Malham Cove
The Yorkshire Dales are filled with spectacular scenery, cascading waterfalls and towering peaks, but it’s perhaps the limestone pavement above Malham Cove that is the most dramatic landscape. The circular walk takes you from the town, along the river to the bottom of the cove, before climbing steeply up and allowing hikers to teeter on the edge of the precipice, walk on the unusual limestone surface and (on a clear day) admire the views for miles around. If you’d prefer a longer walk, add on the extra loop to Malham Tarn and back to enjoy more of the local scenery.
Ingleborough
One of the Dales famed ‘Three Peaks’, Ingleborough towers above the surrounding landscape at 723 metres high with its unmistakable silhouette. There are many routes up the mountain, but perhaps the most scenic is the circular route that leads up from the small village of Clapham. The ascent starts slowly, as you leave Clapham and walk up hill through the woods, eventually passing a picturesque river that makes a great place for a picnic stop. Continuing steadily up hill, hikers must scramble through a gorge before approached Gaping Gill, a chasm in the earth that opens up into a caving system large enough to fit St Paul’s Cathedral inside. From here, it’s a steep but relatively quick uphill climb to first Little Ingleborough, then the main peak. The descent is similarly fast and sheer, leading you back to Clapham hopefully in time for a celebratory pint in the local pub.
Ilkley Moor and the Twelve Apostles
For jaw-dropping views of the purple-hued landscapes of West Yorkshire, you can’t beat a walk on Ilkley Moor. Starting from West View Park, turn towards White Wells, not forgetting to occasionally pause to admire the views. The path then continues to Ilkley Crag, constantly climbing at an easy gradient before taking the right fork uphill. Here you’ll find a standing circle of twelve stones on top of the moor. After admiring the stones, continue along the path towards Yorkshire’s infamous Cow and Calf outcrops. No doubt you’ll be sharing this spot with plenty of other admirers, but wandering back down to West View through Rocky Valley is far more tranquil and just as picturesque. Time this walk to coincide with the abundance of heather in late summer and early autumn to fully appreciate the beauty of the scenery.
Aysgarth Falls
This picturesque walk around Aysgarth Falls allows for many photo opportunities during just a short two and a half hour loop, taking in woodland, views and three separate waterfalls. Visit following heavy rain to appreciate the falls at their full force, although the walk is impressive at any time. Although it’s possible to park close to the falls, we recommend saving the upper falls for the end of your walk and beginning by passing the mid and lower falls before ascending up to views of Castle Bolton. The route then passes through the small village of Carperby, where thirsty hikers can stop for a drink at The Wheatsheaf before continuing back to the car park and admiring the upper falls. If you’d like to get closer to the water, take the opportunity at the beginning of your hike as the easiest access is the stretch of rock at the water’s edge at the lower falls.