Fancy a walk in the countryside?
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the best-loved in England. This changeable landscape can offer walks of all length, terrain and setting.
So where to begin?
Here are three excellent walks to get you started.
1. Buckden to Starbotton hillside and river walk
This National Trust circular walk takes you along a picturesque loop of a section of the River Wharfe between the villages of Buckden and Starbotton. The route is approximately 5 miles and will guide you along the Wharfe valley before crossing the river and returning via the pretty riverside path.
You'll begin and end the route at the Buckden car park and along the way you'll walk through Starbotton where there is a pub if you fancy a break.
For a step to step guide of the route, visit the National Trust website here.
2. Malham Tarn
If an easy ramble is more what you're looking for, this walk is about 2.6 miles and is a simple linear route that will walk you along the shores of Malham Tarn. This large lake is an important wetland site and has been designated a National Nature Reserve for its many species of waders and wildfowl. You're sure to spot some great wildlife along this walk.
A lot of the route is lakeshore, but you will be wandering through the woodland for a portion of it, which will offer a nice change of scenery. You will pass an exhibition along the way, and remember to keep your eyes open for teal, grebes, curlews and redshanks among many others. At the end of the route you will have to retrace your steps.
See the route in full on the National Trust website here.
3. Fountains Fell Ridge and Pennine Way
For those who really want to challenge themselves, try this 8-mile trek along the famous Pennine Way and enjoy a fabulous view of the Three Peaks from the top of Fountains Fell.
This is quite a strenuous walk and the terrain can be a little hard going in areas, so do go careful. From the top of Fountains Fell you'll follow the ridge and then return via a different route, completing the circuit.
Take a look at the National Trust website for a full plan of the route here.
Credit to the National Trust for these stunning walks and use of their images.
If you've tried any of these routes before, we'd love to hear how you got on!
