A trip to Yorkshire would not be complete without going for a hike in the county’s beautiful countryside. From hidden wells and waterfalls to crags and cliffs, the county is filled with a diverse natural landscape to explore. Whether you are looking for a gentle stroll through the rolling moors or a steep climb to view some of the stunning scenery, here are some of the best short walks in the Yorkshire countryside.
One of the shorter walks on our list, Devil’s Bridge is a one-and-a-half-mile (2.4km) wander through the Yorkshire Dales. Along the route, you will stroll along the River Lune before crossing the picturesque, if ominously named, Devil’s Bridge. The trail finishes off with a trip up to a local viewing point to take in the landscape, before leading you down into the charming village of Kirkland Lonsdale.
Situated along the River Ure, Aysgarth Falls offer visitors some of the most spectacular scenes in the Yorkshire Dales. Taking you through several different settings, including woodland, fields and finally the falls themselves, the route is a great way to discover the area’s abundant natural beauty. The falls are made up of three separate waterfalls and are a terrific place to stop and take in the natural surroundings. Be sure to visit after it has been raining to really see the falls at their best.
A quick two-mile (3.2km) circuit, the Falling Foss route is a wonderful option for a woodland walk. Named after the 30-foot (9m) waterfall, the walk takes you through Little Beck Wood before leading to the impressive cascade. Don’t worry about feeling too secluded, though, as the aptly named Midge Hall is now home to the Falling Foss Tea Garden, a perfect place to grab lunch or a quick cup of tea.
A slightly more difficult walk on our list, Sedbergh to Stone Hall has plenty of challenges along its route. Starting in the pleasant town of Sedbergh, visitors will then trek through rolling hills and several narrow pathways before the trail leads to Castlehaw Tower, a 13th-century motte and one of Historic England’s heritage sites. Once you have finished, the trail leads back to Sedbergh, where there are plenty of pubs and cafés for anyone looking for a little refreshment.
Known locally as the Valley of the Waterfalls, Cotter Force is a lovely little walk in the Hawes National Park. Comprising six waterfalls of varying sizes, the Cotter Force walk is a gentle route through the woodland. It is also an excellent route for any would be warblers, as a host of local birds make the place their home, including Grey Wagtails, Long Tailed Tits and Kingfishers.
The Ingleborough Estate nature trail is the perfect route for those wanting to explore the fascinating nature of Yorkshire. Featured along the 2km (1.2mi) trail is the Ingleborough Cave, a show cave first discovered in the early 19th century. The trail then leads visitors on a well-kept gravel path through the nearby woods. There’s also a nearby visitor centre, which gives guests a glimpse of the 450-million-year-old history of the cave, through its excellent collection of fossils and rock samples.