Walks Through History

The Yorkshire Dales has a fascinating history; both in the landscape that has been created and the people who have worked it. Although any walk in the Yorkshire Dales includes examples of the fascinating geology of the area I have selected the more striking examples to reflect the physical influence of millenniums of upheavel to place in this category.

However it is the energies and graft of those who have made a living out of this harsh landscape which make its history so fascinating. I have included many walks which travel through the splendid castles and abbeys of the area as well as the ancient mine workings which scatter the landscape (making a particular mark in Swaledale) and which so dominated peoples lives in the last 500 or so years.

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History in Gunnerside Gill

The history of the Yorkshire Dales and Swaledale in particular can be best seen in Gunnerside Gill. The old workings are prominent on the walk and characterise each step. It is a walk with a difference.

Austwick and Crummackdale

If I was ever asked to summarise the Dales landscape at its best then I would describe the Austwick and Crummackdale walk. It is a geological lesson come alive.

A walk up Great Knoutberry Hill

Upper Dentdale and a climb up Great Knoutberry offers one of my favourite walks in the Yorkshire Dales. It combines great views from the lovely summit of Great Knoutberry Hill with the engineering master class of Arten Gill viaduct.

Ingleborough from Clapham

The climb of Ingleborough from Clapham one of the finest walks in the Yorkshire Dales. The ascent is full of interest and the descent takes you through some of the finest limestone pavements around.

Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey is the best preserved abbey in the area. The walk goes through the abbey ruins and in to the grounds. The walk passes an excellent cafe before heading in to Studley Park.

Climb Great Pinseat

There is no better walk to understand the effect of industry and mining on the Swaledale landscape than to climb Great Pinseat. The barren moonscape near its summit is fascinating.

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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.

Settle and the River Ribble

There are a number of lovely villages near Settle and the River Ribble. There are also two excellent waterfalls, dramatic limestone scenery and isolated farms on the higher sections of the walk.

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.

A walk in Upper Nidderdale

Upper Nidderdale is a remote part of the Yorkshire Dales. Physically transformed when the reservoirs were built the walk passes over wild moors, through isolated farmsteads. However they are all on excellent tracks.

Walking through Limestone

Walking through the limestone above Conistone is exceptionally enjoyable. The limestone creates a unique (in this country) backdrop to the walk. As a result take your time and explore the areas off path.

Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn

The classic walk in Malham visits Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn. The walk finishes by climbing down the stone steps alongside Malham Cove, surely the best recognized site in The Yorkshire Dales.

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