Yorkshire Dales Walks
Walking Routes & Hiking Trails

Find Yorkshire Dales walks from the list below which features the best walking routes in the area. Most of routes are circular walks although there are a few linear hikes. The walks are listed from the shortest and easiest to the longest more challenging routes. The walks are divided into sub areas so you can find specific walks.

100+ Great Yorkshire Dales walks with detailed route descriptions, excellent mapping, photos and GPX files. The walks include all the major Dales and are subdivided by Dale. The Three Peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent have their own sub-section. In addition walks in the Howgill Fells are also listed.

Highlights of walking in the Yorkshire Dales include walks to the 'Yorkshire Big Three', riverside walks through Wharfedale, hikes in Swaledale with its rich Industrial Heritage and wonderful landscape, walks to Malham Cove and Tarn, plus many other scenic routes through the dales and across moors.

Area walks and walking guides

Useful guides to walks and walking from these popular centres. Includes places to stay, local amenities and the best walking routes.

Lower Wharfedale, Cracoe, Burnsall & Bolton Abbey Walks

Walking Highlights. Personal favourites include the Valley of Desolation and Simon's Seat, Barden Fell, the Rylestone Edges above Cracoe and Trollers Gill. An easy walk full of interest is Barden Bridge and the Strid from Bolton Abbey.

Where to stay - Skipton, Burnsall, Ilkley and Addingham are convenient for walking in this area.

Upper Wharfedale, Grassington, Kettlewell & Buckden Walks

Walking Highlights. This is a fine area for walking with varied terrain. Personal favourites include an ascent of Buckden Pike, following the Dales Way between Kettlewell and Yockenthwaite, Conistone Dib and Capplestone Gate plus the hike from Kettlewelll into Littondale and Arncliffe.

Where to stay - Grassington, Kettlewell, Starbotton, Buckden and Hubberholme are convenient for walking in this area.

Malhamdale & Malham Cove Walks

Walking Highlights. Some of my favourite Yorkshire Dales walks are in the area around Malham. Personal highlights include the easy walk to Malham Cove, any walks including Gordale Scar and the 'five-star' walk from Malham Tarn to Malham Cove returning via the Watlowes dry valley.

Where to stay - Malham is the prefered centre for walking in this area. However Settle and Gargrave are convenient alternatives.

Lower Ribblesdale, Settle & Langcliffe Walks

Walking Highlights. Lower Ribblesdale offers a variety of easier walks amidst the limestone scenery so typical of this part of the Yorkshire Dales. Favourite walks include Attermire Scar and Catrigg Force, the Norber Erratics and Sulber Gate, and Giggleswick Scar.

Where to stay - Settle, Clapham, Austwick, Stainforth and Langcliffe are convenient for walking in this area.

Upper Ribblesdale & Three Peaks Walks

Walking Highlights. The 'Big Three' peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent are the focus of walking in this area. Yorkshire Dales walks to these summits do not involve any technical difficulties hence their popularity. Personal favourites also include the Norber Erratics, the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk and walks starting from Dentdale.

Where to stay - Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Clapham and Ingleton all provide an ideal base for walking in this area.

Wensleydale Walks

Walking Highlights. Wensleydale is the only dale not named after its river. The dale is wide with the River Ure following a gentle course through green pastures. Semer Water located on the side of the dale is my favourite place to walk as are routes through the valley. Aysgarth Falls especially after heavy rain are well worth including in a walk.

Where to stay - Hawes, Askrigg, Bainbridge, Aysgarth, Carperby and West Burton all provide an ideal base for walking in this area.

Swaledale Walks

Walking Highlights. Swaledale is my favourite dale and is characterised by its iconic field barns and stone walls. The area around Gunnerside is rich in industrial heritage. Favourite Yorkshire Dales walks include Gunnerside and Swinner Gills where you can explore the ruins of the lead mining industry. Just outside the National Park lies Nine Standards Rigg with its prominent cairns offering a wonderful view into the Eden Valley.

Where to stay - Thwaite, Muker, Keld, Gunnerside and Reeth all convenient for walking in this area.

Mallerstang & Howgill Fells Walks

Walking Highlights. The Howgill Fells provide excellent walking and generally see few walkers. Careful navigation is essential as the area is a complex system of ridges and deep valleys. Personal favourites are an evening stroll to Cautley Spout, an ascent of Aran Haw and Winder or Wild Boar Fell in nearby Mallerstang.

Where to stay - Sedbergh, Kirkby Stephen and Ravenstonedale all provide ideal bases for walking in this area.

★ GPS file ☩ Route profile