The Best Short Walks in the Dales

November 11, 2022

Not the obvious ones!! These the best walks in the Dales (in my humble) opinion that avoid the worst of the crowds on a sunny Saturday. They are spread throughout the Dales are between 3 and 6 miles long with limited uphill walking.

There are links at the foot of the page to the more popular short Dales walks but these ones will, in the main, avoid the crowds. There are 15 walks described below with links to more details on each walk.

1. Ingleborough Nature Reserve

Forget Malham Cove, this is the finest area of limestone in England, all on an easy walk.

Sulber Nick

Walk Details

2. A Wensleydale Highway

Walk between Hawes and Burtesett for a lovely panorama across Wensleydale.

Burtesett

Walk Details

3. A Walk Through Littondale

My favourite dale, this walk is along the valley floor and is so typically Yorkshire Dales it is cute!

Litton

Walk Details

4. The Best of Ribblehead

There will be people walking to the viaduct but this walk visits the quarry, Blea Moor Tunnel and all under the shadow of the highest mountain in Yorkshire.

Blea Moor Station

Walk Details

5. Grass Woods and views over Grassington

Combine some lovely limestone scenery and impressive woodlands, not something the Dales is famous for!

Grass Woods

Walk Details

6. Feizor and Austwick

Two pretty villages are the highlight of this stroll around Crummockdale.

Game Cock, Austwick

Walk Details

7. Askrigg Waterfalls

In the heart of Wensleydale climb to some lovely waterfalls, returning down a track with fine views.

Askrigg

Walk Details

8. Beamsley Beacon

A summit that is easy! Near Bolton Abbey but very peaceful, once up there you will just want to carry on.

Beamsley Beacon

Walk Details

9. Embsay Reservoir and Embsay Crag

Above Skipton the walk to the reservoir is as far as most get…which is a mistake.

Beamsley Crag

Walk Details

10. The Old Gang near Reeth

A little longer but the walk is so easy, on great tracks and through the industrial heritage of the Dales.

The Old Gang

Walk Details

11. Sedbergh and the River Rawthey

A pretty riverside stroll and England’s book town combine together in a leisurely walk full of interest.

Walk Details

12. Thruscross Reservoir

The quietest and most interesting of the 3 reservoirs near Blubberhouses.

Thruscross Reservoir

Walk Details

13. Red Squirrels at Snaizeholme

The best place to view red squirrels which is why it is kept a secret?

Looking for ‘Reds’

Walk Details

14. Muker and beyond

The Upper end of Swaledale is lovely and this short walk showcases the pretty villages and tranquil scene. Make the walk as long or short as you want.

Hay Meadows near Muker

Walk Details

15. Studley Deer Park

Avoid the crowds at Fountain’s Abbey and lose yourself in the vast deer park and the pretty river on its flank.

St Mary’s Church

Walk Details

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