The Best Views in the Yorkshire Dales are not the obvious ones. Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Abbey are lovely but are far too popular, over photographed and lack that element of surprise. My favourites involve a little walking (obviously) but the views make it all worthwhile. Take a look.
These are the 6 (it used to be 5!) best views in the Yorkshire Dales in my opinion. They are unusual, reflect the area and have that Wow factor.
Whernside is the highest mountain in Yorkshire. It is regularly climbed from Ribblehead and as part of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge. However the best way of climbing Whernside (and finding the views) is not via the traditional route but from Dent to the west. Alternatively on the climb from Ribblehead do not take the stile but continue on the bridleway to Dentdale. At the Boot on the Wold turn up hill.
The best view comes before you meet the first of the Three Tarns. Turn right on a faint track leading to a tall cairn. The views down Dentdale are superb. The U shaped dale is wonderfully symmetrical surrounded by impressive fells. Aye Gill Pie on the right does not make the magic 2000 feet but Crag Hill to the left does and the Howgills in the distance have a number of the Dales 30 mountains in their undervalued range.
The walk up Whernside from Dent is described here. However this view can also be found from Whernside by extending the traditional climb by not crossing the stile and continuing on the bridleway towards Dent.
Littondale has always been my favourite dale. It is no surprise that many TV companies use the dale for their film locations. The latest is the James Herriot TV series. Littondale is rarely busy as there are no ‘popular’, over promoted hikes, and no waterfalls to entice the visitor. It is simply peaceful and serene, a place to lose yourself in nostalgia and tradition. Practically there are plenty of dry stone walls, sheep and three of the most lovely villages in the Dales.
One of 5 best views in the Yorkshire Dales appears at the head of the dale, on the track that leads in to the hamlet of Halton Gill from Yockenthwaite. The view looks down Littondale towards Darnbrook Fell with the River Skirfare and Halton Gill in the foreground.
Rather than just park and walk up the bridleway above Halton Gill I strongly suggest to visitors spend time and take this 10 mile walk. As well as having one of the best views it is my favourite walk in the Yorkshire Dales. There is another excellent view on the walk out of Litton (the village) looking back over the attractive village and picture postcard scenery.
The walk details to find this view are here
On the eastern slopes of Ingleborough lie the best preserved limestone pavements in England. The pavements are quite extensive, a sea (which of course it was) of light grey rock stretching many miles. Little walked paths wind their way through these pavements, pretty routes of short grass making the most of the pleasant underfoot terrain.
The best of the lot, with the iconic view, is a short section of the Dales High Way between Long Scar and Nick Pot, around 800m long. Half way along the path rises a little above the pavements to the east and the sea of limestone seems to stretch all the way to Pen-y-Ghent in the distance. All that interrupts the view are two Hawthorn trees in the midst of the rock. It is a perfect spot.
The path with the best views in this wonderful area of limestone pavements can be found on two walks: the climb of Ingleborough and an exploration of Crummackdale.
It takes a long time to drive to Upper Swaledale but it is worth every mile. Kisdon Hill forms a solid block of hillside surrounded by steep sides and to the east the embryonic River Swale. It is a quiet place and makes for some excellent walking. To the north and west is the village of Keld and above Park House which has surely the best view of any house in England. A Public Right of Way nearby means no trespassing is needed!
Another fine view is at nearby Muker where the Hay Meadows of the Dales are at their best. Best seen in June when the wild flowers of the meadows are at their best they can be accessed on the path from Muker church between the village and the river.
The walk through Upper Swaledale is described here
Strictly this view is in the Cumbrian (not Yorkshire) Dales but as it is all part of the Yorkshire National Park it will do! The Howgills are an undervalued area for walking. If you do not know them, go and visit.
The best views of Cautley Spout is to climb the steep slopes of Yarlside from the Cross Keys temperance pub. The views across to the waterfalls are quite superb from the Yarlside climb, the highest cascade (multi drop) waterfall in England. From Yarlside you can see in to the depths of the waterfall with the slopes of the Calf above.
For those who cannot face the steep climb of Yarlside the track on the valley floor also yields excellent views of the waterfalls.
The climb of Yarlside to discover these views is here
North of Hebden, Hebden Beck typifies the scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. The river itself is squeezed tightly between the wild moors, However what makes the views stand out and makes it interesting are the historic remains of the old lead mining industry which so dominated this part of the Dales.
The photo summarises the Yorkshire Dales for me, particularly at this point where it is taken. The mining remains of Swaledale are more obvious than here in Wharfedale but the track combines the natural beauty of the Dales with its heritage rather better. It is also much quieter than expected; the crowds either head to the industrial remains from Yarnbury or get no further than Hole Bottom.
Find the View
The track alongside Hebden Beck
The area to the east of Long Preston has some outstanding views, particularly on the 8 Stiles walk. Here the view back from the path above Long Preston Beck is a perfect scene, quintessentially English. Re-position this meeting of rivers near Malham and it would be heaving with visitors.
Enjoy your Walking and discover your own favourite view.
Jonathan
Thanks for the constant inspiration. I’m planning a holiday in the Yorkshire Dales next year. Where do you recommend being based? Cottage in a village with a pub for preference! Thank you.
Looking forward to more scenic views and walks.
Inspiring me to go and do Cautley Spout now.
Great idea to share your local knowlege – gives us some inspiration too! Like you mention the Long Preston – I am always like the view down Langber Lane heading towards (Otterburn eventually) before you get to the Bunk House down that lane. Its like a hidden mini dale!
Lovely idea to share your favourite views. After all, that’s what it’s all about, and sometimes we forget to stop and look. I’m going to take a visiting friend to one of your suggested walks. Thank you for the inspiration.
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