Did you know we are the BBC Countryfile Magazine National Park of the Year? Read on, it will give you lots of reasons why.
There is SO much to do in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and it’s all at your fingertips. Where to begin…
We are going to paint a picture for you – stunning valleys, moorland and meadows, rivers and streams, miles of drystone walls, field barns dotted across the landscape and outstanding limestone formations which include magnificent caves, caverns and waterfalls …yes, all of these can be found in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and there are so many ways to access it all!
1. SHORT WALKS
One of the best ways in which you can enjoy the Dales is by walking; there are many varied short walks you can take to enjoy the wonderful scenery.
We have a range of short walks starting from 0-2 miles, through to 3-5 miles and 6-10 miles – 17 of which have ‘miles without stiles’ status.
2. LONG WALKS
If you fancy more of a challenge, we have some longer distance options, some of which include the Pennine Way, Coast to Coast, Pennine Bridleway, Pennine Journey (100-270 miles), Lady Anne’s Way, Dales High Way, Dales Way (80-100 miles) and the Herriot Way, Ribble Way, Dales Inn Way (52-76 miles).
There is also the Three Peaks challenge where the aim is to walk 24 miles, covering all three summits, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, in 12 hours!
3. BIKING
Other ways to access the Dales are cycling and mountain biking – a great way to take in the landscape and observe the wildlife. We have a network of 900km of bridleways, by-ways and green lanes available for you to use.
As you are passing through some of our quaint little towns and villages why not stop off at some of the lovely pubs and cafes to refresh yourself.
4. TRAVEL ON A HERITAGE RAILWAY
Take a journey on a steam locomotive whilst admiring the scenery as you travel through the Dales.
There are a number of heritage railway lines to choose from in the Yorkshire Dales – including the Wensleydale Railway, the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and the Stainmore Railway.
Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle-Carlisle line is a stunning piece of Victorian engineering in an iconic location in the middle of the Three Peaks.
5. FAMILY DAYS OUT
If you are looking for a family day out in and around the Yorkshire Dales National Park we have some great ideas!
- Dales Countryside Museum – with fun and interesting things for visitors of all ages where you can discover more about the past of the Yorkshire Dales
- Wild Wednesdays – a family drop-in in the summer holidays where the children get to take part in different activities such as stream dipping and making crafts, these largely take place in the Malham, Aysgarth and Kirkby Stephen areas
- Open farms – close up interactive activities for the kids with the cute and furry animals of the Dales; Hesketh Farm Park and Holme Open Farm
- Wensleydale Creamery – home of the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and a popular Visitor Centre
Other attractions include:
- Buttertubs Pass
- Parcevall Hall Gardens
- Bolton Abbey Estate
- Kilnsey Park Estate
- Farfield Mill
- Gayle Mill
- Grassington Museum
- Black Sheep Brewery
- Theakstons Brewery
6. HISTORICAL SITES
There are many historic castles and abbey ruins in and around the Yorkshire Dales National Park to explore, such as:
- Bolton Castle – a 14th-century castle located in Wensleydale
- Ripley Castle – a Grade I listed 14th-century country house in Ripley
- Fountains Abbey – one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England
- Middleham Castle – was built in 1190 by Robert Fitzrandolph, 3rd Lord of Middleham and Spennithorne
- Richmond Castle – the castle was constructed from 1071 onwards following the Norman Conquest of England
- Pendragon Castle – a ruin located in Mallerstang dale, Cumbria, south of Kirkby Stephen,
- Skipton Castle – a medieval castle built in 1090 by Robert de Romille located in Skipton, North Yorkshire
7. GEOCACHING
Geocaching is great fun – it is basically a big treasure hunt where you can find co-ordinates, look for clues and hunt for the nearest caches – you can also hide your own!
8. LIMESTONE FEATURES
There is an array of limestone features; the most iconic and popular sites to visit are Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, Asygarth Falls, Ingleton Waterfalls and White Scar Cove; however we boast many more caves, caverns and waterfalls throughout the Park.
If you are wanting to release the dare devil in you, get an adrenaline rush by hiring an instructor to go caving, rock climbing or abseiling. You’ll see some of the sites from a different perspective that you might not get by walking or cycling.
Some examples of some fantastic waterfalls, caves and caverns:
9. STARGAZING
If you are fascinated by the night-time sky, enjoy a spot of stargazing or just a night-time walk. We have some of the darkest skies in the country, which means you get to witness some beautiful starry nights. As well as the moon and the stars, it is possible to see the Milky Way, planets, meteors and if you pick your time right you can even see the Northern Lights! How cool is that?
10. VOLUNTEERING
If you are interested in helping to conserve the beauty of the Park, or just to meet new people, you could volunteer with us and get involved in some of our current projects.
We have opportunities a plenty. From the hands-on practical work of maintaining our rights of way or drystone walls, to research projects, to helping other people to get enjoyment from the area in our guided walks programme.
Still want more?
Well… you could just put your feet up, take a picnic to a nice secluded spot under a tree, relax, enjoy the peace and quiet and gaze in wonder at the special landscape.
Last but not least, we have so many events going on throughout the year. You can see our events listing on here or in our official Yorkshire Dales National Park magazine ‘The Visitor’ which can also provide you which lots of suggestions for things to get up to in the Dales!
Don’t forget to stop off at any of our five visitor centres on your way round; these have our very own cafés and shops (we also have an online shop too!)
- Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre
- Grassington National Park Centre
- Hawes National Park Centre
- Malham National Park Centre
- Reeth National Park Centre
Please explore our website for more information on all of these activities and attractions. We can also offer you some great places to stay whilst you are enjoying your visit to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Where can I obtain a copy of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Magazine “Visitor? We are spending some time in the Dales during April /May this year! Thank you in anticipation for your response – a long time since I visited this beautiful area; the last visit was when I was a student on a course at Edale!
Thanks for your comment. The Visitor can be viewed online here https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/be-inspired/the-visitor/ Hard copies can be picked up at places such as National Park Centres, Tourist Information Centres, and accommodation providers. Hope you have a good time during your visit this spring.
Hi…where would I find the walk that Selena Scott did in episode 1 winter walks
Hi Jayne. The programmes are created by a television company called, Aytpical and BBC4 distribute them – we are helping promote them as they are in the National Park. I’m afraid the National Park doesn’t produce the walks. You can contact Atypical via their Twitter account here https://twitter.com/chatatypical
Hope that helps. Thanks, Wendy (Communications team)
Hello Jayne. To add to this, I’ve just learnt that the walks are being featured on the, Welcome to Yorkshire, website here: https://www.yorkshire.com/walkshire/map
Hopefully, that helps. Thanks, Wendy (Comms team)
None of the short walk links work?!
Thanks for the heads up, we’ll have a look into it.
I’m planning on visiting the Dales this September on my own with a young dog who can only manage shorter walks this year. I have never been to Yorkshire before and am just starting to research my trip. Any suggestions on where would be best to go and if you know of any organised walks that dogs would be welcomed on?
Hi Julie,
Unfortunately we are not running our usual guided walks this year but you can find some short walks on our website here: https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/get-outdoors/walking/short-walks/
I would suggest looking at Where2Walk’s website: https://where2walk.co.uk/ or Muddy Boots Walking Holidays: https://www.muddybootswalkingholidays.com/guided-discovery-walks for organised and guided walks.
Alternatively, if you visit one of our National Park Centres in either Grassington, Reeth, Malham, Aysgarth or Hawes an Information Advisor will be able to give you some advice about suitable walks in the area.
Hope you enjoy your stay, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you require any further information.
Thanks,
Katy
Hi Katy, thank you so much for the helpful information.
’m planning on visiting the Dales this October on my own with a young dog who can only manage shorter walks this year. I have never been to Yorkshire before and am just starting to research my trip. Any suggestions on where would be best to go and if you know of any organised walks that dogs would be welcomed on?
Hello Ashley. Thanks for considering a visit to the Yorkshire Dales, we’d love to see you and your pooch.
We do have a number of short walks on our website which dogs can go on here: https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/get-outdoors/walking/short-walks/. There are a number of organisations that offer guided walks and you can see their details here: https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/get-outdoors/walking/organised-walks/. Keep an eye on our, ‘What’s on’ section for events too: https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/.
Dogs are very welcome in the Yorkshire Dales but there are sometimes restrictions as to where they can go at different times of the year and you may have to keep your dog on a lead in certain places that have ground-nesting birds and/or if you walk in a place with livestock but you can see more about that here: https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/plan-your-visit/essential-information/dogs/
We hope you both have a good visit. Thanks, Wendy (Commmunications team)
Where can I obtain a copy of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Magazine “Visitor? We are spending some time in the Dales during November / December this year! a long time since I visited this beautiful area and im bringing my dog this year the last visit was when I was a Student Nurse on a course at Edale!
Reply
Hi Emily, we’re really pleased you’re coming back. The Visitor magazine is available at our National Park centres and you can get a digital copy online. Many shops and other businesses have copies too in the various towns and villages in and around the Dales. Find out more here: https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/be-inspired/the-visitor/ We hope you have a great visit.