The 20 Best Walks in the Yorkshire Dales

January 13, 2023

I have listed the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales. If you complete all these walks you will, without doubt, have a full and proper knowledge of the Yorkshire Dales (or Dales as I prefer it to be called as it includes a couple of walks in the the Cumbrian Dales).

The list of the best walks in the Dales is my list and I have counted down from number 20 to my own personal favourite. One thing I have done is not include the very few walks which are too crowded at present (I just wish the local authorities and TV/media would do the same). This is therefore a proper list, not a populist one.

20. Great Knoutberry Hill in Upper Dentdale

6.5 miles

A pretty mountain accessed via the dramatic viaduct at Artengill. The contrasting descent passes through some rough moorland before hitting a remote road.

Arten Gill Viaduct
Arten Gill Viaduct

Full Walk Details

19. Historic Villages near Settle

7 miles

I probably know this walk better than any! Pretty Yorkshire villages along the Ribble combine with a higher walk through dramatic limestone scenery.

Attermire Scar near Settle
Attermire Scar near Settle

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18. High Moors over Masham

10.5 miles

A long walk that takes in some classical moorland walking and great views down Nidderdale. Return to the pretty market town of Masham.

The Shooting Lodge above the Nidd
The Shooting Lodge above the Nidd

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17. Ribblehead on the Settle to Carlisle Railway

5 miles

Visit the spectacular viaduct at Ribblehead and continue on to Blea Head Tunnel following the lower slopes of Whernside, the highest mountain in Yorkshire. Visit the quarries opposite as part of the walk.

Ribblehead
Ribblehead

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16. Fremington Edge

8 miles

Many of the best walks start by rising to a good viewpoint and ridge and returning through an attractive and typical Yorkshire dale. This does both, along Fremington Edge, returning via Arkengarthdale.

Arkengarthdale

Full Walk Details

15. Whernside from Dent

9 1/2 miles

Two great benefits to this approach to the highest mountain in Yorkshire. Primarily it is quiet with wonderful surprises such as the 3 Tarns but it also explores Deepdale and Dentdale.

One of the 3 Tarns of Whernside

Full Walk Details

14. The Gallops of Middleham

5 miles

A walk with a difference with the main danger being trampled by the sleek racehorses of Middleham stables. The castle and cobbled streets make up this best of all Dales villages.

Middleham Castle
Middleham Castle

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13. Classic Wharfedale from Conistone

6.5 miles

From Kilnsey head through limestone scenery (including the Dib and Pie) before emerging in Mossdale. A circular visits other remote and interesting sights.

Conistone Dib

Full Walk Details

12. Embsay Reservoir and Embsay Crag

3.5 miles

Anyone staying in or near Skipton should complete this short walk to the fine viewpoint of Embsay Crag, lording it above the popular reservoir of that name.

Embsay Crag
Embsay Crag

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11. Middleham to Masham, One Way

11 miles

A walk between 2 fine Dales settlements alongside the River Ure. The use of the bus in this case improves the walk considerably, avoiding any repetition of scenery.

River Ure near Jervaulx Abbey
River Ure near Jervaulx Abbey

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10. Askrigg, Aysgarth and Herriott Country

A walk through excellent limestone scenery between Aysgarth Falls and Askrigg, returning via the River Ure.

11.5 miles

Dry stone walls near Askrigg
Dry stone walls near Askrigg

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9. Barbondale and Calf Top

10 miles

A walk starting and finishing at Barbon village. The climb up Calf Top is straightforward, the views outstanding on the wide grassy ridge whilst the return along Barbondale is a delight.

Barbondale

Full Details of the Walk

8. Ancient Castles of Mallerstang

7.5 miles

The source of the River Eden in Mallerstang provides the backdrop for an interesting walk amongst ruined castles and isolated farms. If you have not visited Mallerstang, do.

Lammerside Castle
Lammerside Castle

Full Walk Details

7. Austwick and Crummackdale

7 miles

The Western Dales is famous for its limestone scenery and glacial remains and this walk offers examples of pavements, scars and the famous Norber Erratics.

Moughton Scar, Crummackdale
Moughton Scar, Crummackdale

Full Walk Details

6. Buckden Pike

5.5 miles

One of the ‘Dales 30‘ mountains and my own personal favourite. The summit area is full of interest and the villages and pubs in Upper Wharfedale very good!

Summit of Buckden Pike
Summit of Buckden Pike

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5. History in Gunnerside Gill

8 miles

To understand the industrial history of the Dales take this walk up Gunnerside Gill through the remains of the lead mines. returning via the high plateau above.

Near Surrender Bridge
Near Surrender Bridge

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4. Lonely Howgills:

10.5 miles

I always enjoying striding out on high ridges which provides easy walking on soft turf; there is nowhere better than taking to the Howgills above Sedbergh.

On the Howgills
On the Howgills

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3. Kisdon Hill & the River Swale:

7.5 miles

Upper Swaledale is a lovely place for a walk, picture perfect villages surround the steep sided (but not high) Kisdon Hill. The return is via the embryonic River Swale.

Keld
Keld

Full Walk Details

2. Ingleborough via Gaping Gill

9 miles

My favourite route up any mountain in the Dales. It is unusual in that for 1/2 the walk there is no sense of climbing the mountain, there is so much else to enjoy.

Ingleborough from Little Ingleborough
Ingleborough from Little Ingleborough

Full Walk Details

1. Hidden Valleys of Wharfedale

11 miles

I love this walk and I have repeated it many times. Combining lovely Littondale with good tracks over the intervening grassy ridge to Langstrothdale offers the best of the Dales.

Above Litton
Above Litton

Full Walk Details

Enjoy the Best Walks in the Yorkshire Dales!

Jonathan

For a full list of all my ‘Best of…’ blogs please follow this link

4 Comments
  • Ian Walker says:

    How can this list not contain the Upper Nidderdale walk that includes Middlesmoor, Scar House Dam and Lofthouse. The view from Middlesmoor churchyard alone should put it in the top ten!!

  • Jenny Chapin says:

    I haven’t been back to the Dales – from Vermont, US – since 2019 thanks to Covid (and now all the craziness of flights getting delayed/canceled), but it is an absolute treat to look at your photos and picture myself back there soon, maybe 2024. Such a beautiful part of the world, thank you for sharing it with us.

  • Dan Walters says:

    Great selection of walks there Jonathan. I wouldn’t disagree with any. My favourite place is the end of Swaledale by far. Can’t go wrong with Gunnerside and Kisdon force. Thanks for sharing.

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