8 Best Walks and Hikes in the Yorkshire Dales

Is there any more picturesque place to walk than the Yorkshire Dales? This walker’s paradise features 2,179 square kilometres of green hills, breathtaking views, and astonishing scenery to explore. No matter your mood, the Yorkshire Dales will match it, with wild, windswept vistas, stunning coastlines, and quietly tranquil valleys. Hikes in Yorkshire Dales are varied, ranging from gentle strolls to rugged hikes, but what are the best walks in Yorkshire Dales? Together Travel offers a Yorkshire Dales walking guide, to help you find your favourite. 

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

If you take just one Yorkshire Dales walk, make sure you explore the dramatic limestone formations of Malham Cove, check out Janet’s Foss, an idyllic waterfall by an enchanting, wooded glen, and venture into the stunning ravine of Gordale Scar. A geological wonder formed at the end of the last ice age, Malham Cove gives you a glimpse into the geological history of the Dales, and this walk offers breathtaking views. Past Gordale Scar, a scenic gorge under limestone cliffs, you will find Malham Tarn, an upland alkaline lake perfect for wildlife watching. This circular walk requires some fitness but will take you back to Malham Cove. 

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

If you are looking for something a bit less strenuous, embark on a journey through ancient woodlands and witness a series of stunning waterfalls along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. This well-maintained path offers an easy yet captivating walking experience suitable for families and nature enthusiasts. Along a 4.3-mile trail, you will find six falls, a glen, and a gorge, as you enjoy gorgeous scenery and breathe in the fresh air of Yorkshire Dales. 

Pen-y-Ghent Summit

One of the most exhilarating of all the Yorkshire Dales walks is the hike that takes you to the summit of Pen-y-Ghent, where you will be rewarded for your efforts with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Not only is it a beautiful hike for humans, but it is dog-friendly as well. Challenge yourself with a hike to the summit of Pen-y-Ghent, one of Yorkshire's iconic Three Peaks, or take the ultimate walk, a 25-mile trek scaling all three of the peaks, Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside. Do it in 12 hours or less and you can join the Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club!

Aysgarth Falls Circular Walk

Discover the beauty of Aysgarth Falls on this circular route that takes you along the River Ure and through charming villages. Be sure to stop and admire the cascading waterfalls along the way. This triple set of cascades, formed by the River Ure, is very popular with visitors, and there are attractions to visit nearby, including Yore Mill, Yore Bridge, and St. Andrew’s Church. While you can simply park and walk to each waterfall individually, this circular walk allows you to take in all three, and it is easy enough that you can bring along children. 

Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside

Combine a stroll along the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct with a challenging ascent of Whernside, the highest peak in Yorkshire. This rewarding hike offers unparalleled views of the Dales' rugged terrain. The 9-mile circular route that takes you to the top of Whernside begins at Dent Station, passes the village of Cowgill, and offers outstanding views along the Dales Way. Hagg Worm Haw takes you to the top, and after you pause to take a breath and enjoy the view, you can visit the Ribblehead Viaduct before heading back.

Grassington to Burnsall

Follow the Dales Way footpath from the charming village of Grassington to the idyllic riverside setting of Burnsall. This gentle walk showcases the quintessential beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Dotted with pools and falls, the beautiful area around Grassington is the perfect place for wild swimming, so this part of the countryside is a favourite with families. The riverside amble from Grassington to Burnsall takes you past Linton Falls, and then you can take the Hebden suspension bridge or use stepping stones to cross the river. Burnsall has everything you could want in a Yorkshire Dales village, from picturesque cottages to views of rolling moorland to pleasant places to paddle. 

Malham Tarn Circular Walk

Experience the tranquillity of Malham Tarn, the highest lake in England, on this scenic circular walk. Marvel at the surrounding limestone scenery and keep an eye out for diverse wildlife along the way. Malham Tarn includes not only the lake, but also peaks and open grassland, and is completely dog-friendly. 

Gordale Scar and Malham Cove from Malham Village:

We started with Malham Cove, and we will finish there, too. Embark on a circular walk from Malham Village, taking in the impressive sights of Gordale Scar and Malham Cove on a 7.5-mile trek that is one of the most popular places to walk in the Yorkshire Dales. This moderate-level walk offers a mix of stunning landscapes and geological wonders, but once you have made it to the top of the limestone pavement at Malham Cove, it is a simply a gentle stroll back to the village.

Trust Together Travel for the Perfect Yorkshire Dales Escape

When you need a home base from which to explore the Yorkshire Dales, Together Travel Co. offers the perfect setting from which to discover all that North Yorkshire has to offer. Our self-catering lodges are beautiful glass-fronted log cabins, on 55 acres of pristine countryside, only a 20-minute walk from Richmond, a picturesque cottage town. In our stunning location, you will enjoy a comfortable and relaxing holiday, with breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings. In fact, no matter where you are travelling in the UK, Together Travel is here to bring your holiday dreams to life, just around the corner from home. All across the UK, we have luxurious, comfortable, unique properties located wherever you want to be, spending your holidays connecting, relaxing, and enjoying all these vacation spots have to offer. Find out how we can make your trip amazing by contacting our expert concierge team at +44(0)1625 416430 or emailing us for more information.