Stearsby Hag

The walk to Stearsby Hag takes you into proper Yorkshire woodland, about four miles outside York - close enough for a half-day trip but far enough to feel like you've actually left the city behind. It's a waterfall, tucked into a narrow ravine, where the beck crashes down through moss-covered rocks and overhanging trees create a kind of cathedral space that feels genuinely wild.

The approach itself matters more than the destination, if I'm honest. You'll meander through mixed woodland, cross streams, and there's a decent climb involved - nothing mountaineering, but enough to feel like you've earned the spot. The hag itself is modest by Pennine standards, but in winter when it's running full, or after heavy rain, it's got real character. Summer can be a bit of an anticlimax if the water's low.

This works best for walkers who appreciate the journey over the endpoint. History buffs won't find much to sink their teeth into - it's geology and woodland ecology rather than heritage. Kids will enjoy the scramble and the burn, though the rocks can be slippery, so supervise closely. Allow two to three hours from York, including the walk in and back.

If you're based at York Meadows or Ravensdale Glamping - both within spitting distance - this pairs nicely with woodland rambling. It's not a destination on its own, more a proper excuse to get boots muddy and remember why you came to Yorkshire in the first place.