Yorkshire Walks
With three national parks and 45 miles of coastline, and the nickname ‘God’s Own County’, Yorkshire’s natural landscape is truly a sight to behold, and what better way to see it than on foot? As our Yorkshire holiday cottages are in such picturesque locations, even a quick stroll around the local area is bound to impress, but for those who prefer to plan their walks, we have gathered this guide to Yorkshire’s top 5 walks.
1
The Three Peaks, Yorkshire Dales
This iconic trio of summits comprises Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside (in ascending order). Real hiking enthusiasts may want to tackle all three in one day, which many undertake as a charity fundraiser, but it’s more likely that trying just one is preferable. Pen-y-Ghent is the smallest peak and the route up starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Ingleborough begins in Clapham and has some fascinating sights along the way, including Gaping Gill and Trow Gill. Whernside is the largest of the three peaks and starts from the Ribblehead Viaduct.
2
The Swale Trail
A family friendly twelve mile route from Reeth to Keld in the Yorkshire Dales. A great trail for engaging children with local history as there are many key Viking spots along the way including the burial site at The Grinton Worm, the settlement on How Hill and the meadows of Muker where you can just imagine Vikings harvesting their winter food! For kids keen on nature, you can spend time identifying the wild flowers such as buttercups, selfheal, red clovers, common bistort and yellow rattle.
3
Harrogate to Ripley, ‘The Nidderdale Greenway’
This 4 mile route is on an old railway line and a great way to see the meadows and woodland of the area. The route takes you over the stunning Nidd Gorge Viaduct. On it you’ll look down over the River Nidd and the people who have caught the boaters in Knaresborough. Once you get to Ripley, it is worth looking around Ripley Castle and the lakes in the grounds which have belonged to the Ingleby family since the fourteenth century.
4
Bolton Abbey to the Strid
This 4.7 mile trail takes you from one of the most serene landmarks in Wharfedale to one of the deadliest… The Strid is a stretch of the River Wharfe where the water crashes through so fast and extends so deep that it is believed to be one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world. Don’t let that put you off though, as the woodland surrounding the Strid is truly beautiful and the whole scene is quite something. The trail from Bolton Abbey through here is equally lovely and there are always family-friendly activities such as Easter Egg hunts happening along the route.
5
Staithes to Port Mulgrave Circular
This four-mile circular is a great way to spend a day seeing the Yorkshire coast and North York Moors. The first half of the walk takes you along the Cleveland Way, an iconic coastal trail in Yorkshire, while the second half and route back to Staithes takes you through the woods via the small village of Dalehouse. The route is dog-friendly but it is advised that you keep your furry friend on a lead whilst going across the cliff tops as steep drops and uneven surfaces are to be expected.
