Hiking in the Yorkshire Dales

Our location makes us an ideal base for guests who love nothing more than to slap on a pair of moody walking boots and set off into the wide open countryside for an adventure!

We are located in the Yorkshire Dales national park just outside of Malham and this makes us very popular with walkers and hikers. The famous Pennine Way walking trail is just a few hundred yards from our front door and a casual stroll along the river takes you into the popular destination of Malham where you can join a number of walking trails including Malham Cove, Goredale Scarr or Malham Tarn.

If you prefer something a little more challenging then a scenic 20 minute drive across open country roads with stunning views across the dales will take you into Horton-in-Ribblesdale; best known for being the starting point of the 24 mile Yorkshire three peaks hiking trail which includes Phenyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. This is definitely one for the bucket list if you’re a keen rambler!

The Yorkshire Dales is a paradise for hikers and walkers, offering a wide range of stunning routes that showcase the beauty of the region. Here are some of the best walking routes in the Yorkshire Dales:

1. The Three Peaks Challenge: This is a classic and challenging route that takes you to the summits of three iconic peaks in the Yorkshire Dales – Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The circular route is approximately 24 miles long and can be completed in a single day by experienced hikers. The views from the peaks are breathtaking, making it a popular choice for those looking for a rewarding challenge.

2. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar: This circular walk starts from the picturesque village of Malham and takes you to the impressive Malham Cove, a massive limestone formation. The route then continues to the stunning Gordale Scar, a dramatic gorge with waterfalls. The circular route is around 8 miles long and offers diverse landscapes, including limestone pavement and dry valleys.

3. Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle: This delightful circular walk begins at Aysgarth Falls, a series of impressive waterfalls on the River Ure. From there, the route takes you through scenic countryside and charming villages to Bolton Castle. The castle is a magnificent medieval fortress, and visitors can explore its historical interiors and gardens. The total length of this walk is approximately 6 miles.

4. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail: This well-maintained trail takes you on a circular route passing through several spectacular waterfalls in the Ingleton area. The trail is around 4.5 miles long and offers a relatively easy walk with captivating natural beauty. There is a small fee for access to the trail, which helps with the upkeep of the path and facilities.

5. Swaledale and Arkengarthdale: This longer walk explores the picturesque valleys of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale in the northern Yorkshire Dales. The route takes you through quaint villages, lush meadows, and along the River Swale. The distance can vary depending on the specific route, but there are plenty of options for hikers of all levels.

6. Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside: This circular walk starts from the Ribblehead Viaduct, an impressive Victorian structure on the Settle-Carlisle Railway. The route then takes you to the summit of Whernside, the highest peak in Yorkshire. The views of the viaduct and the surrounding landscape from the summit are magnificent.