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. 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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Approaching the giant cleft of Gordale Scar

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.

Crossing the stepping stones at Bolton Priory

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.

Flat slabs at Backstone Beck high above Ilkley with Beamsley Beacon beyond

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.

Looking out across Wharfedale from Simon’s Seat

The best walk for panoramic views and a stunning waterfall...

What: Simon’s Seat and the Valley of Desolation
Summary: Climb to the rocky fell top of the best summit in Lower Wharfedale via a verdant valley and waterfall
Start/finish: Cavendish Pavilion, Bolton Abbey
Time: 3½– 4hr
Distance: 10.5km (6½ miles)
Climb: 450m

Simon’s Seat is the crowning glory of lower Wharfedale: its craggy 485m high summit catches the eye from many of the walks in this book. There is no better seat on which to enjoy a sandwich and superb views. This walk through the Bolton Abbey estate to the beautiful moorland summit more than repays the effort of the lengthier outing, a section of rockier paths, and the longer – although generally gradual – ascent. The route, which goes over access land, may occasionally be closed to the public during grouse shooting season, and dogs are not permitted.

Skipton’s Georgian canal and Holy Trinity Church

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. 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.