Shorter Walks for All

The Yorkshire Dales is perfect for short walks. The variety of walks in this category are endless; some will visit historical sites such as Castle Bolton or Bolton Abbey, others make their way along the many rivers and steams. They all have lovely views in common and add a little to our understanding of the Dales, its geography and its history.

There is no official classification for these Shorter Walks except that they are less than four and a half miles long and generally keep to a flatter gradient; great for anyone only wanting to be out for a few hours and ideal for families with young children and older couples.

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A Wensleydale Highway

The Wensleydale Highway is a short walk from Hawes to the pretty village of Burtersett. The walk is through farm lanes and fields with great views down Wensleydale. It returns via a quiet road.

A walk through Littondale

There is no more pleasant way to spend the afternoon than a walk through Littondale. The villages, stone barns, walls and winding river make for an interesting walk even if some is alongside a quiet road.

Hay Meadows at Muker

Muker is one of the idyllic small villages that sit at the head of Swaledale. The river flows nearby and the scenery is lovely although during the hay meadow season it is better still. The hay meadows are at their best in May and June.

Airton and Kirkby Malham

Airton and Kirkby Malham are two attractive villages to the south of popular Malham. The walk along the riverside follows the Pennine Way before returning over the farmland to the west.

Middleham Castle and Gallops

Middleham Castle and Gallops offer the backdrop to a lovely walk overlooking Lower Wensleydale. Follow the racehorses as they train before heading down to the River Cover and the return to Middleham.

Ribblehead, a short walk

The Ribblehead viaduct is one of the most impressive engineering projects in England. It is also sat in wonderful scenery and this short Ribblehead walk will do it full justice. The extension to Blea Moor tunnel only adds to it.

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Burton Leonard near Ripon

Burton Leonard near the town of Ripon is a pleasant low level village set within a set of open fields. The walk is not one to travel miles to do but for those living nearby it should not be missed.

Skipton Castle and Woods

The walk through Skipton Castle and Woods is a pleasant way to get a feel for the medieval origins of the town without walking to far. The walk starts in the woods and returns over the fields with good views over Skipton.

Walk to Hardraw Force

The walk to Hardraw Force from Hawes is along the River Ure. The 100 foot waterfall, set in some attractive woodland, make the walk worthwhile. There is a cafe and shop at the entrance to the waterfall (small charge).

The Lands of Bolton Castle

Mary Queen of Scots used to ride through the lands of Bolton Castle when she was being held captive in the 16th century. This short walk offers a flavour of what she must have looked at, a beautiful place.

Ingleborough Cave

The short walk to Ingleborough Cave is best taken through the mixed woodland of Clapdale. The walking is easy. There are plenty of pleasant places to enjoy the view over the lake and information on the trees, shrubbery and bird life.

Kilnsey Crag walk

Explore Kilnsey Crag with this short walk. The crag face is spectacular but there are also good views across the Wharfe above Conistone. Extend the walk by continuing along Mastilles Lane towards Malham.

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