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Walking Holidays in the Yorkshire Dales

Some of the best places to enjoy self-catering holidays in the holiday in the UK are in its National Parks. My Favourite Holiday Cottages is exploring just some of the activities you can do on holiday in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We are starting our series with walking and hiking holidays in the Dales.

The Yorkshire Dales is a popular destination for getting out and about in the great outdoors, with miles of footpaths, bridlepaths and trails to explore. From gentle strolls such as riverside walks in Swaledale to more challenging hikes ascending Ingleborough or Buckden Pike, there are options for all fitness levels and experience.

When searching for holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales, consider the property's location, size, and facilities, as well as any specific requirements you may have, such as pet-friendly accommodation or disabled access. It's also worth checking availability and prices well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak season.

A Yorkshire Dales wooden signpost stands in front of a meandering river with a shingle beach. Beyond the river is a steep, partially tree-clad fell.
  1. The Yorkshire Three Peaks

This is a challenging but rewarding walk that takes in the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales - Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The full route is around 24 miles long and takes around 12 hours to complete, but you can also do each peak as a separate walk.

  1. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

This circular walk takes in two of the most iconic landmarks in the Yorkshire Dales - Malham Cove, a stunning limestone cliff, and Gordale Scar, a dramatic gorge with waterfalls. The walk is around 6 miles long and takes around 3 hours to complete.

  1. Aysgarth Falls

This is a lovely and gentle circular walk that takes in the beautiful Aysgarth Falls, a series of three waterfalls on the River Ure. The walk is around 4 miles long and takes around 2 hours to complete, although, with all the waterfall photo opportunities, it may well take a little longer. If you can do it after heavy rainfall, you’ll find the river in full spate – very dramatic!

  1. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

This is a popular circular Yorkshire Dales walk that takes in several waterfalls and woodland scenery. The trail is around 4.5 miles long and takes around 2.5 hours to complete.

 

  1. The Pennine Way

The Pennine Way, the Grandfather of all the long-distance footpaths in the UK runs for 268 miles through the Pennines, including the Yorkshire Dales. You can choose to do a section of the trail or the full route, which takes around 16 days to complete. The trail is very popular and well-marked, so easy to follow.

 

  1. Bolton Abbey Estate

This is a beautiful estate with over 80 miles of footpaths to explore, including woodland, moorland, and riverside walks. There are several shorter walks to choose from, including the Valley of Desolation and the Cavendish Pavilion circular walk.

 

These are just a few of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and check the weather forecast before setting out. It's also a good idea to bring a map and compass or a GPS device.

Aysgarth Falls. Water plunges over a rock ledge in a wide tree-lined river in the Yorkshire Dales

Read More helpful articles about holidays in The Pennines (including The Yorkshire Dales). Click on a title to view.