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    Yorkshire Dales National Park

    Walks in Yorkshire Dales National Park

    Region in England, United Kingdom

    If exploring the countryside by foot is up there with your favourite pastimes, you don’t want to miss out on the timeless natural and ancient delights spanning England’s Yorkshire Dales National Park. The contrast of verdant valleys lined with stone walls steeped in history and limestone karsts grabbing attention in the southern Dales makes for top-notch walking adventures. Meanwhile, conquering one of the Three Peaks—Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside—is likely on most avid walker’s adventure list of to-dos when they visit here. The ultimate goal would be to complete all Three Peaks in one go. Unfortunately, this challenging walk usually takes around 12 hours to do! That being said, walking in Yorkshire Dales National Park is a possibility for all ages and abilities—all you need to do is choose which walk suits your style, your mood, and let the outstanding scenery work its charm as you explore.

    The Greatest Walks in Yorkshire Dales National Park

    Yorkshire Dales National Park is the ultimate walking paradise! You’ll find a range of walks: family-friendly, pushchair and wheelchair-friendly, challenging, relaxed, incredibly scenic (hello: karsts, postcard-perfect villages, rolling countryside), and the list goes on. Take a look at some of the greatest walks in Yorkshire Dales National Park and start compiling your list of must-do adventures:

    1. Aysgarth Woods Circular Walk - It won’t take much to convince friends and family to join you on the Aysgarth Woods Circular Walk, where an explosion of surprises await! The path winds to cascading waterfalls, secluded woodlands and takes you along River Ure. And the cherry on top is the Bolton Castle, a marvel steeped in history.
    2. Bucken Pike and Lead Mine Walk - Get ready for a challenge as you ascend the highest peak in the Dales! Expect your lungs to undergo little reprieve as you’ll spend most of this walk travelling uphill. But walks that get your heart usually going always end with stunning views—and this walk is a rewarding one.
    3. Whernside Circular Walk - Get up close with one of the Yorkshire Peaks on the Whernside Circular Walk. Immerse in countryside scenery and take on Whernside, the first of the Yorkshire Peaks. Enjoy a mirage of cascading waterfalls as you make your way around this 12.9 km loop. Prepare for unpredictable weather at the top!
    4. Malham Tarn Walk - Discover some of the Yorkshire Dales best features on the moderately challenging 12.2 km Malham Tarn Walk! Walk by a montage of incredible views, including coves, ravines, and waterfalls as you take on heart-pumping undulations. One of the main highlights is Gordale Scar, a stunning ravine!
    5. Malham Circular Walk - Explore magical scenery on the 10.6 km Malham Circular Walk, where you can immerse in the melting glaciers and mirage of waterfalls brimming with lime and dropping onto the rocks below, resulting in the creation of brown tufa! Plus, the wildflowers sprinkling the path in the warmer months add a layer of beauty to this walk.
    6. Pen-y-Ghent Circular Walk - The Pen-y-Ghent Circular Walk doesn’t only introduce you to one of the Yorkshire Dales Peaks, but it lets you explore Hull Pot and Hunt Pot, where you can admire the stream dropping 61 m into a cave-like space. Revel in views of the other two peaks—Ingleborough and Whernside—as you take on this 9.5 km loop!
    7. Grimwith Reservoir Walk - Looking for a family-friendly walk in the Yorkshire Dales? The Grimwith Reservoir Walk winds by waterfront views tucked into rolling countryside hills! The best part is that those needing pushchairs can enjoy this walk.
    8. Swaledale Meadows to East Gill Force and Kisdon Force Walk - Explore quintessential views of the English countryside elevated by cascading waterfalls on the Swaledale Meadows to East Gill Force and Kisdon Force Walk. You’ll pass by four waterfalls, vistas of Pennine Way, and during the summer, marvel at the wildflowers adding colours to the scenery.
    9. Ingleton Waterfalls Circular Walk - The Ingleton Waterfalls Circular Walk is another fantastic family-friendly walk that boasts a relaxing path, gentle terrain, and a 6.9 km distance! Discover lovely scenery and sparkling waterfalls as you make your way around the loop.
    10. Grassington Walk - Wanting to bring your furry friends on a walk? Consider taking on the easy-going 11.7 km Grassington Walk that winds by pastures, meadows, and a river! Expect moderate ascents as well as stiles and steps on this walk.

    When Is The Best Time To Walk in Yorkshire Dales National Park?

    The best time to walk in the Yorkshire Dales is during the warmer months—June to September—when the paths are dry, and you can catch unobstructed views! However, while the weather is better during the summer, this is also when tourists love to flock here, so make sure you book any accommodations well in advance. On a different note, spring boasts lovely vibrant scenery, making it a great time to visit the Dales. Just be ready for a spectrum of weather possibilities.

    Best Regions for Walking in Yorkshire Dales National Park?

    You’ll find great walks carved all over the Yorkshire Dales, but if you want to settle in one spot for a few days, Malham is your go-to spot, especially with epic places, such as the Gordale Scar, Malham Cove, and Malham Tarn, nearby. This quaint village is also located along the Pennine Way! To explore the Three Peaks area, which covers 160.0 km, head to the western Dales.

    Other Outdoor Activities in Yorkshire Dales National Park?

    Other outdoor activities in Yorkshire Dales National Park include exploring the limestone caves and road and mountain biking! Cyclers will love the range of tracks winding throughout the untouched countryside, replete with 900.0 km of Roman roads, bridleways, green lanes, and more. One of the more popular challenging routes is the 210km Yorkshire Dales Cycleway.

    Tap into your adventurous side by checking out one or more of the 2500 caves spanning the limestone landscape! First-timers will likely enjoy the beginners' route: Long Churns. If you’re claustrophobic, you’ll be happy to know that caving isn’t all about getting on your hands and knees, as some have massive chambers, such as Gaping Gill.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is the prettiest village in the Yorkshire Dales?

    Kirkby Lonsdale is not only the biggest village in the Yorkshire Dales, but the surplus of local walks and timeless architecture harking to centuries past make this a great spot to visit! Another great option is Hawes, a lovely village lined with picturesque stone houses. Finally, while also being one of the best places to stay for epic walks, Malham is also a charming village worth visiting.

    What are the Yorkshire Dales known for?

    Yorkshire Dales boasts rolling countryside views, limestone karsts, caves, ravines, and waterfalls. It’s like exploring a supernatural version of the countryside!

    How big is the Yorkshire Dales?

    The Yorkshire Dales covers 841 square kilometres, granting a lot of room to find space, even on busier days!

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    Best Hikes in Yorkshire Dales National Park

    Showing 41 to 60 of 91
      Open details for Eshton Circular Walk

      Eshton Circular Walk

      Easy
      3.2 km
      68 m
      1h

      Walking the Eshton Circular Trail is a nice and easy activity in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will allow you to experience the natural beauty of the countryside. Along the trail, you will walk through peaceful fields and cross over Eshton Beck, all while staking in lovely views of the vibrant green landscape surrounding you. This is a great option for an easy, family-friendly adventure.

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      Open details for Settle and River Ribble Walk

      Settle and River Ribble Walk

      Moderate
      11.2 km
      353 m
      3-4h

      The Settle and River Ribble Walk is an intermediate-length route in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will expose you to some amazing sights throughout a beautiful valley. While out on the trail, you will follow along the River Ribble and pass through the villages of Langcliffe and Stainforth before climbing uphill to view the Victoria and Albert caves. This trail features so many of the natural highlights around Settle that it would be a shame to skip it!

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      Open details for High Moors over Masham Walk

      High Moors over Masham Walk

      Moderate
      16.8 km
      291 m
      4-5.5h

      The High Moors over Masham Walk is a breathtakingly scenic adventure in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will see you climb uphill across the moor for stunning views. Along the trail, you will pass by the Leighton and Roundhill reservoirs before climbing uphill to a small plateau on the moor for views of Upper Nidderdale and the Vale of York. This is a wonderful walking route to take in the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.

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      Open details for Ribblehead Walk

      Ribblehead Walk

      Moderate
      8.0 km
      125 m
      2-2.5h

      The Ribblehead Walk is a fantastic adventure in Yorkshire Dales National Park that features some scenic highlights and is suitable for the whole family. While out walking the trail, you will take in the sights of the wonderfully engineered Ribblehead Viaduct and the highest peak in Yorkshire - Whernside - towering overhead. This is a great route for a leisurely weekend stroll.

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      Open details for Thruscross Reservoir Walk

      Thruscross Reservoir Walk

      Easy
      7.2 km
      163 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The walk around Thruscross Reservoir is a nice and easy journey in the Yorkshire Dales that will provide you a sense of relaxation as you take in the natural beauty of the Washburn Valley. While out on the trail, you will traverse a variety of terrain, such as woodlands and open moor, as you make your way around the edge of the reservoir. This is a fantastic walking route that can be undertaken by outdoor enthusiasts of nearly any age or skill level.

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      Open details for Askrigg to Aysgarth Walk

      Askrigg to Aysgarth Walk

      Moderate
      18.4 km
      320 m
      4-6h

      The Askrigg to Aysgarth Walk is a great walking route in Yorkshire Dales National Park, as it offers stunning views overlooking the surrounding landscape and the chance to view the impressive set of waterfalls along the River Ure. The trail features some uphill walking, but it is the overall distance that really adds difficulty to the route. Even still, it is perfectly suitable for casual adventurers or beginners looking to try their hand at a longer route.

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      Open details for Embsay Crag Walk

      Embsay Crag Walk

      Moderate
      5.6 km
      200 m
      1.5-2h

      The Embsay Crag Walk is a great outdoor excursion just outside of Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales that offers some scenic views of the surrounding landscape. While out walking the trail, you will travel around a beautiful reservoir and climb to the summit of Embsay Crag to gaze out across the moor and nearby towns. This walk may be fairly short, but it will still give your legs a bit of a workout!

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      Open details for Ancient Castles of Mallerstang Walk

      Ancient Castles of Mallerstang Walk

      Moderate
      13.7 km
      548 m
      4-5.5h

      The Ancient Castles of Mallerstang Walk is a fantastic journey that will surely be enjoyed by anyone interested in lovely views of nature and interesting historical sites. While out walking the trail, you will meander across the Yorkshire Dales countryside to visit several historic buildings, including Lammerside Castle and Pendragon Castle. The trail is fairly long and features some uphill walking, so don’t forget to wear sturdy boots and bring plenty of water.

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      Open details for The Lonely Howgills Walk

      The Lonely Howgills Walk

      Moderate
      16.8 km
      596 m
      4.5-6.5h

      The Lonely Howgills Walk is a fun adventure through the rugged terrain of the Yorkshire Dales that will provide some gorgeous views of the surrounding area. While out on the trail, you will traverse the undulating terrain of the moor and climb to the summit of several hilltops, culminating in the scenic viewpoint atop The Calf. This is a fantastic walk to get a feel for some characteristic Yorkshire Dales terrain.

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      Open details for Ingleborough from Clapham Walk

      Ingleborough from Clapham Walk

      Moderate
      17.6 km
      561 m
      4.5-6.5h

      The Ingleborough from Clapham Walk is a breathtaking adventure that offers some challenging terrain, local history, and stunning views overlooking Yorkshire Dales National Park. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill across the moor to summit Ingleborough, the second highest point in the Yorkshire Dales. Here, you will have a commanding view over the surrounding area from a broad plateau, as well as the chance to check out the remains of an Iron Age fort.

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      Open details for Hidden Valleys of Wharfedale Walk

      Hidden Valleys of Wharfedale Walk

      Moderate
      17.6 km
      680 m
      5-7h

      The Hidden Valleys of Wharfedale Walk is a breathtaking adventure through Yorkshire Dales National Park that will see you cover a fair amount of terrain for some gorgeous views. Along the trail, you will traverse the picturesque landscapes of Littondale and Langstrothdale, taking in views of the surrounding countryside and charming villages in the process. The overall distance and elevation gain make this route a bit more challenging, but the payoff is certainly worth the effort.

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      Open details for Smardale Gill Walk

      Smardale Gill Walk

      Moderate
      11.0 km
      294 m
      3-4h

      The Smardale Gill Walk is a wonderful adventure just north of Yorkshire Dales National Park and offers an amazing experience across the picturesque countryside. While out walking the trail, you will traverse an old railway viaduct that offers a sweeping view across the dale before making your return along the moor. This route isn’t overly challenging, making it a great journey to take on a weekend afternoon.

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      Open details for Haystacks and Twelve Apostles Walk

      Haystacks and Twelve Apostles Walk

      Easy
      7.3 km
      182 m
      2-2.5h

      The walk to the Haystacks and Twelve Apostles is a rugged, yet beautiful journey that will take you across the expanse of Ilkley Moor to experience several natural and manmade highlights. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the open terrain of the moor, climbing uphill to experience the Haystacks Rock, as well as the Twelve Apostles Stone Circle, all while taking in beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Due to the high volume of Neolithic and Bronze Age sites in the area, this is a fantastic route for history lovers.

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      Open details for West Witton to Penhill Walk

      West Witton to Penhill Walk

      Moderate
      12.7 km
      415 m
      3.5-5h

      The West Witton to Penhill Walk is a beautifully scenic, but challenging at times, trail that will take you up the hillside for gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will climb up the steep terrain to the plateau along the Height of Hazely before descending the hillside to pass by the Penhill Preceptory, a place that once served as a rest stop for knights travelling to the Holy Land during The Crusades. This is a great route full of natural beauty and unique historical sites.

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      Open details for West Witton to Aysgarth Circular Walk

      West Witton to Aysgarth Circular Walk

      Moderate
      16.9 km
      495 m
      4.5-6h

      The West Witton and Aysgarth Circular Walk is an exceptional route in Yorkshire Dales National Park, as it allows you to view a number of waterfalls in one afternoon. While out on the trail, you will traverse the open countryside and head downhill to view the Cauldron Falls in West Burton before visiting the Lower, Middle, and High Aysgarth forces. Some sections of this route might be busy with sightseers, but it is a small price to pay to take in such beautifully scenic views!

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      Open details for Aysgarth to Castle Bolton Walk

      Aysgarth to Castle Bolton Walk

      Moderate
      9.2 km
      290 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The Aysgarth to Castle Bolton Walk is a fantastic excursion in Yorkshire Dales National Park that features easy to navigate terrain and wonderfully scenic views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will make your way along the banks of the River Ure and pass through a peaceful forest before looping around the scenic countryside. This route doesn’t actually lead all the way to Bolton Castle; however, the short detour that it takes to reach it is highly recommended.

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      Open details for Aysgarth Woods and Waterfalls Circular Walk

      Aysgarth Woods and Waterfalls Circular Walk

      Easy
      4.2 km
      79 m
      1-1.5h

      The Aysgarth Woods and Waterfalls Circular Walk is a quick and easy adventure in Yorkshire Dales National Park that doesn’t require much effort, but produces some beautiful views. While out on the trail, you will pass through a peaceful stretch of forest and some open fields before looping around along the edge of the River Ure to view several waterfalls. This is a fantastic route that can be enjoyed by walkers of all ages and skill levels.

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      Open details for Hardraw and Great Shunner Fell Walk

      Hardraw and Great Shunner Fell Walk

      Hard
      15.3 km
      534 m
      4-6h

      The Hardraw and Great Shunner Fell Walk is a rough and rugged adventure that will take you to a summit viewpoint to experience the beauty of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Along the trail, you will traverse the barren and undulating terrain of the moor, climbing up Great Shunner Fell for a commanding view over the landscape. Don’t forget to wear proper walking boots, as the terrain along the trail is steep in places and uneven under foot.

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      Open details for Maiden Castle and Harker Moor Walk

      Maiden Castle and Harker Moor Walk

      Moderate
      11.4 km
      365 m
      3-4h

      The Maiden Castle and Harker Moor Walk is a great adventure in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will expose you to interesting historical sites and stunning views from atop the moor. While out on the trail, you will traverse the countryside to visit the Iron Age earthwork fort of Maiden Castle before climbing uphill across the moor to a plateau with sweeping vistas. Stunning views across the valley await on this scenic journey.

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      Open details for Reeth to Healaugh Walk

      Reeth to Healaugh Walk

      Moderate
      10.3 km
      343 m
      3-4h

      The walk from Reeth to Healaugh is a fun journey in the Yorkshire Dales that offers scenic views and can be enjoyed by the entire family. While out walking the trail, you will leave the town of Reeth behind and climb uphill for views across Swaledale before arriving in the village of Healaugh. There is a small amount of uphill walking on this route but it is manageable for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

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