The Yorkshire Dales, a sprawling national park in northern England, is a paradise for walkers and nature enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, rugged limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages, the Dales offer some of the most picturesque hiking experiences in the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone in this stunning region. Here are some of the top scenic hikes in the Yorkshire Dales, highlighting the most beautiful trails and what to expect along the way.
1. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circuit
Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss
One of the most iconic hikes in the Yorkshire Dales is the Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circuit. Starting from the picturesque village of Malham, this circular route takes you through some of the most dramatic limestone landscapes in the Dales.
The hike begins with a gentle climb towards Malham Cove, a massive limestone formation with a sheer cliff face. The cove is particularly famous for its natural amphitheater and the stunning limestone pavement at the top, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This area was even featured in the “Harry Potter” films, adding a touch of cinematic magic to your walk.
From Malham Cove, the route continues towards Gordale Scar, a hidden gorge with towering cliffs. The scramble up the waterfall within the scar is a thrilling experience, though it requires care, especially in wet conditions. After Gordale Scar, the trail leads to Janet’s Foss, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush woodland, said to be the home of a water nymph in local folklore. The circuit concludes with a return to Malham village, where you can relax in one of the local pubs.
2. Ingleborough from Clapham
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highlights: Ingleborough Summit, Gaping Gill, Trow Gill
Ingleborough is one of the famous Three Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales, and the hike to its summit from the village of Clapham is a classic route. This hike combines natural beauty with geological wonders, making it a must-do for those who love both scenery and a bit of a challenge.
The walk begins in Clapham, a charming village with cobbled streets and stone cottages. The route ascends gently through the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, passing by the impressive Trow Gill, a narrow limestone gorge. Soon after, you’ll reach Gaping Gill, one of the largest underground chambers in the UK, where you can witness the Fell Beck stream plunging into the cavern below.
The final ascent to Ingleborough’s summit is steep but rewarding. At 723 meters, the summit offers spectacular views over the Dales and beyond, with the Lake District visible on clear days. The plateau-like top of Ingleborough, covered in distinctive limestone pavement, provides a unique landscape to explore before descending back to Clapham.
3. Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton Walk
Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Aysgarth Falls, Castle Bolton, Wensleydale
This scenic walk in Wensleydale is perfect for those who prefer a less strenuous hike but still want to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Dales. The Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton Walk combines natural beauty with historical interest, making it a well-rounded day out.
The walk begins at Aysgarth Falls, a series of three waterfalls on the River Ure. The falls are renowned for their beauty and have been featured in films like “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” The path along the river offers several viewpoints, each providing a different perspective of the cascading water.
From the falls, the route takes you through peaceful woodlands and across open fields, offering lovely views of the surrounding countryside. The walk leads to Castle Bolton, a well-preserved medieval fortress where Mary, Queen of Scots, was once imprisoned. The castle, with its commanding position overlooking Wensleydale, adds a sense of history to the hike.
After exploring the castle, the trail loops back towards Aysgarth, passing through more beautiful Dales scenery. This walk is particularly lovely in spring when the woodlands are carpeted with bluebells.
4. Pen-y-ghent from Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Pen-y-ghent Summit, Limestone Scenery, The Three Peaks
Pen-y-ghent is another of the Yorkshire Dales’ famous Three Peaks, and the hike from Horton-in-Ribblesdale is a popular route to its summit. This walk is a favorite among those tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, but it’s also a rewarding hike on its own.
Starting from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, the route initially follows the Pennine Way, the famous long-distance trail that stretches from Derbyshire to Scotland. The path ascends gradually, offering increasingly impressive views of the surrounding Dales as you gain height.
The final push to the summit of Pen-y-ghent is steep and involves a bit of scrambling, but the effort is well worth it. At the top, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views, encompassing the Ribble Valley, the other Two Peaks (Ingleborough and Whernside), and on clear days, even the distant Pennines. The descent offers more beautiful scenery as the trail loops back towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
5. Muker to Keld via Swaledale
Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Swaledale, Traditional Stone Barns, River Swale
Swaledale is often considered the most picturesque of all the Dales, and the walk from Muker to Keld captures the essence of its beauty. This hike is relatively gentle, making it suitable for most walkers, yet it offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales.
The walk begins in the quaint village of Muker, known for its traditional stone barns and flower-filled meadows. The route follows the River Swale, meandering through the heart of Swaledale. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush meadows, cross ancient stone bridges, and enjoy views of the surrounding hills, which are dotted with dry-stone walls.
The village of Keld marks the halfway point of the walk. Keld is a charming hamlet known for its waterfalls and historic buildings. From Keld, the route continues back towards Muker, either by retracing your steps along the river or by taking a slightly higher path that offers different views of the valley.
This walk is particularly beautiful in late spring and early summer when the meadows are in full bloom, showcasing a vibrant display of wildflowers.
6. The Settle Loop
Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Limestone Pavements, Craven Fault, Panoramic Views
The Settle Loop is a versatile trail that showcases some of the best features of the Yorkshire Dales landscape. Starting and ending in the market town of Settle, this loop takes you through a variety of terrains, including limestone pavements, open moorland, and lush valleys.
The route begins with a climb up to the limestone crags above Settle, where you can see the dramatic Craven Fault, a geological feature that marks the boundary between the Dales and the Bowland Fells. The path then follows part of the Pennine Bridleway, offering expansive views over the surrounding countryside.
As the trail continues, you’ll traverse open moorland, with the distinctive flat-topped peak of Ingleborough visible in the distance. The descent back into Settle is gradual, passing through scenic farmland and offering more opportunities to admire the classic Dales scenery.
The Settle Loop is well-marked and provides a rewarding day’s walk, with a good mix of natural beauty and challenging terrain.
Conclusion
The Yorkshire Dales are a treasure trove of scenic hikes, each offering a unique experience of this beautiful region. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic limestone landscapes, the tranquil riverside walks, or the challenge of climbing one of the Three Peaks, there’s a trail in the Dales that will captivate you. These six hikes represent just a fraction of what the Yorkshire Dales have to offer, making this national park a must-visit destination for walkers of all levels.