Dentdale and Aye Gill Pike
South-east from the car park on the A684 to Aye Gill Pike, then east via Rise Hill and Little Snaizwold Fell to the bridleway near Black Hill. South-west along High Ellershaw Edge to Cowgill and west through Dentdale to the village of Dent, using minor roads and the Dales Way which generally follow the course of the River Dee. Finally north-west out of Dent to Barth Bridge and north back to the starting point by way of Lunds and Longstone Fell. A 14-mile walk in the Yorkshire Dales.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL2, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
My Photos
The view north-west towards the Howgill Fells from woodland near Whitbeck.
Triangulation pillar on Aye Gill Pike summit, height 556 metres (1824 feet).
The view from Aye Gill Pike towards Great Coum and Crag Hill on the other side of the Dentdale valley.
Walking in the Yorkshire Dales with 43 Circular Routes
AD This Cicerone guidebook includes 43 circular walks exploring valleys, hills, and moors between Kirkby Stephen and Pateley Bridge. With OS maps, local highlights, and routes ranging from 3–11 miles, it is a year-round companion for walkers of all abilities.
Looking south-east from Rise Hill.
Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots
AD The Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots are crafted in Italy with a durable waxed leather upper, Spotex breathable lining, and a reliable Track-on rubber sole. Waterproof and weighing just 1120g, they offer comfort, resilience, and dependable performance on demanding trails.
The view east from the bridleway on High Ellershaw Edge towards Dodderham Moss. The course of the Settle to Carlisle railway line can be seen below the forest.
The grassy bridleway on High Ellershaw Edge leading down into Dentdale.
Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots
AD The Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots are crafted in Italy with a durable waxed leather upper, Spotex breathable lining, and a reliable Track-on rubber sole. Waterproof and weighing just 1120g, they offer comfort, resilience, and dependable performance on demanding trails.
The tiny hamlets of Lea Yeat and Cowgill become visible as we descend from High Ellershaw Edge.
Beautiful farmland and stone barn just north-west of Cowgill.
Fifty Walks Across the Beautiful North York Moors National Park
AD Discover 50 routes across the North York Moors, from short easy strolls to challenging high-level hikes. With OS maps, route descriptions, and local highlights, it also includes the legendary 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk, described in four accessible stages.
St John the Evangelist in Cowgill, a Grade 2 listed church dating back to 1869.
Fifty Walks Across the Beautiful North York Moors National Park
AD Discover 50 routes across the North York Moors, from short easy strolls to challenging high-level hikes. With OS maps, route descriptions, and local highlights, it also includes the legendary 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk, described in four accessible stages.
The River Dee as seen from Ewegales Bridge in Cowgill.
Osprey Hikelite Unisex Backpack for Comfortable and Lightweight Hiking
AD The Osprey Hikelite backpack combines lightweight design with practical features, including a breathable mesh back panel, soft webbing straps, and stretch mesh water bottle pockets. With zipped storage and an organiser compartment, it is ideal for day hikes and outdoor use.
Old abandoned tractors on farmland at Ewegales, just outside Cowgill.
Osprey Hikelite Unisex Backpack for Comfortable and Lightweight Hiking
AD The Osprey Hikelite backpack combines lightweight design with practical features, including a breathable mesh back panel, soft webbing straps, and stretch mesh water bottle pockets. With zipped storage and an organiser compartment, it is ideal for day hikes and outdoor use.
The view north across Dentdale from the minor road near Tub Hole Barn.
Fascinating erosion of the rocky Dee riverbed.
Peak Bagging Wainwrights with Routes to Complete All Fells
AD This comprehensive guide offers 45 circular routes linking all 214 Wainwright fells. With maps, GPX downloads, elevation profiles, and practical advice, it provides efficient yet inspiring ways to complete this classic Lake District challenge at your own pace.
Stepping stones near the confluence of the River Dee and Deepdale Beck.
The view of Dent from the Dales High Way, on the far side of an attractive field of bright yellow dandelions.
Peak Bagging Wainwrights with Routes to Complete All Fells
AD This comprehensive guide offers 45 circular routes linking all 214 Wainwright fells. With maps, GPX downloads, elevation profiles, and practical advice, it provides efficient yet inspiring ways to complete this classic Lake District challenge at your own pace.
Grade 2 listed Church Bridge just outside Dent, probably built in the late 18th century.
The lovely village of Dent, with its narrow, cobbled main street, white-walled cottages and ancient village church.
Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX Men's High Rise Hiking Boots
AD The Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX men’s hiking boots feature a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX membrane, a memory foam tongue and collar for a personalised fit, and a Vibram sole delivering exceptional grip, stability, and shock protection for confident performance on any terrain.
Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX Men's High Rise Hiking Boots
AD The Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX men’s hiking boots feature a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX membrane, a memory foam tongue and collar for a personalised fit, and a Vibram sole delivering exceptional grip, stability, and shock protection for confident performance on any terrain.
Kendal Mint Co Energy Gel with Citrus and Mint Flavour
AD Kendal Mint Co energy gels deliver 27g of fast-absorbing carbohydrates plus electrolytes and B vitamins for improved performance. Vegan, gluten free, and Informed Sport certified, these caffeine-free gels are refreshing, easy to digest, and ideal for running, cycling, and endurance.
The Dent Village Heritage Centre & Museum.
Kendal Mint Co Energy Gel with Citrus and Mint Flavour
AD Kendal Mint Co energy gels deliver 27g of fast-absorbing carbohydrates plus electrolytes and B vitamins for improved performance. Vegan, gluten free, and Informed Sport certified, these caffeine-free gels are refreshing, easy to digest, and ideal for running, cycling, and endurance.
Muscovy duck at Lunds.
Crossing Brockought Hill to return to the car park on the A684, with the distinctive rolling hills of the Howgills in the distance.
Thermos Stainless King Flask for Travel and Daily Adventures
AD The Thermos Stainless King 470ml flask keeps drinks hot for 18 hours or cold for 24. With durable stainless steel, vacuum insulation, a serving cup, and a leakproof design, it is perfect for commutes, journeys, and outdoor adventures.
