10 Best Walks In The Yorkshire Dales, England

1. Ilkley Moor and the 12 Apostles

Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire is home to an incredible stone circle which dates back to the Bronze Age. Known as the 12 Apostles, the circle is the highlight of a walking route that takes around two and a half hours. As well as the chance to see the stones up close, this walk also allows you to see Ilkley Moor in all of its glory, admiring the rugged beauty of the entire area throughout your journey.

Ilkley Moor

Website: Ilkley Moor

2. Buckden Pike

The Buckden Pike walk is considered to be strenuous, but there’s no doubt that the effort is absolutely worth it. The route offers the chance to delight in the views from atop the Buckden Pike itself, along with numerous highlights along the way, including a ruined building, an old lead mine, the Polish War Memorial, and amazing views of the entire area.

The total distance of the recommended hike is 8 miles (12.9 kilometres) and it’s advised to be cautious of the potential slippery patches of mud along the route, especially during the winter months.

Buckden Pike

Website: Buckden Pike

3. Hudswell Woods

The Hudswell Woods can be visited as part of a larger walking route, which is usually referred to as the Round Howe and Billy Banks Woods Trail. Located in the Yorkshire Dales and rated as moderate, covering the 1.4 miles (2.2 kilometres) of the walk takes up to two hours, depending on pace, and incorporates amazing views of Hudswell Woods themselves, as well as stunning scenery, views of Richmond, and even multiple picnic spots along the way.

Hudswell Woods

Website: Hudswell Woods

4. Scarth Wood Moor Loop to Mt. Grace Priory

The Scarth Wood Moor Loop will always return right back to where you began – though with a number of new, wonderful memories to cherish. The standard route takes in a range of features, including a reservoir and incredible natural views, but can be enhanced further by a detour to Mount Grace Priory – a ruined Carthusian monastery from the 14th century.

After exploring the fairly well-preserved ruins, you can rejoin the Scarth Wood Moor Loop and enjoy finishing the walk.

Scarth Wood Moor Loop to Mt. Grace Priory

Website: Scarth Wood Moor Loop to Mt. Grace Priory

5. Malham Village to Janet's Foss

The Malham Village to Janet’s Foss walking route in the Yorkshire Dales is 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) in length, covering beautiful scenery, sweeping views, and then concluding before a natural treasure that is a real sight to behold. Starting in Malham Village, the route – which is rated as ‘easy’ – winds through beautiful fields and woods before culminating at Janet’s Foss – a small but undeniably impressive waterfall.

Malham Village to Janet's Foss

Website: Malham Village to Janet’s Foss

6. Hawes to Sedbusk

Hawes to Sedbusk is a fantastic walking route that is located in the Yorkshire Dales. Starting in the town of Hawes, you can follow the route to the hamlet of Sedbusk in order to enjoy see the sweeping countryside at its very best. There are also ample opportunities for birdwatching along the way and if you’re hoping to take your dog along, you should find that much of the route is more than manageable – though be prepared for a stile or two.

Hawes to Sedbusk

Website: Hawes to Sedbusk

7. Ingleborough

The stunning mountain of Ingleborough is the second-highest in the Yorkshire Dales and can be visited via a number of different walking routes. One of the most popular choices is what is known as the Ingleborough Circular, which starts and concludes at Old Hill Inn pub. This route is 5 miles (8 kilometres) in length and includes the chance to reach the summit of Ingleborough, while also admiring the views – including out towards Morecambe Bay – along the way.

Ingleborough

Website: Ingleborough

8. Aysgarth Falls

Aysgarth Falls are an incredibly picturesque set of waterfalls located close to the village of Aysgarth in the Yorkshire Dales. Incredibly popular with visitors, the Aysgarth Falls Circular provides the chance to visit this stunning geological formation, as well as a visit to the ruins of the nearby Bolton Castle.

The route is 6.8 miles (10.8 kilometres) in length and involves the need to walk uphill along the way, with a total height climbed of 820 feet (215 metres).

Aysgarth Falls

Website: Aysgarth Falls

9. Malham Tarn

The Malham Tarn walk in the Yorkshire Dales offers a chance to see and appreciate a range of fascinating natural wonders. The walk, which is 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometres) in length, includes following the Pennine Way for part of the route, as well as passing through woodlands and meadows. You’ll be able to delight in a variety of different wild animals and beautiful plants and flowers during your time on the walk, as well as views over the spectacular Malham Tarn Lake itself.

Malham Tarn

Website: Malham Tarn

10. Beningbrough Parkland Walk

Beningbrough Parkland Walk – which is sometimes referred to as the Beningbrough River Walk - is a circular walking route of 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometres). The walk is rated as moderate and commences – and concludes – at Beningbrough Hall. From the starting point, you will be able to explore the beautiful verdant landscape, crossing through the woods and alongside the river, as well as the impressive architecture of the Victorian Water Tower as you pass by.

Beningbrough Parkland Walk

Website: Beningbrough Parkland Walk

Marvel at the moors and delight in the Dales

The experience of hiking in the Yorkshire Dales will be good for your soul and good for your health, but just as importantly it is a treat for the eyes at every turn. This part of the world feels a world away from the cities of Yorkshire, like Leeds and Sheffield – but it is every bit as much a part of this exceptional county. If your holiday takes you to the area, or even to Yorkshire at all, you should find time to get to the Dales for a walk – the above examples show what awaits you when you do and it is well worth taking the time.