Discover Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton with five short walks in the Yorkshire Dales

The Western Yorkshire Dales provide a fascinating blend of landscape and history. The small summits, secretive valleys, and beautiful towns and villages are perfect for families and year-round rambles. These five short walks, which take up to three hours, encompass waterfalls, historic castle remains, and the area's railway history. They're the perfect introduction to one of Yorkshire's national parks.

15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton

£9.95

Discover 15 of the best short walks around Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on beauty spots and refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means everyone can enjoy walks.

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The best walk to visit ancient ruins...

What: Pendragon Castle and Tommy Road
Summary: Discover the history with two castles and two ancient monuments
Start/finish: On Tommy Road, near the railway tunnel
Time: 2hr
Distance: 7km (4 1/4 miles)
Climb: 200m

The broad Upper Eden Valley, also known as Mallerstang, leads south from Kirkby Stephen. Its entrance is guarded by several castles, the best of which is Pendragon Castle. Before dropping to the river and the castles, the walk explores a section of moorland from a lane, Tommy Road. This brief encounter with the Upper Eden needs a car as there is no public transport and there are no facilities on route.

The best walk for epic views...

What: Wild Boar Fell
Summary: Reach the top of the highest fell in the region
Start/finish: Wild Boar Fell
Time: 3hr
Distance: 9.5km (6 miles)
Climb: 450m

Wild Boar Fell is one of the highest hills in the area and makes for an excellent walk, especially in fine weather, with wonderful views towards Ingleborough, the Lakes, Howgills, Eden Valley and Pennines. Parts of the climb are steep, but the summit area is flat and the good path is generally dry. The best views are from The Nab. Avoid this walk in poor visibility, as there is a steep drop to the east and the flat summit is difficult to navigate in cloud.

The best walk to explore England's book town...

What: Dent to Sedbergh
Summary: Follow the Dales Way alongside the River Dee from the picturesque village of Dent to Sedbergh with views of the Howgills
Start/finish: Dent village centre
Time: 2 1/2hr
Distance: 9.5km (6 miles)
Climb: 140m

A mostly level walk on grassy paths beside the River Dee, with a short easy climb through woods and open hillside with interesting views throughout. The route follows the Dales Way, so navigation is easy. In spring the fields and hillsides are filled with flowers, lambs scamper and play and the riverside is alive with birdsong. The route involves numerous gates, stiles and occasional uneven and muddy sections. It is also possible to do this as a circular walk returning to Dent by shortening the route from Waypoint 3.

The best walk for a riverside trail...

What: The Lune Valley and Fox's Pulpit
Summary: Explore a famous site in the Quaker revolution and some of the Lune Valley's best riverside walking
Start/finish: Lowgill Viaduct
Time: 2 3/4hr
Distance: 8.5km (5 1/4 miles)
Climb: 300m

A remote walk starting by a superb viaduct, taking in an ancient bridge, some of the Lune’s best riverside walking, fields and farms, and a sharp climb to reach Fox’s Pulpit on Firbank, the scene of an important event in the development of the Quakers. As there are no facilities on route, make sure you take sufficient food and water. Good for agile dogs, with a couple of tricky stiles and plenty of doggie swimming possibilities, but as there are likely to be sheep and cattle in the fields, keep dogs on leads.

The best walk for spectacular waterfalls...

What: Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Summary: A circular walk through oak woodland and taking in spectacular waterfalls.
Start/finish: Broadwood car park, Ingleton
Time: 3hr
Distance: 7km (4 1/4 miles)
Climb: 300m

This circular walk explores the waterfalls, woodlands and limestone scenery above Ingleton, and is well worth the entrance fee. Try to choose a clear day after rainfall when the waterfalls will be spectacular and the far-reaching views can be fully appreciated. It is a surprisingly strenuous walk with many flights of stone and wooden steps. The path is well defined and signed, but sections can be slippery and very uneven, so wear shoes with a good grip. Not suitable for pushchairs or small children.

All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton. Other highlights include Dentdale, the Howgill fells, River Rawthey, Farfield Mill, Barbon and Barbondale. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.