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.
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. Visit the quarries opposite as part of the walk.
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.
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.
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.
From Kilnsey head through limestone scenery (including the Dib and Pie) before emerging in Mossdale. A circular visits other remote and interesting sights.
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.
A walk through excellent limestone scenery between Aysgarth Falls and Askrigg, returning via the River Ure.
11.5 miles
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.
Full Details of the Walk
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.
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.
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!
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
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!!
Its an excellent walk I agree https://where2walk.co.uk/walk/walk-in-upper-nidderdale/
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.
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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