Five of the best short walks in the Yorkshire Dales (Grassington, Skipton, Malham & Ilkley)
Dry stone walls, grazing sheep, heather-clad fell tops, tea-box villages and curious rock formations wherever you go – the Yorkshire Dales has its own distinct charm, and the southern part of the national park is no exception. An array of spectacular sites awaits, including Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss, Linton Falls, Simon’s Seat, the Strid, Cow and Calf Rocks, Kilnsey Crag and Trollers Gill, plus the cobbled streets of Grassington are now famous for being a filming location for All Creatures Great and Small. Whether you're an experienced hiker or new to the hills, there's something for everyone at all times of year. Here are five of the best short walks exploring the best of the area.
15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks around Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley. 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 for limestone formations...
What: Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss
Summary: A circuit visiting some of the finest natural limestone formations in the country – a walk not to be missed
Start/finish: Malham village centre
Time: 2½hr
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 200m
This is without a doubt one of the most splendid walks in Yorkshire. The towering cliffs of Malham Cove have drawn visitors to the area since the 18th century. The otherworldly limestone paving above the cove and the spectacular gorge of Gordale Scar are highlights of this popular circuit. The wooded pool of Janet’s Foss and the ancient meadows on route add to this irresistible outing. There are approximately 400 stone steps to the cove’s top – the only strenuous part of the walk.
The best walk for visiting Bolton Abbey...
What: Bolton Abbey and the Strid
Summary: A striking riverside priory and the River Wharfe at its most tranquil and most tumultuous
Start/finish: Bolton Abbey village centre
Time: 2½hr
Distance: 10km (6¼ miles)
Climb: 220m
The quintessential Wharfedale walk; Bolton Priory and ruins inhabit a magnificent spot on a sweeping bend of the River Wharfe. Here the river is peaceful and there are good beaches; further upstream the river forms the ferocious chasm of the Strid – a place steeped in a macabre history. Good paths on both riverbanks make a great circular outing in either direction. This is a popular walk, so a visit is best outside peak times.
The best walk for exploring Ilkley's iconic moor...
What: Ilkley Moor, White Wells and the Cow and Calf rocks
Summary: Walk up from the spa town onto Ilkley’s famous moor, passing landmark rocks, and visiting the historic plunge pool at White Wells
Start/finish: Ilkley train station
Time: 2hr
Distance: 5.5km (3½ miles)
Climb: 260m
A panoramic walk from the well-heeled town of Ilkley, up onto its famous moor – immortalised in the famous Baht’ at song. The walk passes White Wells – a vestige of Ilkley’s past as a spa for people to take the restorative waters. Views from the moor give way to the town’s landmark Cow and Calf rocks, which have drawn tourists for over 200 years. A visit to the lovely Ilkley Tarn on the return completes this satisfying circuit.
The best walk for visiting the set of All Creatures Great and Small...
What: Grassington, Linton Falls and Linton
Summary: Limestone channels and picturesque weirs on the Wharfe followed by meadows with perfect picnicking, paddling and pub stops
Start/finish: Grassington market square
Time: 2hr
Distance: 6km (3¾ miles)
Climb: 130m
All Creatures Great and Small is primarily filmed in the Yorkshire Dales, with the fictional village of Darrowby represented by the historic market town of Grassington. This is a superb summer walk, when the River Wharfe is bubbling and enticing and the meadows are blooming with clover and buttercups. Plenty of visitors to the lively cobbled streets of Grassington make their way to the photogenic bridge over Linton Falls, but fewer venture further afield. The picture-postcard ford at the village green in Linton village makes an idyllic stop on this lovely ramble.
The best walk for woodland trails and medieval history...
What: Skipton Woods and Castle
Summary: An impressive patchwork of woodland, waterways and panoramic pasture, seamed with a thousand years of English history
Start/finish: Skipton Castle
Time: 1½hr
Distance: 3.5km
Climb: 85m
An attractive walk of surprising magnificence – with a circuit this good on the doorstep it is little surprise that Skipton routinely features in ‘happiest places to live in Great Britain’ lists. Encompassing the soaring ramparts of Skipton Castle, fascinating Georgian canal systems and the Civil War battery site, exchanging the bustling ‘Gateway to the Dales’ town for this peaceful walk is to embrace a historical tour in a truly uplifting setting.
All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley. Other highlights include Burnsall, Appletreewick, Hebden, Trollers Gill, Grimwith Reservoir and Embsay Crag. And of course, if you are a fan of All Creatures Great and Small, 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.
15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks around Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley. 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.
More information
