Best trails in Yorkshire Dales National Park
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a fascinating area to explore, including a great combination of natural and historic sights with a range of activities to suit all interests and abilities across sweeping moorlands home to varied wildlife, through working farmlands featuring scenic dry stone walls, and along winding valleys with waterfalls.
Top trails
1
(6525)
•Moderate
•5.0 mi
•Est. 2h 28m
This is a beautiful, scenic, and very popular trail taking in riverside paths, waterfalls, sweeping views, and fascinating geology as you make your way around. This trail includes very rough, steep, and rocky terrain along cliff edges, so good footing and a head for heights are required. Starting at the pay and display car park in Malham, the trail heads over the farm fields and beside Goredale Beck to Janet's Foss, a picturesque pool and waterfall, and the legendary home of the Fairy Queen....
2
(4733)
•Hard
•24.3 mi
The Yorkshire Three Peaks trail covers the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough offering a great challenge. Every year thousands take on the effort of ascending these peaks within the 12 hour challenge cutoff. However, due to the steep terrain this trail can take a lot longer to complete.
This trail will require careful planning, a good level of fitness, appropriate footwear, warm and waterproof layers, plenty of food and water, sun protection, and a printed map and compass with...
3
(2737)
•Moderate
•7.8 mi
•Est. 4h 6m
This is a beautiful trail offering views over the surrounding hills, moorland, and the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. With 24 32m arches, this feat of engineering is an iconic sight to behold.
The trail is straightforward to follow with beautiful scenery all the way up and around Whernside. There is a good spot for a picnic lunch at the summit and the views from the top are well worth the climb.
Once back, there is a pub at the bottom where you can enjoy some refreshments. Near the trailhead...
4
(1869)
•Hard
•6.5 mi
This is a tough but wonderful circular route in the Yorkshire Dales National Park that begins in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and visits the summit of Pen-y-ghent and the interesting site of Hull Pot.
The climb up Pen-y-ghent, one of the three highest peak in the area, is a steep and rough path with some scrambling required so care is needed with footing on the rocky terrain. Once up you efforts are rewarded with great views over the area on a clear day.
Hull Pot is a large collapsed cavern that...
5
(2494)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
•Est. 1h 52m
Enjoy this beautiful trail around the stunning and very popular Ingleton Waterfalls with scenic paths through the trees and along the river. Due to its popularity, parking can fill up quickly so an early start is advised.
Keep an eye out for wildlife on the water and in the woodlands and enjoy the views of the waterfalls.
There are lots of uneven steps and it can also be quite slippery, especially in wetter and muddy conditions, so you should take extra care and wear appropriate footwear...
6
(1703)
•Moderate
•7.6 mi
•Est. 3h 51m
Enjoy beautiful views over the farmlands and moorlands and explore the interesting geological features of this famous area as you make your way round.
Starting in Malham (pay and display), the trail begins with a climb up to Pikedaw and Grizedales descending through the crags and past the top of Malham Cove to the less steep paths of the farm fields. The rock formations above Malham Cove will be familiar to Harry Potter fans as scenes from Deathly Hallows were filmed here.
The trail then...
7
(1519)
•Hard
•6.0 mi
This is the lowest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks but certainly should not be underestimated. With steep climbs and rocky terrain, this trail will test your fitness but reward your efforts with great views on a clear day.
Starting in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, the trail begins with the steep and rocky climb to the top of Pen-y-ghent. Here you can regain your breath and enjoy the sweeping views before descending past Hunt Pot and Tarn Bar, and returning to the start.
Take care on the rougher and...
8
(810)
•Hard
•9.1 mi
Ingleborough is the second highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales, and the highest of the infamous Three Peaks. The mountain has cavernous sinkholes, rivers, and limestone landscapes with a number of interesting sites along the path to the top.
You will soon pass Clapham Falls once departing the village of Clapham. Continue following the stream up to Ingleborough Cave - this is one of the many hallows carved out of the limestone. It is open to the public for a fee.
Beyond the cave, the trail...
9
(457)
•Easy
•2.1 mi
•Est. 59m
This trail takes in the beautiful and intriguing geological formation of Malham Cove, a 70 m high curved limestone cliff formed by ice and water erosion over millennia.
Although many years ago a waterfall would once have flowed over the edge of this cliff, today the river runs beneath the rock as water and time worked away at the limestone.
This cliff offers a great challenge to rock climbers and you might see them tackling this popular crag. Please be mindful and keep well back from the...
10
(936)
•Hard
•11.1 mi
•Est. 5h 18m
This is a gorgeous circular route in the Yorkshire Dales National Park that visits Bolton Abbey, The Valley of Desolation, Simon's Seat, and Barden Bridge with lovely views and scenic paths.
There is a wonderful mix of sights including historic buildings, waterfalls, forest, and rolling hills as you make your way from the car park (fee required), climb up beside Sheepshaw Beck to Simon's Seat, drop steeply down to Howgill, and return to the start along the River Wharfe.
Take care on the...
Showing results 1–10 of 553
Trail reviews for Yorkshire Dales National Park
Moderate to hard 8 mile circular hike up the tallest of the Three Peaks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Do the route anti clockwise - which means the ascent is more gradual and views open up as you ascend (the descent is steep - another reason not to go clockwise)
Difficulty: Moderate
Whernside and Ribblehead Circular
Me and my dad went on a lovely walk today in the Yorkshire Dales. We took my brother Alfie and my mum this time. We all enjoyed it.
A fun route. Beautiful slopes between the sheep to reach the summit and there: truly magnificent views of the Yorkshire Dales. The return journey is a long descent through pastures before crossing the village. A few passages along stretches of road. Crossing the dry stone walls via narrow gates is sometimes a little technical.
This text has been translated.
Conditions: Bugs, Muddy, Wildflowers, Dry ground, Well maintained
West Witton to Penhill
Amazing views of the Yorkshire dales and Aysgarth falls and a lovely pub along the way!
Aysgarth Woods and Waterfalls Circular
Wow what a beautiful trail showing the Yorkshire Dales at its best for sure. Highly recommend. Thwaite via Keld to Reeth. The Herriot Way completed in three days of lovely hiking. The weather has been very kind.
Difficulty: Moderate
Coast to Coast Walk Segment 7: Keld To Reeth
5/5 – Breathtaking Views & Unforgettable Hike This circular route up Whernside via the Ribblehead Viaduct is absolutely stunning and easily one of the best hikes in the Yorkshire Dales. Starting from the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, the trail gradually climbs toward the summit of Whernside—the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks—and offers panoramic views the entire way. Once you’re on the ridge, the views are nothing short of spectacular. You can clearly see Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent in the distance, both instantly recognisable with their distinctive shapes. On a clear day, you can even catch glimpses of the Lake District fells to the northwest and sometimes Morecambe Bay shimmering on the horizon. The trail is well-marked but can be steep and rocky in parts, especially on the descent, so good footwear is essential. The contrast between the rugged fell scenery and the manmade beauty of the viaduct makes this walk especially memorable. It’s a perfect blend of natural and historical charm. Highly recommend doing this one early in the day to enjoy the peace and morning light across the Dales. Bring a camera—it’s impossible to take a bad photo here!
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Yorkshire Dales National Park is Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, which has a 4.8 star rating from 6,525 reviews. This trail is 5.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 980 ft.
What is the longest trail in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Yorkshire Dales National Park is Skipton, Ingleton and Reeth Circular. This trail is estimated to be 138.7 mi long.
How many trails are in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
There are 553 trails in Yorkshire Dales National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 64,663 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Yorkshire Dales National Park has you covered. Skipton, Ingleton and Reeth Circular boasts the most elevation gain with 17,864 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Settle to Hadrians Wall, which will get you 17,240 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 89 camping trails in Yorkshire Dales National Park and the most popular is Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove with an average 4.8 star rating from 6,525 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 386 running trails in Yorkshire Dales National Park and the most popular is Whernside and Ribblehead Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 2,737 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 120 biking trails in Yorkshire Dales National Park and the most popular is Ribblehead Viaduct with an average 4.4 star rating from 123 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 354 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Yorkshire Three Peaks Circular, Whernside and Ribblehead Circular, Pen-y-ghent and Hull Pot Circular, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular, and Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 187 trails with waterfalls in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, Yorkshire Three Peaks Circular, Whernside and Ribblehead Circular, Ingleton Waterfalls Circular, and Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular.
Are there any trails with huts in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with huts in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Howgill, Trollers Gill, and Appletreewick Circular, Appletreewick, Skyreholme and Burnsall Circular, Howgill to Appletreewick Circular, Appletreewick to Stridd Wood, and Howgill, Appletreewick, and Skyreholme Circular.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 199 trails with cliffs in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, Yorkshire Three Peaks Circular, Pen-y-ghent and Hull Pot Circular, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular, and Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 106 trails with historical ruins in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, Yorkshire Three Peaks Circular, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular, Ingleborough Peak, and Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation.
Are there any trails with caves in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 116 trails with caves in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, Yorkshire Three Peaks Circular, Pen-y-ghent and Hull Pot Circular, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular, and Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 25 trails with historical monuments in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation, Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular, Grassington and Conistone Circular, West Burton to Aysgarth Falls Circular, and Rylstone Cross and Cracoe Obelisk.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 183 trails with archaeological sites in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular, Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation, Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular, Bolton Abbey and Simon's Seat Circular, and Grassington to Hebden Circular.
Are there any trails with springs in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 107 trails with springs in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Yorkshire Three Peaks Circular, Whernside and Ribblehead Circular, Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation, Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular, and Bolton Abbey and Simon's Seat Circular.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 64 trails with scenic viewpoints in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, Ingleton Waterfalls Circular, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular, Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation, and Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular.
Are there any trails with rivers in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 266 trails with rivers in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, Yorkshire Three Peaks Circular, Ingleton Waterfalls Circular, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Circular, and Malham Walks: Malham Cove.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 22 trails with picnic areas in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Ingleborough Peak, Settle Caves and Waterfalls Circular, Aysgarth Woods and Waterfalls Circular, Ingleborough and Gaping Gill Waterfall, and Aysgarth Waterfalls.
Are there any trails with ponds in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with ponds in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Ingleton Waterfalls Circular, Thornton in Lonsdale, Scar End, and Baxenghyll Gorge, Gragareth and Ingleton Waterfalls, Embsay Moor and Eastby Circular, and Embsay Moor, Barden Moor, and Barden and Thorpe Fell Circular.
Are there any trails with castles in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 33 trails with castles in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation, Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular, Bolton Abbey and Simon's Seat Circular, Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton Circular, and Aysgarth to Castle Bolton.
Are there any trails with lakes in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 21 trails with lakes in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Malham Tarn via Gordale Scar, Janet's Foss and Malham Tarn Circular via Gordale Scar, Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn, and Malham Cove Circular, Malham Tarn and Cove, and Malham Tarn Trail for Trampers.
Are there any trails with dams in Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with dams in Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Howgill, Trollers Gill, and Appletreewick Circular, Appletreewick, Skyreholme and Burnsall Circular, River Wharfe, Simon’s Seat, Skyreholme Dam, and Trollers Gill Circular, Appletreewick, River Wharfe, Howgill, Skyreholme and Troller's Gill, and Swinsty Reservoir, Denton Moor, and River Wharfe Circular.