Best trails in North Yorkshire

A circular and very challenging walk, passing through some wonderful limestone scenery as it visits the iconic Yorkshire Dales sites of Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn and Malham Cove. With beautiful waterfalls, a lake, a limestone pavement and an impressive natural cove you will be spoiled with natural delights along the way. The walk follows a mixture of roads and dale footpaths. There are several climbs and descents throughout. You will need to negotiate flights of steps, kissing gates, gates and a few stiles (of various designs, including stone wall stiles and ladder stiles). The challenging part of the walk is a scramble up Gordale Scar - a rocky climb which is suitable only for experienced walkers and should NOT be attempted after periods of heavy rain (when the waterfall can be flowing strongly) or in icy conditions. You will be sharing much of the open moorland with free roaming sheep. Allow 4 hours.Show more

The circular route is one of the most popular walks in the Dales. Once you leave the carpark, the walk takes you through beautiful woodland before climbing through the collection of waterfalls. There is a well defined footpath which runs close to the edge of the two rivers and steps to climb. Dogs must be kept on a lead in certain areas, especially when crossing farmland. This walk features beautiful nature and geological features, such as Thornton Force. This area has been designed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England. Entrance Fee: £7 - Adults £3 - Under 16Show more

This trail covers the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough which form part of the Pennine Range. The Three Peaks challenge is the most iconic walk in the Yorkshire Dales taking in the three highest mountains in the area. Be prepared for the hike to take 14 hours due to steep climbs and the long distances between the peaks.Show more

A circular walk from the village of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire. The route takes you through classic limestone scenery and visits three iconic sites - the waterfall of Janet's Foss, the steep gorge of Gordale Scar and the beautiful limestone pavement and impressive natural cove of Malham Cove. The limestone pavement has been made famous on the large screen, most famously featuring in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. The walk follows a mixture of footpaths and tracks alongside rivers and through grass pastures. There are several climbs and descents throughout. You will need to negotiate steps, kissing gates, gates and stiles. You will be sharing some of the paths with sheep. Allow 2.5 hours. Show more

This route goes clockwise, up Clapham car park then left of St James Church and up toward Ingleborough Caves, then left and straight gentle up, then steady up stairs and slabs to Little Ingleborough. Continue across via top ridge to Ingleborough and left to summit. Views are as described - much worth it. Path down to Simon Fell provides great views too. However, unless continuing to B64179 or Horton-In-RIbbledale, the extra 4 1/2 miles from Simon Fell down to trail head did not feel time well spent Suggestion: After Simon Fell, cut back to below lower Ingleborough and return to trail head.Show more

A fairly steep walk up the first of the Yorkshire Peaks, with views of the surrounding areas and Ribblehead viaducts.Show more

The distinctive shape of Roseberry Topping is clearly visible from a good distance away and whilst not the highest point in the North York Moors, it is much more recognizable. It's 320m above sea level, some 130m lower than the nearby Urra Moor and makes a fine walk on its own or as part of a longer walk in the area. The views from the top are big and broad making it a popular destination. It's quite a steep climb to get to the top but not difficult - the walk here takes the shortest route to the top rather than a more gentle approach, although to reach the very top there is no gentle approach! The walk here takes between 2 and 3 hours. Do note that after rain the paths can be very muddy and slippery, so do take care and you might find walking poles very helpful when descending the very rocky and quite tricky path from the summit. Roseberry Topping has many historical connections. Bronze Age and Iron Age remains have been found on the slopes. Captain Cook was born in 1736 on a farm in the nearby village of Great Ayton and apparently was a favourite destination as a boy. The area was part of a game estate and an old hunting shelter is still on the southern part of the hill. Mining subsidence and geological faults appear to have caused a landslip in 1914 that have resulted in the current shape of the summit. Roseberry Topping is now under the ownership and care of the National Trust.Show more

A walk around Malham taking in Malham Cove and Gordale Scar.Show more