20 Hidden Gems-Walks

I love walking away from the crowds, exploring by myself and finding some ‘Hidden Gems’-Walks. Avoid Malham and Horton, the central spine of the Lakes and the Yorkshire Coast and there are some absolute crackers just waiting for you to discover.

You may not see a soul all day on these walks and if you do they will be few and far between. However one thing you will know about anyone you see…they have taste.

Normally I would list only a Top 10 but there are so many I enjoy it has to go to 20!

20. Blea Rigg from Langdale, Lake District

A myriad of sheep tracks will lead you astray on this pretty part of the central Lake District. Watch the hordes everywhere except where you are.

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19. The Lead mines on Grassington Moor

Above Grassington lies some pretty moors where man used to work but now is left for birds, grouse and the lonely walker.

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18. The ‘Other’ Borrowdale

Between the A6 and the M6 near Shap lies a hidden valley, rarely visited and enclosed by some attractive grassy ridges.

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17. The Backside of Whernside

Even popular fells have their quieter approaches. Approach Whernside from Dent, past the tarns and discover Deepdale.

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16. Dry Valleys of Thixendale

You may never have even visited the Yorkshire Wolds let alone walked the dry chalk valleys of the area. Try it.

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15. Kentmere & Troutbeck, Lake District

An unusual and very enjoyable circuit links these two contrasting valleys that lie under the popular Kentmere Round.

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14. Twisleton Scar near Ribblehead, Yorkshire Dales

Limestone characterises the southern Yorkshire Dales and nowhere is it better showcased than on the western slopes of Whernside.

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13. High Moors over Carlton, North York Moors

The moors in this part of the world have a unique quality and are particularly memorable in spring and autumn.

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12. Dufton Pike, Pennines

Off the beaten track but a must visit for any serious walker, the shapely peak of Dufton Pike catches the eye from miles around.

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11. Rannerdale Knotts, Lake District

Gorgeous in late Spring but peaceful anytime is the valley of Rannerdale and the pretty summit ridge of Rannerdale Knotts.

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10. The Remote North, Lake District

North of the crowds heading up Skiddaw and Blencathra lies an area of rolling fells much beloved by Chris Bonnington.

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9. Coverdale and the River Walden, Yorkshire Dales

I always like crossing between  valleys and these two dales lie to the south of Wensleydale, a peaceful escape from the world outside.

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8. Rosedale Explorer, North York Moors

The best of the North York Moors can be explored from Rosedale Abbey, moors, valleys and cute cafes offer a walk of great variety.

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7. Mellbreak and Crummock Water, Lake District

Standing isolated on the shores of Crummock Water, Mellbreak has excellent views all down the Buttermere Valley.

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6. Ancient Castles of Mallerstang, Pennines

2 easily explored ruins of ancient castles, the source of the Eden all lie under the gaze of an excellent mountain, Wild Boar Fell.

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5. Yarlside in the Howgills

The Howgills offer some perfect walking and although any walk here is good, Yarlside and Randygill Top are the best.

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4. Great Knoutberry in Upper Dentdale

Viaducts, moorland, a Dales 30 mountain and the highest station in England all combine for this special and rarely visited area.

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3. Woodland Fell & Beacon Tarn, Lake District

The area characterises all that makes the Lakes special, rocky knolls, bracken filled hollows and one of my favourite tarns.

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2. Discover the Upper Esk, Lake District

I ‘discovered’ the Upper Esk on a warm summer’s day, what a place to camp in simply stunning surroundings.

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1, Hidden Valleys of Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales

Littondale and Langstrothdale may not be well known but they are full of character and the crossings that link them are memorable.

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If you want to find some more hidden gems have a look at these sections of the website.

Lake District: Away from the Crowds

Yorkshire Dales: Down Dales, Over Moors

Enjoy your walking

Jonathan

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