Rosedale Loop from Rosedale Abbey

The Rosedale Loop from Rosedale Abbey is a 61.12 km multi-day route with 1,923 m of climbing, so it is usually tackled over 4 days rather than as a single day hike. The staged route breaks down into roughly 15.3 km, 15.8 km, 17.8 km, and 12.3 km days, with the biggest climbing day gaining about 791 m.

The route is a loop that starts in Rosedale Abbey, North Yorkshire, and finishes back in Rosedale Abbey. The staged trail begins at Rosedale Abbey, Ryedale, YO18 8SA, and the final stage returns to Rosedale Abbey, YO18 8RA, making it straightforward for a same-place start and finish.

The Rosedale Loop from Rosedale Abbey is rated medium, but the numbers make it a serious outing. At 61.12 km with 1,923 m of elevation gain, it suits hikers comfortable with long moorland days, steady climbs, and a multi-day pace rather than beginners looking for a short circular walk.

Yes. With a total distance of 61.12 km, the Rosedale Loop from Rosedale Abbey fits well into a 3- to 4-day backpacking trip, though the official stage split works out as 4 days. A strong party could compress it into a long weekend, but the 1,923 m of ascent means it is still a demanding route.

Yes, Rosedale Abbey does have bus service, but it is limited. North Yorkshire Council lists service 173 from Pickering on Mondays, and the M6 seasonal service runs York to Pickering to Danby via Rosedale Abbey from April 3 to September 28, 2026, so transport planning matters on this route.

The hardest day on the staged route is stage 3, which runs from Kildale to Mountain Ash Farm near Glaisdale. That section is about 17.8 km and includes roughly 791 m of ascent, making it the biggest climbing day on the loop and likely the crux for most hikers.