Enjoy walking in the Yorkshire Dales
Goredale Scar walkers by Paul Harris
Where to find tranquility, beauty and a wealth of history, walking in the Yorkshire Dales? Instead of making a bee-line for the well-known hotspots, tap into the local knowledge of Yorkshire’s walking experts and take the path less-trodden to escape the crowds and revel in the finest Dales scenery.
Whether you’re after thigh-burning yomps or easy strolls there are plenty of self-guided and guided options for a rewarding journey through the Dales on-foot.
Ask walking guide and author Jonathan Smith of Where2walk for route recommendations in the Dales and he’s very unlikely to mention the popular Three Peaks; such is his passion for showing people just how many other great routes there are in the Yorkshire Dales. Jonathan is author of The Dales 30, a book detailing walking routes to the top of all 30 of the Yorkshire Dales peaks, known as Hewitts, which stand over 610 metres high. You can book Jonathan to guide you on one of his walks or help you hone your navigation skills on a one or two-day course. The Where2Walk website is brim-full of route guides.
Helen and Matt Coppin of Muddy Boots Walking Holidays have hand-picked a series of self-guided itineraries where guests can enjoy walking through the Dales before luxuriating each evening in the comfy surroundings of delightful country inns or small hotels. Options include routes through the peaceful otherworldliness of the Howgill Fells near Sedbergh or the magnificent Swaledale scenery typified by gently cascading waterfalls, wildflower meadows and the criss-cross of dry stone walls.
Whether you’re after thigh-burning yomps or easy strolls there are plenty of self-guided and guided options for a rewarding journey through the Dales on-foot.
Ask walking guide and author Jonathan Smith of Where2walk for route recommendations in the Dales and he’s very unlikely to mention the popular Three Peaks; such is his passion for showing people just how many other great routes there are in the Yorkshire Dales. Jonathan is author of The Dales 30, a book detailing walking routes to the top of all 30 of the Yorkshire Dales peaks, known as Hewitts, which stand over 610 metres high. You can book Jonathan to guide you on one of his walks or help you hone your navigation skills on a one or two-day course. The Where2Walk website is brim-full of route guides.
Helen and Matt Coppin of Muddy Boots Walking Holidays have hand-picked a series of self-guided itineraries where guests can enjoy walking through the Dales before luxuriating each evening in the comfy surroundings of delightful country inns or small hotels. Options include routes through the peaceful otherworldliness of the Howgill Fells near Sedbergh or the magnificent Swaledale scenery typified by gently cascading waterfalls, wildflower meadows and the criss-cross of dry stone walls.
West Burton by Paul Harris
If your curiosity is piqued by names such as Surrender Bridge, Gunnerside and Kisdon Force, join mountain leader David Adams at River Mountain Experience on one of his guided walks through Swaledale. His routes follow ancient trails into a landscape that still bears the scars of yesteryear’s lead mining industry as well as harbouring a wealth of picturesque natural features.
For Gareth Williams, founder of Large Outdoors, the Yorkshire Dales is a destination that offers plenty of variety for his guided walking weekend guests, from the riverside strolls at Kettlewell through to more strenuous ascents in wilder spots such as High Cup Nick so Large Outdoors' guided walks can be easily tailored to suit all abilities. There’s also the attraction of Yorkshire’s hospitality with all of the Large Outdoors weekends including a sprinkling of visits to a characterful pub or café serving hefty slices of homemade cake!
Look out for some great walking-related events such as Ride2Stride, an annual week long programme of walking and music events and activities in the Yorkshire Dales, each with a link to the splendid Settle - Carlisle Railway. Books and Boots Festival. What do you get when you combine glorious countryside, walks & books? A wonderful combination of boots and books results in the Autumnal Richmond Walking and Book Festival.
For Gareth Williams, founder of Large Outdoors, the Yorkshire Dales is a destination that offers plenty of variety for his guided walking weekend guests, from the riverside strolls at Kettlewell through to more strenuous ascents in wilder spots such as High Cup Nick so Large Outdoors' guided walks can be easily tailored to suit all abilities. There’s also the attraction of Yorkshire’s hospitality with all of the Large Outdoors weekends including a sprinkling of visits to a characterful pub or café serving hefty slices of homemade cake!
Look out for some great walking-related events such as Ride2Stride, an annual week long programme of walking and music events and activities in the Yorkshire Dales, each with a link to the splendid Settle - Carlisle Railway. Books and Boots Festival. What do you get when you combine glorious countryside, walks & books? A wonderful combination of boots and books results in the Autumnal Richmond Walking and Book Festival.
