Dales 30. The Perfect Challenge.

The ‘Dales 30’ are the mountains in the Yorkshire Dales National Park over 2,000 feet with a 30 metre drop on all sides (100 foot when all said and done).

The Full List of Mountains is Here.

The New Dales 30 Website is Here

Buy the Guide Book Here

In 2026 everything about the Dales 30 has been collated on to a new website, extra information on each mountain, the routes (there is rarely just one), new photos and a section where you can add to your own Personal Journey. There is an even a section on ‘what to do next!’

Over the past few years increasing numbers of people are taking up the challenge of climbing these mountains, I know this from the number of Guide Books books that are selling, a rough and ready guide. The faint paths leading to the lesser known Sails on Lunds Fell in Mallerstang and Dodd Fell Hill above Hawes may also reflect their growing popularity.

10 Reasons to Join the Challenge

1. “The challenge of 30 mountains is an achievable task“

There are 100’s of Wainwrights and Munros making it over facing and impractical for the average walker. Not only is 30 achievable but most (but not all) are relatively straightforward to climb.

It can be a challenge for anyone; younger couples, families or just someone looking for the ‘next thing’.

2. “The Yorkshire Dales National Park is easy to get to from many of the large population centres.”

Really anyone north of the M62! It is barely an hour from Manchester, Leeds and Teesside and little further from the rest of the North East and most of Yorkshire and Merseyside. There is much beauty close to home.

3. “The mountains sit in a lovely and often neglected part of the country.”

Most of the mountains lie in Yorkshire, including the famous 3 Peaks of Whernside, Pen y Ghent and Ingleborough. However 8 lie in in Cumbria and Gragareth sits proudly as the highest mountain in Lancashire. Most of the Dales are empty.

4. “The mountains will take you to some of the least visited part of the Dales.“

Four of the Dales 30 lie in the lovely valley of Mallerstang, another in much neglected Dentdale and the Howgill Fells from Sedbergh should always be more than a day visit. Take a weekend walking trip to all of these places to really get under their skin and gain a better understanding of these traditional working landscapes.

5. “Each mountain is very different. I have visited these summits many times and each has its own distinctive characteristic.”

The vast bulk of Baugh Fell contrasts with the neat summit of Great Knoutberry. The long ridges on Birks and Calf Top contrast with the more isolated summits of Buckden Pike and Fountains Fell. The exposed limestone of Pen-y-Ghent contrasts with the heavy peat moors on Rogan’s Seat.

6. “There is always a good cafe or pub waiting.”

The pubs and cafes tend to be less crowded than the nearby Lake District and most retain and often show case the traditional character of the Dales. Nothing wrong with finishing a walk with a mug of Yorkshire Tea or in my case a tasty pint of bitter.

7. “The mountains are accessible for all.”

My friend Debbie North is tackling them in her terrain hopper wheelchair. She has done 6 so far and the less steep slopes make many more are possible. Her own story of climbing the Dales 30 is elsewhere on the website.

8. “An understanding of and learning more about the Dales.“

The Dales has its own distinctive character, unique in Britain. Walking the mountains has always made me want to know more, more about the history, the geology and man’s influence. The importance of its industrial past is everywhere as are the incomparable stone walls and barns of the fell side. In addition present land practices are all to see (and understand).

9. “Learning how to navigate in some tough terrain.”

A skill you will need to learn if completing all 30 mountains. The rough, sometimes trackless terrain in the lesser visited mountains do require good map and compass skills, particularly so if the mist descends. Learning to navigate is a really satisfying skill to learn and will bring much more enjoyment and confidence to any walks.

10. “Visiting at different times of the year.”

The enjoyment of climbing the Dales 30 is much improved if you visit them at all times of the year (and in all weathers). Winter is obviously tougher but can be much more rewarding, as can a breezy Spring day.

I have a passion for the mountains of the Dales and hope the challenge will bring many more happy and interested visitors in to the less popular areas of the Dales. The businesses need it!

Enjoy your Walking

Jonathan

PS: I run a number of ‘Dales 30′ weekenders during the year. These are two days walking with a small but like minded group of people up some of the more challenging mountains.