4 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Guided Walking Holiday

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 550 feet (180m) 

In summary: Walk along Wharfedale from Appletreewick to Bolton Abbey. Our route never strays far from the river and passes Barden Tower, the ruins of a 15th century fortified hunting lodge, and The Strid. 

Highlight: Our walk ends beneath the iconic ruins of Bolton Abbey, a 12th-century Augustinian monastery. 

Distance: 10 miles (16½km)

Total ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)

In summary: Walk to the limestone gorge of Trollers Gill then descend to the River Wharfe and follow the river past The Strid to Bolton Abbey.

Highlight: The Strid is a dramatic stretch of the river where the channel is forced into a narrow chasm. The name supposedly derives from being able to 'stride' across. Please don't try this - it's wider than it looks!

Distance: 12½ miles (20½km)

Total ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)

In summary: Walk past Trollers Gill before going on high moor to the superb viewpoint of Simon’s Seat. We cross Barden Fell and through the Valley of Desolation to follow the river to Bolton Abbey.

Highlight: The panoramic view from the top of Simon's Seat stretches along Wharfedale - perhaps even as far as the North York Moors on a clear day.

Distance: 6.5 miles (10½km) 

Ascent: 750 feet (240m) 

In summary: Our route which starts southwest of Pen-y-ghent, goes over rolling hills to the hamlet of Feizor before taking a moorland path under Smearsett Scar to Little Stainforth.  Picking up Ribble Way, our riverside path passes the waterfalls of Stainforth Force and the weir opposite Langcliffe before reaching the market town of Settle.  

Highlight: Exploring the tranquil green landscapes of Ribblesdale, with views of Pen-y-ghent and the famous Settle to Carlisle railway.

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 950 feet (300m) 

In summary: A lovely circular walk from Horton-in-Ribblesdale following the Pennine Way and Ribble Way. The day offers magnificent views of the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Three Peaks, and the unique limestone pavements of Moughton Scars.  

Highlight: The scenic Settle to Carlisle Railway carves its way through the Yorkshire Dales - the 24 arch Ribblehead Viaduct is one of its best known features.

Distance: 10 miles (16km) 

Total ascent: 1,850 feet (580m) 

In summary: Ascend to the summit of of Pen-y-ghent, via Churn Milk Hole. We then follow the ridge to Plover Hill, then continue along the Pennine Way to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. 

Highlight: The famous three peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside dominate the landscape. There's a great views and a real sense of achievement when you reach the top. 

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: We ascend gradually along a green lane and over open moorland up to Malham Tarn and return to Malham past Malham Cove and beautiful Janet's Foss waterfall. 

Highlight: Looking over the limestone pavement of Malham Cove is always an impressive sight.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m) 

In summary: A classic walk from Malham that leads to the beautiful sights of Janet’s Foss and magnificent Gordale Scar before heading north over moorland, past the top of Malham Cove, to reach Malham Tarn. The return route provides stunning views of limestone countryside before descending by a green lane to reach the bottom of Malham Cove.

Highlight: The pretty woodland waterfall of Janet’s Foss, the collapsed cave system of Gordale Scar from the last Ice Age, and the serene Malham Tarn, that is surrounded by pervious limestone.

Distance: 12 miles (20.km) 

Ascent: 1,700 feet (500m) 

In summary: After passing Janet’s Foss waterfall, we visit Gordale Scar before heading up on to Malham Moor with views of limestone pavements. We continue past Great Close Scar and join the Pennine Way north of Malham Tarn, returning to Malham via the Cove. 

Highlight: A truly memorable day as we step onto the limestone pavement atop Malham Cove and soak up the panoramic view ahead over Malhamdale. 

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 800 feet (240m) 

In summary: Explore the attractive village of Langcliffe before heading north to Catrigg Force and the villlage of Stainforth. We shall visit the Hoffman lime kiln and follow the River Ribble past Stainforth Force to Settle. 

Highlight: Settle is a picturesque market town, first chartered in 1249 and famous for the Settle-Carlisle railway.  

Distance: 9 miles (14km)

Total ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)

In summary: A circular walk from Settle, we take the Ribble Way to Stainforth Force Waterfalls before visiting the Hoffmann lime kiln from Stainforth.  A steady ascent up a stoney old lane takes us to Catrigg Force.  Our route down the eastern side of the valley leads past Winskill Stones to Jubilee Cave before descending along the Pennine Bridleway to Settle.

Highlight: Catrigg Force waterfall is a real hidden gem, situated in a deep wooded ravine.

Distance: 11½ miles (19km) 

Total ascent: 2,000 feet (600m) 

In summary: A longer circuit of Ribblesdale from Settle. We first explore the west side of the valley as we cross the hills to the hamlet of Feizor. We then have the option to visit the Hoffman lime kilns and return via Catrigg Force. 

Highlight: Enjoy views of Ingleborough as we explore this quintessential Dales' landscape.

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (200m) 

In summary: Enjoy great views of Wharfedale as you walk from Linton through the charming villages of Thorpe and Burnsall. We'll then follow the Dales Way along the river, past Linton Falls to Grassington. 

Highlight: Explore the unique 12th Century church in Linton and look out for Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the River Wharfe. 

Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: A horseshoe walk around Wharfedale. We first head up the western side of the valley where we will see amazing views of Kilnsey Crag. After crossing the river walk through more rugged scenery with a short scramble up Conistone Dib, then follow the Dales Way to Grassington.

Highlight: Our walk ends in the traditional Yorkshire village of Grassington with its cobbled streets, shops and tea rooms.

Distance: 12 miles (19km) 

Total ascent: 1,700 feet (520m) 

In summary: From the delightful village of Linton, we pass the villages of Cracoe and Rylstone before ascending to the Rylstone-Cracoe ridge for fine views towards Malhamdale. The descent from the ridge takes in Thorpe and Linton Falls, before completing the walk in Grassington.

Highlight: A close-up view of Rylstone Cross and Cracoe Obelisk on the ridge above Newfield Hall.

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: Today’s circular walk starts in  the traditional Dales village of Clapham. Pass through the Ingleborough Estate, with an optional guided tour of Ingleborough Cave (payable locally), and ascend the limestone gorge of Trow Gill to reach the huge pot hole of Gaping Gill.

Highlight: We'll stop for an optional tour of Ingleborough Cave with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Starting at Clapham, follow an ancient lane, walk through a boulder field of glacial erratic’s at Norber and take a moorland path onto Thwaite Scars, with views of the Crummack Dale.  Undulating moorland paths lead to Gaping Gill before returning to Clapham via the Ingleborough estate. 

Highlight: Gaping Gill is awe-inspiring in its scale. This huge pot hole drops 100 metres into a cavern large enough to fit York Minster.

Distance: 11 miles (17½km)

Total ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)

In summary: Walk from Clapham, over limestone pavements, to the summit of Ingleborough. Our descent route takes us via Gaping Gill to Clapham.

Highlight: The distinctive shape of Ingleborough, one of the Three Peaks, dominates the landscape. There's a great view from the top over the Yorkshire Dales towards the Lake District.

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 750 feet (220m)

In summary: This circular walk follows the Pennine Way south to Gargrave. From here we follow an old green lane to reach Haw Crag.

Highlight: An opportunity to climb Haw Crag (677 feet), which you can see from the house.

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 850 feet (260m)

In summary: Our circular walk takes us south of Newfield Hall through undulating scenery to the village of Gargrave. We follow the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, before returning via an old Green Lane.

Highlight: A pleasant stroll by Eshton Beck and along the canal towpath where we will see Gargrave Locks. 

Distance: 10½ miles (20km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: We head southeast down lanes and over fields via Eshton village and the hamlet of Flasby to reach the Leeds - Liverpool Canal.  The towpath leas us into Gargrave village.  There is an option (2 miles) of taking a lane west to Priest Holme Bridge to complete a loop back to Gargrave along the canal.  The return is by the Pennine Way over field paths past the rocky outcrop Haw Crag.

Highlight: A pleasant stroll through the countryside around Flasby village and along the canal towpath where we will see several Locks.

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: After exploring the pretty village of Linton take field paths and lanes through the tranquil countryside of Wharfedale to the village of Hebden, via a suspension bridge over the River Wharfe. After lunch we follow the Dales Way on a riverside path, passing by Linton Falls before reaching the picturesque village of Grassington.

Highlight: There will be ample time to explore the cobbled streets, tearooms and shops of the traditional Yorkshire village of Grassington.

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (200m) 

In summary: Enjoy great views of Wharfedale as you walk from Linton through the charming villages of Thorpe and Burnsall. We'll then follow the Dales Way along the river, past Linton Falls to Grassington. 

Highlight: Explore the unique 12th Century church in Linton and look out for Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the River Wharfe. 

Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: A horseshoe walk around Wharfedale. We first head up the western side of the valley where we will see amazing views of Kilnsey Crag. After crossing the river walk through more rugged scenery with a short scramble up Conistone Dib, then follow the Dales Way to Grassington.

Highlight: Our walk ends in the traditional Yorkshire village of Grassington with its cobbled streets, shops and tea rooms.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 1,250 feet (400m) 

In summary: See the key sights of Malham including Janet’s Foss waterfall and Gordale Scar. We ascend gradually up the Watlowes dry river valley and return to Malham via the Cove. 

Highlight: Explore the geological wonders of Malhamdale and its textbook collection of limestone pavements, dry valleys and sinkholes.

Distance: 10 miles (15.5km) 

Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)

In summary: Walk via Janet’s Foss waterfall to view Gordale Scar before heading onto Malham Lings. We continue over the moor to Malham Tarn before returning to Malham village via the Cove. 

Highlight: The huge natural amphitheatre of Malham Cove is always an impressive sight. Discover the river emerging from the base of the cliff, and watch rock climbers scaling the sheer face.

Distance: 10½ miles (17km)

Ascent: 2,100 feet (640m) 

In summary: Walk via Janet’s Foss waterfall and then ascend up onto Malham Moor. We skirt Malham Tarn before gradually ascending to our high point of the day, Nappa Cross. Descending via the limestone tops of Malham Cove we reach the village of Malham where we end our walk.

Highlight: Step onto the limestone pavement atop Malham Cove and soak up the panoramic view ahead over Malhamdale.