At Hawthorns Park we’re extremely fortunate to be just 15 minutes drive from the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Which means you’re in easy distance to set off on your exploration of one of the most beautiful outdoor areas in the country. There are countless walks in The Yorkshire Dales so it can be somewhat overwhelming knowing where to begin.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our recommended walks in The Yorkshire Dales.
Malham Tarn
The circular walk around Malham Tarn upland farm is a moderately challenging 4.5 route. One of the prominent features of this walk are the unmistakable limestone landscapes that make up the highest lime-rich lake in the country. Throughout the 3 hour walk you’ll be able to spot a whole host of rare plants and birdlife. Enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the Yorkshire Dales in this fascinating nature reserve.
Photo credit: Andrew Bone on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Grassington
Another favourite Yorkshire Dales walk has to be the circular walk from Grassington via Grass Wood and the River Wharfe. This 5 mile walk takes you through the charming village of Grassington before starting a gentle climb as it joins the Dales Way. You’ll also get to see some more varied landscapes along the way with the nearby Ghaistrill’s Strid rapids and a section that takes you along by the River Wharfe. All that’s left to do after the 2 hour walk is return to Grassington to complete the circuit and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea.
Photo credit: Stephen Colebourne on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Ingleborough
If you’re looking for a more challenging mountain climb, Ingleborough is one of the classic Yorkshire Dales walks. Accredited as one the ‘Yorkshire 3 Peaks’ this is the second highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales with a number of different routes to the summit. The circular walk that starts from the Hill Inn takes roughly 2 hours 40 minutes and you’ll encounter some rugged terrain along the way. It’s worth it to see the sweeping countryside views of Whernsid and Pen-y-Ghent. You can even see as far as Morecambe Bay and some of the Lake District hilltops.
Photo credit: puffin11k on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Wharfedale
The Upper Wharfedale walk is a moderate 4 hour route through a charming limestone valley. You’ll be treated to beautiful cascading waterfalls as you navigate between the steep sides of the valleys. This walk also takes in some picturesque Yorkshire Dales villages of Cray, Yockenthwaite and Hubberholme.
Photo credit: Tejvan Pettinger on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Swaledale
One of the more easy going Yorkshire Dales walks is the Muker & Upper Swaledale walk. A great time of the year to do this 6.5 mile walk is late spring, when Swaledale’s hay meadows burst into colour. This superb circular route starts at Muker and follows the River Swale east to the village of Gunnerside.
Photo credit: Peer Lawther on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Aysgill Force
This is a relatively short 2.5 mile loop around the spectacular Aysgarth Falls. You’ll be treated to woodlands, waterfalls and the Wheatsheaf pub conveniently makes a perfect halfway pitstop and chance to sample a local ale.
En route you can make out Castle Bolton in the distance which is one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles. On the final part of the walk you’ll pass through the small village of Carperby.
If you like visiting waterfalls take a look at these must-see waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales.
Ilkley Moor
Walk through one of the most loved moors of the Yorkshire Dales. Start the walk from West View Park and admire the view of White Wells. You’ll then a gentle upward climb towards Ilkley Crag, where you’ll see The 12 Apostles stone formation, as well as the Cow and Calf outcrops.
Photo credit: Tim Green on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Buckden Pike
This challenging five mile walk, starting at the Buckden car park, will take you through what’s left of the area’s mining industry connection. Carry on through Upper Wharfedale to Buckden Pike, where you can obtain far reaching Dales views.
Photo credit: Peer Lawther on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Ribblehead
Visit the spectacular viaduct at Ribblehead and continue on to Blea Head Tunnel following the lower slopes of Whernside, the highest mountain in Yorkshire.
Photo credit: Flickr / Public Domain
Langstrothdale
This is a flat walk which follows a circular route and starts at Yockenthwaite Bridge. Marvell at the landscape of limestone, impressive valleys and hay meadows. There are even bronze age burial mounds that provide hints of the historical background to the area. On the approach to Deepdale, you won’t fail to notice the brightness of the hay meadows, rich in flower and colour.
Photo credit: Peer Lawther on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
As We’re sure you’ve seen there are a great variety of walks in the Yorkshire Dales to explore. There are more detailed guides at: yorkshiredales.org.uk and daleswalks.co.uk.
When you’ve exhausted the Dales walks why not turn your attention to the best walks in The Lake District.
Main photo credit: David Merrett on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
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