Goathland-Grosmont, North York Moors UK
• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 8 mile options
• Easy/Medium difficulty | Gain 310 to 1,200 feet
• Goathland, UK | North Yorkshire
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Goathland Station, aka Harry Potter's Hogsmeade Station.
Originally built as a horse-drawn railway between Whitby and Pickering, the rails were removed when the introduction of steam locomotives required the building of an adjacent alternative route. Now known as the Goathland to Grosmont Rail Trail, it is a popular walking trail between two picturesque villages within the North York Moors National Park.
We map out several routes, including a one-way journey between the villages with a return trip on the heritage steam railway, a loop including some upland trails and scenic views, and an extended loop that visits the impressive 70-foot Mallyan Spout waterfall. The upland return includes some crossing farm fields on a public right of way, but we've mapped an alternate road diversion through the roughest of them. Separately we also show an 0.8 mile out-and-back spur to Thomason Foss waterfall.
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AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
4★ Goathland-Grosmont Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
4★ Loop & Mallyan Spout
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
Both villages are worthy of a visit, though Goathland offers the most in terms of restaurants, cafes, ice cream and moorland views. Goathland is also a celebrated filming location, used in the Harry Potter films and known as the fictional village of Aidensfield for the long-running television show Heartbeat.
Directions linked above are for the large paid parking area in Goathland village, so we've included additional links other locations at the bottom of this article. Parking fees at the time of press were reasonable and offer other amenities including toilet facilities. There is some limited free parking at Beck Hole. You can also access this trail by beginning your journey from the southernmost station of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Pickering.
The pedestrian-only rail trail is uphill to Goathland.
Mallyan Spout waterfall is in the valley behind this Goathland hotel.
Typical rail trail terrain. | Thomason Foss.
Take the tunnel to visit the Grosmont engine shed & shop.
Tangents:
• External Link: North Yorkshire Moors Railway
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Rail Trail
• Additional Directions: Goathland Station · Grosmont Station
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Blakey Topping (3-10 mi) ·
4★ Bridestones (1-10 mi) ·
4★ Hole of Horcum (5-7 mi) ·
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