Make sure to really see the very best of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Here are five of what we consider the best walks around this iconic landscape. Hopefully the variety will mean there's something here for everyone, with a good mix of locations displaying the wide range of marvellous scenery the Dales have to offer.
Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs
This is an easy eight mile walk around two reservoirs, Fewston and Swinsty, with plenty of birdlife to spot along the way and woodland habitat too. The walking is very easy and takes place on a firm track. Of both the reservoirs Swinsty is usually busier with walkers and cyclists, due to its closer proximity to Harrogate. The wildlife around the reservoirs is wonderful and there's always something to see. Here you will enjoy the feel of the outdoors as you share your route with fly fishermen.
Find the route here
Malham Tarn
Malham Tarn is the highest lake in England and if you walk a rough circumference of it on this National Trust route you will come across some lovely limestone scenery. The lake was formed by glaciers and is over 1,200 ft above sea level with a wonderful variety of plants, trees and wildlife thanks to the habitat and geology of the surroundings. The land is National Trust owned along with the animals and plants, and they are therefore well looked after. There are limestone scars and wide open views to the east of the tarn which are definitely not to be missed!
Take a look at the route here
Aysgarth Woods and Waterfalls
You may recognise Aysgarth Falls from that famous scene with Kevin Costner in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.The waterfalls are formed from a series of broad limestone steps that are particularly spectacular in wet weather when the River Ure cascades downwards in picturesque sheets. Though not the highest waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales, these steps stretch for almost a mile along the river and make for a wonderful view where they are bordered by a wooded valley. This area is a great one for walking, and there are a number of routes nearby that wind through the surrounding farmland and woodland. This particular route leads you through a range of habitat that houses much wildlife including roe deer, treecreepers and warblers. You will also be greeted with a distant view of the majestic Castle Bolton along your way.
See the route guide here
Kisdon Fell Circular from Thwaite
Descried as the best of the Yorkshire Dales in a single walk this route takes you through the beautiful scenery of Upper Swaledale passing waterfalls and pretty villages such as Muker. You'll walk a circumference of Kisdon Fell in the northern Dales. It is an unusual sight due to its isolation and steep sides, but is still walkable despite no official tracks to the top! A quaint little village resides at three of the fell's four corners and this seven mile circuit is particularly enjoyable on a summers day.
To see the map click here
Bolton Abbey to Grassington
This is a long but gentle walk that follows part of the 'Dales Way' long distance route. You'll start at Bolton Priory, the incredible ruins of a 12th century Augustinian monastery that sits on the banks of the River Wharfe. Make your way along the linear route towards Grassington National Park Centre, and from here it is easy enough to get public transport back. The walk is roughly nine miles and will take you along the river, over bridges and through woodland. You'll pass through little villages en route meaning there are facilities such as public toilets, pubs and cafés to make use of.
Find the route here
Stay amid the rolling hills of the stunning Yorkshire Dales and try one (or all!) of these walks for yourself. Lodge Yard is a lovely development of self-catering properties in the peaceful village of Askrigg and provides an ideal base for exploring. Find out more by clicking the link below.
