7 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Guided Walking for Solos Holiday

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: Our circular walk from Newfield Hall takes us to historic Airton village, before continuing along the valley to Kirkby Malham. In the afternoon we’ll return along the Pennine Way beside the River Aire. 

Highlight: Discover plenty of historical interest including an 18th century watermill, the Cathedral of the Dales’ at Kirkby Malham and the curious story of a watery grave.

Distance: 9 miles (15km) 

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (340m) 

In summary: Discover the beautiful countryside of Malhamdale as we explore the valley and visit the villages of Airton, Kirkby Malham and Malham, before returning by the Pennine Way beside the River Aire. 

Highlight: Enjoy views of Malham Cove and walk past Aire Head where the river resurges from underground.

Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km) 

Total ascent: 1,200 feet (350m) 

In summary: From Newfield Hall pass through the village of Calton before ascending the open moorland of Calton Moor to reach the superb viewpoint of Weets Top.  We descend to Malham before returning alongside the River Aire via the villages of Kirkby Malham and Airton.

Highlight: Discover more about the fascinating geology of Malhamdale as you gaze down from Weets Top over Gordale Scar and the classic limestone landscapes above Malham.

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.