Walks in Yorkshire Dales National Park
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Find more walking regions
- Lake District Walks
- Peak District Walks
- South Downs Walks
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Walks
- Chiltern Hills Walks
- Snowdonia Walks
Or use this link to find all walking regions in the UK.
Best Hikes in Yorkshire Dales National Park
Bolton Abbey to Barden Bridge Circular Walk
The Bolton Abbey to Barden Bridge Circular Walk is a fantastic excursion in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will take you along the valley floor of Wharfedale to experience the natural and manmade sights that can be found there. While out on the trail, you will make your way along the winding banks of the River Wharfe, taking in the beautiful sights across the valley and visit interesting unique historical sites such as the Bolton Priory. What a fantastic way to explore one of the best locales in the Yorkshire Dales.
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Settle Caves and Waterfalls Circular Walk
The Settle Caves and Waterfalls Circular Walk is a great way for beginner and seasoned walkers to experience the natural beauty of Yorkshire Dales National Park. While out on the trail, you will explore the countryside and traverse the rugged terrain of the moor, as you visit the scenic caves and waterfalls that dot the landscape. There is a bit of uphill walking to reach these highlights; however, they are well worth the effort.
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Bainbridge to Hawes Walk via Cam High Road
The Bainbridge to Hawes Walk via Cam High Road is a fantastic walk in the Yorkshire Dales that will see you climb uphill for some stunning views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the walk, you will make your way up to the summit of Yorburgh along a quiet road through the moor, before descending the hillside into the market town of Hawes. This is a fairly easy-going route that is suitable for beginner and casual walkers.
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Malham Tarn and Cove Walk
The Malham Tarn and Cove Walk is a spectacular adventure that will take you to several amazing natural highlights within Yorkshire Dales National Park. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill and traverse the moor to reach the shores of Malham Tarn before walking to the top of the imposing horseshoe-shaped limestone formation known as Malham Cove. For the relatively low amount of effort required to complete this walk, the views are exceptional.
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Reeth Round Walk
The Reeth Round Walk is a great family-friendly adventure that will see you climb uphill for views overlooking Yorkshire Dales National Park. While out on the trail, you will make your way around the countryside, climbing uphill for a great sightline over the point where Arkengarthdale and Swaledale meet. This is a quick and fairly easy walk if you are looking to experience some lovely Yorkshire Dales scenery.
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Richmond and Easby Abbey Walk
The Richmond and Easby Abbey Walk is an exceptional walking route on the edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park that will expose you to lovely views and interesting local history. While out walking the trail, you will make your way past the 11th Century Richmond Castle that commands a prominent position along the River Swale before visiting the 12th Century Easby Abbey. This is definitely a walk geared towards history enthusiasts.
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Hetton to Flasby and Sharp Haw Loop
The Hetton to Flasby and Sharp Haw Loop is a wonderfully scenic walk in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will lead you through a lesser-travelled part of the region. While out on the trail, you will make your way along the banks of Flasby Beck and pass through the small hamlet before climbing uphill for stunning views from atop Sharp Haw. This is a great route if you are looking to escape the crowds and experience a less well known part of the dales.
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Malham Tarn Upland Farm Walk
The Malham Tarn Upland Farm Walk is a fantastic route in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will take you around a lake with views across the moor. While out walking this trail, you will traverse the rugged terrain of the moor and enjoy breathtaking views across Malham Tarn as you walk around its scenic shoreline. If you are looking to improve this walk further, take the short detour south to visit the impressive Malham Tarn, a massive limestone wall.
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Buckden Circular Walk
The Buckden Circular Walk is a lovely adventure in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will provide scenic views overlooking Wharfedale and the chance to visit several waterfalls. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through the valley to view some waterfalls in Cray before descending into the valley floor towards Hubberholme for a return along the river. This moderate length trail offers a great way to experience some terrain that is characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales.
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Hawes and Sedbusk Walk
The Hawes and Sedbusk Walk is a great family-friendly adventure in Yorkshire Dales National Park that will take you through several villages in Wensleydale. While out walking the trail, you will cross over the River Ure and enjoy scenic views across the valley floor, as you work your way through the charming villages of Hardraw, Simonstone, and Sedbusk. The route is mostly flat with only one somewhat steep climb, making it suitable for a variety of ages and skill levels.
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Old Gang Smelt Mill and Reeth High Moor Walk
The Old Gang Smelt Mill and Reeth High Moor Walk is a rough and rugged adventure that will take you to an historic site while showcasing the beautiful views across Yorkshire Dales National Park. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill across the exposed terrain of the moor to visit the remnants of what was once the largest lead smelting complex in the Yorkshire Dales. This route is exposed to the elements, so make sure that you come prepared with proper clothing and gear to deal with inclement weather.