Riverside Strolls

The Yorkshire Dales may not do lakes but certainly makes up for it with some lovely rivers. Contrasting the serene progress of the main rivers are the faster flowing feeder tributaries; here spectacular waterfalls hold sway in hidden valleys and open mountainside.

Walks in the secondary dales tend to be rougher and may include a return over higher ground but as long as the focus of the walk is a twinkling burn then it is worth it! The main dales usually offer easier walks – often little more than an afternoon stroll but regardless the rivers of the Wharfe, Swale, Ure, Nidd, Eden and Ribble are always captivating.

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Villages of Wharfedale walk

The villages of Wharfedale walk visits Hebden, Burnsall, Linton and Thorpe before returning to Grassington. The walk combines riverside walking with quiet lanes and footpaths with great views across the dale.

Kisdon Fell from Thwaite

The walk starts at Thwaite, a village in Upper Swaledale. From here it climbs steeply up Kisdon Fell before dropping down to Keld. The low level return from Keld follows the embryonic River Swale.

Aysgarth Falls

Aysgarth Falls is a series of three waterfalls (Upper, Mid, Lower) on the River Ure in Wensleydale. The walk along the river is set in pretty woodland. However there are access points to the falls themselves.

Ancient Castles of Mallerstang

The two ancient castles of Mallerstang (Lammerside and Pendragon) offer a focus for an excellent walk along this rarely visited dale. The backdrop of Wild Boar Fell and the embryonic River Eden adds to one of my favourite walks.

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.

Askrigg, Aysgarth & Herriot Country

This walk through Herriot Country from Askrigg to Aysgarth starts on the higher land and returns along the River Ure. It passes through some pleasant limestone scenery with outstanding views across the dale.

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The Beautiful River Nidd

The River Nidd south of Pateley Bridge winds its way slowly through some attractive countryside. Some of the villages still show reminders of the areas industrial heritage.

Cataracts of the Strid

The River Wharfe passes through the cataracts of the Strid up river of Bolton Abbey. It provides a lovely woodland walk that continues up to Barden Bridge on one side of the river. Return on the far bank.

Jervaulx Abbey and the River Ure

An easy walk starts through the grounds of Jervaulx Abbey. The walk then crosses the River Ure and enters the well preserved village of Thornton Stewart. The walk drops back to the River Ure at Danby Hall.

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.

A walk round Malham Tarn

Malham Tarn is the highest lake in England. The circuit does include some road walking on its western side but the eastern shores and walk through the woods are lovely.

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