Walking in the Yorkshire Dales will bless you with some of the most astonishing scenes in all of the UK – and these are some of our favourite routes.
Dazzling waterfalls, sprawling countryside backdrops and challenging peaks, the Yorkshire Dales has it all. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly ramble or a challenge that will test your endurance, we’ve rounded up five of the best Yorkshire Dales walks. Let’s go!
Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular
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There’s no way this Malham Cove and Gordale Scar trail wasn’t making the list. This iconic route is a must for all lovers of the great outdoors, taking in the stunning Janet’s Foss waterfall, active farmlands and dramatic rock formations along the way.
Due to some of the trail sections being rough, it’s best to embark on this route during drier weather. Overall, it should take around four hours to complete, serving up a smorgasbord of Yorkshire Dales gems.
Start point: National Park Centre car park, Malham – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Check out the route.
Malham Tarn Upland Farm Circular
Staying in Malham, this route is a bit more of a challenge. You’ll traverse through wetland, moorland and over rough tracks in some stretches. But it’s sure to be worth it, as this Yorkshire Dales walk features everything from the industrial throwback of a smelt mill chimney to England’s highest lime-rich lake.
There’s plenty of rare plants and wildlife that call this area home – keep an eye out for roe deer around Tarn House. Taking around two hours to complete, it’s a route packed with photo opps.
Start point: Watersinks car park, Malham Moor – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Route: Check out the route.
Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside Circular
If you’re not put off by a steep climb or two, then this circular route has some pretty impressive views for you. The varied trail takes in lots of different views, including the striking Ribblehead Viaduct structure, before you negotiate the summit of Whernside – one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Over the course of around five hours, you’ll go from panoramic views at the top of Whernside to passing under railway tunnels. If you’re brave enough to take this one on, you’ll get plenty of rewards for your efforts.
Start point: Lay-by parking on Blea Moor Road, Carnforth – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 8.4 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Route: Check out the route.
Ingleton Waterfalls Circular
This is one of the most incredible woodland and waterfall walks in all the country, leading through ancient oak woodland, countryside scenery and awe-inspiring waterfalls. It’s also an easier one, making it a good option for families – you can even bring the pooch (although you will need to keep them on a lead).
With much of the route being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it’s no surprise that there’s an abundance of rare flora and fauna here, along with stunning geographical formations. Plus, its seasonal landscape can be enjoyed all-year round.
Start point: Ingleton car park, Carnforth – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Route: Check out the route.
Yorkshire Three Peaks Circular
Strap in for this one, because it’s not for the fainthearted. The Three Peaks Circular is the most challenging of the Yorkshire Dales walks – attracting thousands of trekkers each year who want to put themselves to the test – and you’ll need plenty of experience and careful planning to take it on.
With steep climbs, rocky scrambles and sharp descents, it’s a demanding venture across the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Whether you manage it in a 12-hour period or need longer, there’ll be nothing that compares to that endorphin rush at the end.
Start point: Horton-in-Ribblesdone car park, Settle – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 24.5 miles
Difficulty: Highly challenging
Route: Check out the route.
