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, a couple sneak in to the Cumbrian Dales).
Completing these 20 will make you want to try more, there is another 150 detailed elsewhere on this website.
The list of the best walks in the Dales is only my opinion but I have counted down from number 20 to my personal favourite. The list includes walks over mountains, shorter walks and those off the beaten track.
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.
Full Walk Details
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.
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.
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.
4.5 miles
The highest and most remote of the 4 Washburn reservoirs this walk makes for an enjoyable circuit experiencing the desolation which a reservoir can bring. Evening views across the water are spectacular.
7 1/2 miles
A popular climb with a rocky spur adding to the ‘mountain’ feel. The walk is much enhanced by following the ridge over Plovers before dropping north on to the Pennine Bridleway.
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.
3 miles
A short walk to the best preserved abbey in the Yorkshire Dales. The grounds of the abbey offer a pleasant stroll which can be increased in length by exploring Studley Deer Park.
11.5 miles
A walk through excellent limestone scenery between Aysgarth Falls and Askrigg, returning via the River Ure.
The Western Dales is famous for its limestone scenery and glacial remains and this walk offers examples of pavements, scars and gritstone erratics.
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.
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.
7.5 miles
Ever popular Malham provides the base for one of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales and including ‘stops’ at Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn, Janet’s Foss and Malham Cove.
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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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy the Best Walks in the Yorkshire Dales!
Jonathan
For a full list of all my ‘Best of…’ blogs please follow this link
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