The Yorkshire Dales has many fantastic circular walks. Join us as we journey through the amazing options.
J. B. Priestly, the famous novelist and playwright, once said: "The Dales have never disappointed me. I still consider them the finest countryside in Britain".
He goes on to praise our "charming villages", "remote whitewashed farms" and "twinkling rivers". Aw, shucks, J. B.
The best bit? He was absolutely right. We really do have some of the best countryside in Britain – and there are few better ways to experience it than a lovely long circular walk.
If you're unsure where to start then this article is for you. Enjoy the view as we take you through our top eight circular walks in the Yorkshire Dales. We'll start with the shortest…
1. Ribblehead Viaduct
Length: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Starting point:
Ribblehead Viaduct car park
Family and dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead.
Set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales' rolling hills, this circular route provides breathtaking views of the Ribblehead Viaduct: a key part of our local railway heritage. The route has a few strenuous spots but the views are more than worth the effort.
It's a short walk that shows Yorkshire at its best.
2. Langstrothdale to Hubberholme
Length: approximately 3.5 miles
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Starting point:
Buckden car park
Family and dog-friendly? This walk is ideal for both the family and the dog.
This beautiful walk along the River Wharfe offers scenic meadow views and opportunities for paddling in the river. You can pay a visit to the historic George Inn near the start or end of the walk.
3. Seven Bridges Valley walk
Length: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: easy with a few moderate hills
Starting point:
Fountains Abbey visitor car park
Family and dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead in the deer park.
This walk is great for the whole family. Children will particularly enjoy counting the seven bridges along the route.
Experience the rustic beauty of the Fountains Abbey estate then follow the meandering River Skell alongside the steep-sided valley. Along the way, see how many deer, swans, rabbits and pheasants you can spot.
Starting at the lake, the trail offers a tranquil experience of the countryside. Be sure to stop for ice cream or a cream tea at the cafe.
4. Hawes to Hardraw Force
Length: 4.25 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Starting point:
National Park Centre car park, Hawes
Family and dog-friendly? Yes. Note that there is a small fee payable to visit the waterfall.
Starting from Hawes, follow the Pennine Way to England's highest unbroken waterfall, Hardraw Force. (For all you Kevin Costner fans, it's where the shower scene from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed.)
The route returns via the charming village of Sedbusk.
5. Swinton Bivouac, Druids Temple and Sole Beck circular walk
Length: approximately five miles
Difficulty: moderate
Starting point:
Swinton Bivouac
Family and dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs must be kept on leads due to livestock in the fields.
This walk takes you through a beautiful mix of woodland and open countryside. Along the way, you can enjoy the varied landscapes of the Swinton Estate, with the chance to spot local wildlife and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the Dales.
The highlight of the walk is the intriguing Druid's Temple. A great time to visit is at sunset when the stones provide a dramatic backdrop as the glow of the setting sun disappears on the horizon.
6. Arncliffe to Kettlewell
Length: seven miles
Difficulty: moderate, but there is a 1,500 feet ascent at one point
Starting point:
Arncliffe
Family and dog-friendly? Dog-friendly and suitable for older children.
Connecting Littondale and Wharfedale, this walk delivers picturesque villages, riverside paths and opportunities for paddling, along with expansive views of the Dales. Keep your eyes peeled for the rewarding descent into Kettlewell.
7. Malham Cove and Janet's Foss
Length: 7.6 miles
Difficulty: moderate with some steep climbs
Starting point:
Malham car park
Family and dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs should be kept on leads. Suitable for children if you don't ascend Malham Cove. Still a great walk and views without this ascent. (The top has very steep drops and is not suitable for children or dogs.)
Take a journey through stunning limestone landscapes, past the enchanting Janet's Foss waterfall and the dramatic Gordale Scar. Follow the route along to the serene Malham Tarn before your walk culminates at the impressive limestone pavement on top of Malham Cove.
You'll feel like you've walked onto the set of Jurassic Park while you take in the breathtaking views. This is a truly stunning walk.
8. West Burton to Aysgarth
Length:
7.6 miles
Difficulty:
moderate
Starting point:
West Burton
Family and dog-friendly? Yes – this is a great walk for the whole family and your dog. However, you should exercise caution around waterfalls.
Wander from the idyllic village of West Burton to the famous Aysgarth Falls. Here, you'll find another iconic location from Robin Hood: Prince of Themes. This is where the fight scene with Little John and Robin Hood was filmed.
Along the way, you'll enjoy riverside paths, beautiful woodland and stunning waterfall views.
While you're in the area, why not finish your visit off with a trip to our
Yorkshire Dales caves? At Stump Cross Caverns, you'll enter an unground world of stalactites and stalagmites, twisting pathways and stunning rock formations. It's quick and easy to
book your tickets online.
