3 Wonderful Walks Across The Yorkshire Dales
Looking for some great walks across the Yorkshire Dales? Here are three of the best, of varying lengths, to keep you busy.
When it comes to days out, North Yorkshire is one of the best places in England. Home to two national parks, the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, the region is a walkers’ paradise. The Yorkshire Dales is famous for its stunning natural scenery and dry stone walls (surveys show that there are 4,971 miles of dry-stone walling).
If you’re looking for a walking challenge, the Yorkshire Dales is ideal. Below we have three walks of different lengths that are ideal for every type of walker.
Short Walk: Malham Cove
For those who are looking for a short walk that is ideal for taking dogs on, the Malham Cove walk mentioned on Gala Bingo is only 4.5 miles long.
Starting in Malham, walkers head through the small village towards the first landmark Malham Cove. Malham Cove is a large curved limestone formation that is 80 metres high. There are steps that lead to the top of the formation and walkers will be greeted with great views of the village and the surrounding area. This is also a location seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Walkers then follow the top of the formation across the limestone rocks.
The next part of the walk is through fields and is mainly downhill. After the fields is another natural landmark called Janet’s Foss, which is a picturesque waterfall and pool. The footpath then leads back to the village of Malham.
Medium: Howgills Fells Walk
The Howgill Fells are located between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District and this 9.5 mile walk offers stunning views of both regions. Starting in the town of Sedbergh, walkers immediately face a 500-metre climb to the top.
From here you have a great view of the Yorkshire Dales three peaks (see below). Walkers then follow the ridgeway to the Bram Rigg Top, Calf, and Calders summits. The sweeping scenery here is particularly beautiful.
Follow the ridge back round and down to Sedbergh. An interesting note on Sedbergh is that it is known as the Book Town due to the number of second hand-bookshops.
READ MORE: The Best Pubs in the Yorkshire Dales / Top Yorkshire Attractions
Long: Yorkshire Three Peaks
For those who want a challenge, the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk is 25 miles long and has 5000ft of vertical ascent. The peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside can be completed in a circular walk.
As it’s a circular walk, walkers can start anywhere, but the most popular place to start is Horton-in-Ribblesdale. You can then head to Pen-y-ghent. The ascent here isn’t too steep until near the top of the peak. As you descend the peak you will be able to see the pinnacle rock formation.
The next peak is Whernside and walkers will pass by the Ribblehead Viaduct railway bridge which was built in 1870. This peak has a steep climb to reach the summit.
READ MORE: The Most Unusual Places to Stay in Yorkshire
The third peak is Ingleborough. The path zig-zags steeply up the ascent making it a challenge. At the top walkers will find a weather shelter and triangulation point. Walkers can then follow the signs back down and walk along the Settle to Carlisle railway line back to the starting point.
If you are a keen walker looking for a day out in the Yorkshire Dales, we hope one, or all, of the above routes interest you.
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