check out these tours in the North York Moors!

Where to Stay Around the Hole of Horcum

I regularly do this walk as a daytrip from where I live in York – it’s just about an hour away. The walk is right off the A169 road that cuts through the national park, so you could stay anywhere in the area (like the Horseshoe Inn in Levisham), or around Whitby on the coast. Malton would be a great base, too. Here are a few suggestions!

• Horseshoe Inn (Levisham) – a cozy country pub, with comfortable rooms and suites
• The Talbot, Malton (Malton) – a historic 17th-century coaching inn, with lovely grounds and friendly staff
• Pear Tree House B&B (Pickering) – this four-star B&B offers guests a pretty garden and exceptional breakfast
• YHA Whitby (Whitby) – clean dorm rooms and good facilities, just a stone’s throw from Whitby Abbey
• Galtres Lodge (York) – a boutique hotel in a historic Georgian townhouse, located in the heart of York with charming rooms

Use the map below to search for more options!


Booking.com

The Hole of Horcum is my favorite walk in the country, and one I do at least once a year. It’s best to do this walk at the end of August, to see the stunning purple heather in bloom. But you can hike it in any season and it’ll still be enjoyable. I hope this post helps planning your hike around the Hole of Horcum!

Have you hiked the Hole of Horcum before?

You might also like my posts:

21 of the BEST Places to Visit in the North York Moors

The Best Hikes in the North York Moors

The Best Walks in Yorkshire

The Ultimate Yorkshire Guide: 99 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

The Best Views in Yorkshire

The Best Places to See Heather in Bloom in Yorkshire

All of my Yorkshire posts!

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