The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of those places that just begs to be explored on foot.
Or if you thrive on steep climbs and mountain views that reward every drop of sweat, the Dales deliver those too. If you’re keen to discover more best hikes in England beyond the Dales, there are plenty of spectacular routes to explore It’s the kind of landscape that makes you pack a picnic and lace up your boots…even if the weather sometimes looks a little questionable!
The beauty of the Dales is that it caters to every type of walker. If you enjoy a leisurely riverside ramble that ends in a pint at a stone-built pub, you’ll find it here.
Or if you thrive on steep climbs and mountain views that reward every drop of sweat, the Dales deliver those too.
Here are five of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales, and each one is unique and well worth the effort. If you’re planning to explore more trails around the country, our guide to hiking in England is a useful place to continue your adventure.
Also, be sure to check out our guide to the Best Yorkshire Dales National Park Walks for more info on some great hiking opportunities in the area.
Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Walk
If dramatic landscapes are your thing, this is the walk that steals the show. Malham Cove is a giant limestone amphitheatre, with its curved wall towering 260 feet high. Climbing to the top puts you on a strange cracked limestone pavement that feels like another planet.
From there, the path winds on to Gordale Scar, which is a gorge so jaw-dropping that it looks like the earth simply split open. Water trickles and tumbles through its cliffs, which creates small waterfalls that feel like hidden treasures along the way. Throw in a stop at Janet’s Foss, which is a woodland waterfall said to be home to fairies, and you have a hike that packs in more drama than most films!
For those of you who like a bit of adventure with your scenery, this loop is perfect. It is not exactly an easy stroll (you can expect uneven ground, some climbs, and plenty of stops just to stare at the landscape( but the payoff is worth every step.
- Average Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 400 m (1,312 ft)
- Highlights: Malham Cove’s epic limestone cliffs and pavement
- Don’t Miss: Janet’s Foss, which is tucked away in the trees like something out of folklore
“First time on the trail? Hiking for Beginners has your back.”
Ingleborough from Clapham
Ingleborough is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and easily one of the most recognizable. Starting from the pretty village of Clapham, this route takes you past underground wonders and through dramatic gorges before it heads out onto wide and windswept moorland. You’ll pass Ingleborough Cave, which is a fascinating stop if you enjoy geology or simply want to see what the Dales hide below the surface.
Then comes Trow Gill gorge, which is a deep chasm that narrows around you as you climb through. The grand finale is, of course, the summit of Ingleborough, where the views stretch out toward the Lake District and even as far as the Irish Sea on a clear day.
This is not a walk for those who just want a quick stretch of the legs. It is long and it is challenging (and at times even demanding), but for those of you who enjoy a proper mountain day, it hits every note. The varied terrain keeps things interesting, and the summit feels like a true achievement once you get to the top.
- Average Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Distance: 18 km (11 miles)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 720 m (2,362 ft)
- Highlights: Trow Gill gorge, Ingleborough Cave, and sweeping summit views
- Don’t Miss: The panorama from the top (on a good day, it feels like you can see half of England!)
Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton Circular
For walkers who enjoy a mix of history and nature, this route delivers a little bit of everything. Starting at Aysgarth Falls, you’ll find three broad cascades along the River Ure, each one a spectacle in its own right. They are famous for their cameo in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves…and honestly, it is easy to see why!
From there, the path winds through rolling meadows and shaded woodland, and it offers that classic Dales combination of gentle beauty and rural charm.
The highlight waiting at the halfway point is Bolton Castle, which is a formidable 14th-century fortress that once imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots. Its walls loom over the landscape, and stepping into its grounds feels like stepping back in time.If you enjoy combining a manageable walk with a dash of history, this is definitely one of the best beginner hikes near Leyburn.
If you’re new to the trails, you can also brush up on these beginner hiking tips before setting out. If you enjoy combining a manageable walk with a dash of history, this is definitely one of the best beginner hikes near Leyburn.
- Average Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 200 m (656 ft)
- Highlights: Aysgarth Falls, especially after rain when they thunder with power
- Don’t Miss: The medieval might of Bolton Castle (it’s still standing proud after centuries)
“Plan less, walk more.” Pick a route, set your pace, and let Europe unfold under your boots: grab your free Walking Holiday ebook today”
The Three Peaks Challenge: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough
Now for the big one. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is famous, and for good reason! Covering Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in a single loop, this is not just a walk; it is a serious test of stamina and willpower!
The challenge is usually to complete all three in under 12 hours, racking up nearly 24 miles and thousands of feet in climbs and descents. With such a long day on the trail, it’s also important to know what to bring on a day hike before you set off.
Pen-y-ghent starts you off with a steep and rocky climb, while Whernside stretches you out on a long ridge with sweeping views, and then Ingleborough saves its steepest punch for the grand finale. Since you’ll be spending many hours on the route, it’s important to plan ahead for how much water to take on a hike.
For those of you who thrive on pushing limits, this is the walk to aim for. Because the route involves nearly 24 miles and thousands of feet of climbing and descending, it’s worth taking time to improve your hiking stamina before attempting the challenge..
It is not casual, it is not easy, and it will leave your legs begging for mercy…but the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. Along the way, highlights like the Ribblehead Viaduct break up the miles with memorable moments of true architectural beauty.
- Average Time: 10 to 12 hours
- Distance: 39 km (24 miles)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: 1,585 m (5,200 ft)
- Highlights: The chance to conquer three of Yorkshire’s most iconic peaks
- Don’t Miss: The Ribblehead Viaduct, an engineering marvel set against the moors
Grassington to Burnsall Riverside Walk
Not every great walk has to involve sweat and sore muscles. For those of you who enjoy a gentler pace, the Grassington to Burnsall route is as relaxing as it is scenic. Following the River Wharfe, the path takes you right through flower-filled meadows and also alongside calm stretches of water where ducks drift lazily by. The terrain is flat and it’s also friendly, which makes it perfect for kids, dogs, or anyone who wants to enjoy the countryside without a struggle.
Both villages (Grassington at the start and Burnsall at the turnaround) are postcard-pretty, and with stone cottages, village greens, and pubs that make the perfect bookend to a riverside wander. If you’d rather pack your own lunch, these day-hiking food ideas can help you plan something easy to take along. Burnsall’s 16th-century bridge is worth lingering over, and on summer days the river is dotted with families paddling in the shallows.
- Average Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles)
- Altitude Gain/Loss: Minimal
- Highlights: Peaceful riverside scenery and classic Yorkshire villages
- Don’t Miss: Burnsall’s ancient bridge and its timeless village green
🗒️ Free Checklist: “Never forget the essentials — grab your free Ultimate Hiking Packing List.”
Exploring the Yorkshire Dales
Some of these trails test endurance and deliver mountain highs, others offer easy charm and pub lunches, but all of them showcase the Dales at their finest
Where to Next?
- Ultimate Guides – your gateway to hiking across Europe
- Hikes & Trails – curated lists of the best hikes and local gems
- Walking Holidays – extended journeys for when a single day just isn’t enough
- General Blog – all the extras: gear reviews, planning tips, and personal stories
.
Where to Next?
Check out these places for more inspo!
- Best Yorkshire Dales National Park Walks
