Best walks in the Yorkshire Dales

It’s time to dust off those walking boots and make a flask of tea because we’ve gathered some of our favourite and most famous Yorkshire Dales walks so you can see the very best of what the region has to offer.

Appropriately named ‘Gods own Country’, Yorkshire is a not-so-hidden gem for many things, and its landscape is one of our greatest assets. The Yorkshire Dales is home to mountains, tarns, moorland, and limestone landscapes that are perfect for walking and exploring.

Yorkshire Dales Walks: 10 of the best

The Three Peaks

Starting us off very strongly is the most famous walk in the Yorkshire Dales. 100,000 people attempt the 24-mile route of The Yorkshire Three Peaks each year, often as a challenge or to raise money for charity.

The circular walk begins with Pen-y-ghent, moving onto Whernside, and then finally Ingleborough, showcasing the very best of the Yorkshire Dales landscape. It is certainly a challenge and typically takes 12 hours, so feel free not to tackle them all in one go, as each peak makes a great walk.

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Yorkshire Dales walks: Druids Temple on the Swinton Estate

Swinton Estate is home to 20,000 acres of truly special Yorkshire Dales countryside and some equally spectacular history. Park in their Bivouac car park and embark through their woodland to the Druids Temple that dates back to the late 1700s.

There are a number of other standing stones, with a number of walking trails to follow, perfect for any ability. This is the perfect day out for the whole family.

Malham Cove, Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar

The Malham Cove circular walk is just over two hours and showcases spectacular limestone carvings formed in the ice age. Start off in Malham village, following the route to Janet’s Foss – a stunning waterfall where Janet, a fairy, is said to live behind in a cave. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the icy waters!

Continue on the route to the spectacular Gordale Scar, a limestone ravine where you’ll find more incredible waterfalls. The walk finally takes you to Malham Cove, where you can soak up the views from the very top before making your way down following the stream back to the start.

Yorkshire Dales walks: Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey is a classic Yorkshire Dales walk, with the River Wharfe running through the estate and the priory ruins, it is a feast for the eyes. It’s great whether you’re looking for something more challenging or simply fancy a stroll and a picnic.

Here you’ll find many walks, but we’ve chosen a circular route which takes you from Bolton Abbey Village to the Cavendish Pavilion, where you’ll find refreshments and a gift shop, walking through the estate and crossing the stepping stones!

Photo: Linda Grimshaw 

Muker to Keld

River paths, limestone gorges, wildflower meadows and perfectly formed drystone walls. The scenery of Swaledale truly makes you understand why Yorkshire is named ‘God’s own country’, and this 9km circular route from Muker to Keld captures that perfectly.

Pass the ruins of Crackpot Hall with an amazing view of the valley, and keep your eyes peeled for picture-perfect waterfalls. This walk is definitely a day out, being on the longer side and potentially a bit more challenging. Get those walking boots on and get yourself a packed lunch for this Yorkshire Dales walk.

Yorkshire Dales walks: Grimwith Reservoir

With sailing boats and rolling hills, Grimwith is a simple yet lovely walk around one of Yorkshire’s many reservoirs. Located very close to Grassingtont the route is perfect for any ability and is pram friendly despite some steep inclines.

The total distance is 7.2km, so a fair walk but a really steady and beautiful route, bursting with nature and sweeping moorland views.

Grassington to Burnsall

This walk combines two of the Dales’ most picturesque villages. Starting in Grassingotn famous for its appearance in All Creatures Great and Small, the route follows the River Wharfe down to Burnsall, passing Linton Falls and Loup Scar.

Once you’ve made it to Burnsall, there are plenty of gorgeous pubs where you can enjoy a pint of something local. The walk then takes you back around Hebden to where you began in Grassington.

It’s not overly difficult in terms of terrain, but just over 10 kilometres of some really incredible nature and very typical Dales villages. Make sure to stop by Old School Tea Rooms for the best slice of cake you may ever try.

Yorkshire Dales walks: Malham Tarn

Malham Tarn is England’s highest lime-rich lake, making a beautiful walk right in the middle of the moorland. With breathtaking views and plenty of history, this 7km walk is one of our favourites and most unique in the Yorkshire Dales.

Keep your eyes peeled for otters, unique plants and even white-clawed crayfish! With Malham Village only 3 miles away its a great spot to stop afterwards for any refreshments.

Valley of Desolation and Simon’s Seat

The Valley of Desolation, named after an almighty storm that destroyed the valley in 1826, links the River Wharfe to Barden Fell, continuing onto the peak of Simon’s Seat at 485m high.

It’s a really beautiful walk found on the Bolton Abbey Estate and features everything from desolate moors, the lush Strid Wood and a striking waterfall. Just under 8km, it should take around 2 hours. Be aware that the parts of the route may be closed on certain dates for shooting.

Yorkshire Dales walks: Yockenthwaite to Buckden

Back alongside the River Wharfe, this 11-kilometre route starts from the small hamlet of Yockenthwaite, home to one of the most iconic pack horse bridges in the Yorkshire Dales.

Start the walk off with a short climb up a hillside, where you can soak up the views of the Langstrothdale Valley meeting Wharfedale. The path then follows to Buckden, visiting some very typical Dales hamlets along the way. Make sure you stop off at The George Inn in Hubberholme when passing!