Looking for Yorkshire Dales walks? Here are some routes we recommend
The best way to see the beautiful Yorkshire Dales is on foot, so whether you’re an experienced walker or not, we’ve got some great routes for you to try!
There are two options of map; OS Explorer has a scale of 1:25 000 and OS Landranger has a scale of 1:50 000. OS Explorer is more zoomed in and offers greater detail and information, but the OS Landranger covers a greater area.
If you’re planning you’re own route, but you’re not sure which map you need, then check out our Ordnance Survey online map finder here!
1. Horse Head Moor and Deepdale
You’ll need to ensure that you’ve got some sturdy walking boots and some good waterproofs if you want to take on this picturesque walk through the Dales. Spanning around 5 and a half miles it’s a good challenge for experienced walkers, but relative newcomers shouldn’t be dissuaded. The walk should take you between two to three hours as you make your way through Horse Head Moor and Deepdale.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Hill
- Distance: 10.05 km | Approx. Time: 3:10 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL30: Yorkshire Dales – Northern & Central areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
2. Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent
Pen-y-Ghent is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ Three Peaks so there are a lot of uphill sections on this anticlockwise route towards Ingleborough, meaning you’ll have to be pretty fit and healthy for this particular walk. It covers close to 19 miles and would take roughly six hours to complete – but at the end of the day, what’s the rush when you get to take in the views of Yorkshire from one of the highest points in the whole county? Just be sure to take your waterproofs in case the weather turns while you’re out!
- Grade: Difficult
- Terrain: Open, Mountain
- Distance: 28.00 km | Approx. Time: 8:55 hours
Maps to purhcase for this route: OS Explorer OL02: Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
3. Hawes to Aysgill Force
There are plenty of steep hills, farm tracks and exposed tree roots along this particularly rural route through the Yorkshire Dales. Starting out at Hawes you’ll have plenty of quintessentially British scenery to take in – and obstacles to climb over and avoid, such as stiles and loose stones. You’ll also be able to visit the Wensleydale Creamery for a sampling tour or the Dales Museum to find out about the history of the area. Hardraw Force, the largest single-drop waterfall in England, is also just off the route. Make sure that you’re looking ahead of you as well as at the beautiful scenery during this 4-mile walk to Aysgill Force.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Hill
- Distance: 5.50 km | Approx. Time: 1:35 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL02: Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
4. Great Whernside from Kettlewell
The upper side of the Wharfedale valley takes in some spectacular parts of the Yorkshire Dales, particularly at the summit of Great Whernside. Covering a distance of 8 miles the route from Great Whernside to Kettlewell might not be one of the longest, but it’s certainly enough to get the blood pumping. A moderate walk across tarmac, gravel and loose earth
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Hill
- Distance: 13.00 km | Approx. Time: 4:10 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL30: Yorkshire Dales – Northern & Central areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
5. Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
If you talk to any experienced walker they’ll tell you that the Three Peaks in the Yorkshire Dales are a must. In terms of challenging terrain and beautiful scenery they don’t come any better in the region, but you’d best come prepared! This walk across the three biggest mountains in the county of Yorkshire covers 24 miles and may take anything up to 14 hours to complete, so be sure to pack your best boots and waterproofs – you don’t want to get caught out by changeable weather.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Mountain
- Distance: 39.00 km | Approx. Time: 12:30 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL02: Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
6. Ingleton Waterfall Trail
Wander through beautiful green woodland and you’ll come across what have been declared as England’s “most spectacular waterfalls.” A must-see for any walker taking in the Dales, the waterfalls of Ingleton are truly a sight to behold. The walk is filled with wonderful sights throughout the 4.5 miles, with plenty to see in addition to the falls and places to stop to grab a bite to eat too – or you could always find a safe spot for a swim to cool off on a hot day!
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, Woodland, Rocky
- Distance: 6.80 km | Approx. Time: 2:20 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL02: Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
7. Settle Round
A relatively easy walk in terms of the terrain and the distance, Settle is still one of the most beautiful parts of the Yorkshire Dales. Visit the impressive Victoria Cave carved naturally out of the limestone rock in the region, an area famous for the discovery of Mammoth bones and Roman remains when it was first discovered. The 10-mile circular route is easy to follow and a great way to blow off the cobwebs.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open, Hill
- Distance: 15.40 km | Approx. Time: 4:40 hours
Maps to purhcase for this route: OS Explorer OL02: Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
8. Grassington Circular
The market town of Grassington is popular with a lot of visitors to the Yorkshire Dales, especially those taking in the circular walking route. Starting off from the town you can head through the market square, bustling with traders on a busy day before heading off into the peace and tranquillity of the Dales. The walk might only be 5 miles long but there is still plenty to take in, including a particularly popular stretch down by the river Wharfe.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, Woodland
- Distance: 7.90 km | Approx. Time: 2:15 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL02: Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can downlaod the route for this walk here.
9. West Burton to Aysgarth Falls and Cauldron Falls Round
A moderate difficulty, 6-mile walk through the Yorkshire Dales sounds like a very tempting proposition doesn’t it? The route from West Burton to Aysgarth Falls and Cauldron Falls Round takes in some tricky, undulating surfaces before levelling out just in time for you to grab a pint at the end! You can also take in Wensleydale and its famous Creamery by going slightly off course (so take a map if you intend to do this), and the picturesque Swaledale before reaching the wonderful falls.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 9.10 km | Approx. Time: 2:40 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL30: Yorkshire Dales – Northern & Central areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
10. Gordale Scar and Malharm Tarn
One of the most breathtaking walks in the Yorkshire Dales but one that should also only be attempted during prolonged spells of good weather. The loose ground near Gordale Scar and on the Malharm Tarn Circuit could prove difficult for walkers even on a clear, sunny day let alone a rainy one; but if you get the best conditions it’s a wonderful experience. You’ll be able to see for miles from Gordale Scar, making the 9-mile, 5-hour walk all worthwhile.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 14.70 km | Approx. Time: 4:10 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL02: Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western areas / OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale
You can download the route for this walk here.
Before setting off on your adventure, ensure you have everything you need! From waterproofs and walking boots, to hydration packs and walking poles, here at Go Outdoors we have everything you need for all your outdoor pursuits.
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