The Yorkshire Dales has a rich and wonderful history. Complete these 10 walks and educate yourself on the history and ever changing nature of the area. Getting on the ground will give you a much better idea of what makes the Dales special than any TV show or tik tok video. Enjoy these Walks through History.
I have not ordered the 10 walks in any particular way but they do have a mix of physical and human history to them. Aside from the education they are also damn good walks!
The ruins of two medieval castles sit in the valley of Mallerstang reflecting the long history of man in the area. A traditional farming dale.
Lammerside Castle
Full Walk Details
Film locations, a castle, a country house, dry stone walls and barns are some of the historical highlights of Wensleydale.
Typical Dales barn and scenery
The remains of the Lead Mining industry which dominated the valley over two centuries are best seen on this walk in Swaledale.
The Old Gang near Gunnerside
In the 13/14 and 15th century it was the monks from the great abbeys that dominated the Dales. Jervaulx Abbey was one. The walk also includes a magnificent country house reflecting later land ownership. Its also the rivers that have driven land use over the years.
Danby Hall, an English Country House
Sheep farming amongst some of the most stunning limestone scenery that characterise the Dales today. The limestone was used by hill farmers through the ages for walls, barns and making the lime for fertilizer.
Crummackdale and Pen-y-Ghent
Despite limestone being the most recognized ‘image’, most of the Dales is dominated by vast peat moors, controversially used for grouse shooting. The dales themselves house traditional cattle and sheep farms, unspoilt.
A Shooting Lodge above Colsterdale
From ancient to modern in one walk. The magnificent Middleham Castle and Coverham Abbey reflect the history whilst the race horse stables and training gallops reflect modern sport.
Middleham Castle
A second walk reflecting the importance of lead mining in the 18th and 19th centuries. The outdoor signed tour helps understand its importance.
Lead Mines at Yarnbury
The most impressive abbey remains in the Dales is also the most popular. The popularity of tourism is no better shown at Bolton Abbey.
Bolton Abbey
Nidderdale is dominated by three large reservoirs, three of many which characterise the wider Dales area. They are within an area of grouse moors.
Scar House Reservoir
We have a longer list of walks which discover the history of the Dales. Visit our Walks through History web page.
Enjoy your walking
Jonathan
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