A Trail of Memories from Circular Walks in Yorkshire and Cumbria
Circular walks in Yorkshire and Cumbria are the heart and soul of my website. I maintain a diary to chart the development of my site and document my adventures across some of Northern England’s most breathtaking landscapes.
As an enthusiast of the great outdoors, my passion drives me to explore and capture the beauty nestled within the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Lake District, Howardian Hills, North Pennines, and their surrounding areas. This page serves as a compilation of journal entries, each detailing the interesting sights and memorable experiences I encounter on my walks.
With each update to my journal, I extend my experiences to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Tumblr, and Pinterest, sharing snapshots and moments from my journeys. I would be honoured if you joined me on this exploration, not just as a reader, but as a fellow explorer, by following my updates on any of these networks.
Follow a Wensleydale Walking Route Featuring the Tupgill Park Estate
This richly varied Wensleydale walk begins at historic Wensley Bridge and follows the River Ure eastwards before climbing steadily towards Middleham. Once in the town, the route explores the market square, the churchyard of St Mary and St Alkelda and the impressive ruins of Middleham Castle. From here, you will cross Middleham Low Moor on a public bridleway, with the racehorse gallops visible to the north-east, before reaching the landscaped grounds of the Tupgill Park Estate. The path then winds through ornamental ponds, woodland and parkland before turning west towards Spigot Lodge, descending fields to West Witton and eventually rejoining the River Ure for a peaceful final stretch back to Wensley Bridge.
The full walk covers 11¼ miles and takes around 5 hours, with a total ascent of 249 metres. On the walk page, you will find a full set of directions, detailed route statistics and links to both Ordnance Survey and Outdooractive maps. You can print the route, download it for offline use or export it as a GPX file. A printable PDF and a supporting video are also available if you prefer to plan your walk visually.
The route is full of character from the outset. The riverside section beside the Ure offers gentle walking and fine views towards Penhill, followed by a steady climb towards Middleham. Highlights here include the 13th-century Church of St Mary and St Alkelda, Swine Market with its Jubilee Fountain and the striking remains of Middleham Castle, which once housed Richard III. Crossing Middleham Low Moor adds a completely different feel, with wide skies, open ground and the unmistakable presence of the local racing industry. Beyond the moor, the walk enters the tranquil estate of Tupgill Park, known for its woodland paths, ornamental ponds, the Fishing Temple and the playful entrance to The Forbidden Corner.
The scenery evolves again as you leave the estate and head west towards West Witton, with views across Wensleydale taking in Bolton Hall, Preston-under-Scar and the rolling fields below Capple Bank. The village itself is charming, home to St Bartholomew’s Church and the Fox & Hounds. The final leg leads down to Lords Bridge, a handsome stone crossing offering views along the river. From here, a peaceful woodland path follows the Ure all the way back to Wensley Bridge, rounding off a route that blends riverside walking, historic towns, open moorland, landscaped parkland and traditional Dales scenery.
If you enjoy routes with plenty of variety, rich local history and changing landscapes, this Wensleydale walk linking Wensley, Middleham, West Witton and Tupgill Park is an excellent choice. You will find the full route description, maps and planning resources on my website using the link below.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/tupgill-park
Enjoy a North Yorkshire Walk Featuring the River Ure and the Cover Bridge Inn
This lovely North Yorkshire walk from Middleham is available in full on my website. Beginning in the heart of the town, the route leads past the historic castle before following the Six Dales Trail south through farmland and wooded valleys to the River Cover. It then continues to the Cover Bridge Inn and picks up a beautiful riverside stretch beside the River Ure. From here, the walk enters Jervaulx Park, skirts the abbey, climbs gently towards Ellingstring and crosses open countryside to reach East Witton. The return leg heads across fields and meadows towards Hullo Bridge before finishing back in Middleham, weaving together riverside scenery, village history and classic Wensleydale landscapes.
The full walk is 12 miles and takes around 5½ hours, with a total ascent of 337 metres. On the walk page, you will find complete directions, route statistics and parking advice. There are also links to Ordnance Survey and Outdooractive maps, giving you the option to print the route, download it to your device or export it as a GPX file.
Middleham itself is steeped in history, with roots stretching back to Roman times and strong links to Richard III. The impressive castle dominates the town, and the winding streets reveal Georgian buildings, ancient market areas and landmarks such as Swine Cross, Jubilee Fountain and the old Methodist Church. The wider area is rich in heritage too. Jervaulx Park, once home to a prosperous Cistercian abbey, lies along the route, and the walk passes through the villages of Ellingstring and East Witton, both shaped by centuries of rural life, farming and the influence of historic estates.
There is a great deal to enjoy along the way. Early highlights include the cobbled Market Place, the red telephone box and the castle’s imposing walls. The racehorse gallops south of Middleham offer a glimpse of the town’s equestrian heritage before the path drops to the River Cover and its stepping stones. The Cover Bridge Inn is a favourite stopping point, steeped in character, and the riverside section beside the Ure is wonderfully peaceful. Views of Jervaulx Abbey, the quiet lanes into Ellingstring, the farmland around East Witton and the sculpted bedrock near Hullo Bridge all add variety. The final approach back to Middleham, with the castle rising ahead, makes a fitting end to a scenic and historic day out.
If you enjoy riverside walking, historic villages and a route that offers plenty of visual interest, this North Yorkshire walk is a superb choice. You can view the full route description, maps and planning resources on my website using the link below.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/north-yorkshire-walk
Follow Woodland Trails and Quiet Lanes on the Appleton-le-Moors Walk
This peaceful circular walk from Sinnington to Appleton-le-Moors is now available to explore on my website. Beginning in the centre of Sinnington beside the village hall and maypole, the route heads north past stone cottages and the parish church before joining woodland bridleways on Wiley Flat Lane. It continues through quiet countryside to Cropton, crosses the River Seven via a footbridge and climbs to Appleton-le-Moors before returning through Bishop Hagg Wood and along the riverbank to Sinnington. Walkers can look forward to woodland trails, characterful villages, gentle riverside paths and classic North Yorkshire scenery throughout.
The full circuit is 7 miles and takes around 3¼ hours to complete, with a total ascent of 242 metres. Full directions, detailed statistics and parking advice are included on the walk page. You will also find links to Ordnance Survey and Outdooractive maps, which allow you to print the route, download it to your device and export it as a GPX file.
Appleton-le-Moors sits within the North York Moors National Park and has a long and fascinating history. Once part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, the village appears in the Domesday Book and still reflects its mediaeval planned layout, where each cottage originally had a long garth stretching towards the rear lane. Archaeological finds include flint tools, Roman coins and a mediaeval oven, showing centuries of human settlement. One of the village’s most striking buildings is Christ Church, a Grade I listed 19th-century church designed by J. L. Pearson in the French Gothic style, known for its rose window, tower and spire and beautifully detailed interior. The church, along with the former village school, was funded by Mary Shepherd, whose husband Joseph Shepherd was born in the village and later became a wealthy shipowner.
The walk offers many memorable highlights. In Sinnington, the route passes the village hall, historic maypole and the 12th-century Church of All Saints before heading into open countryside. Wiley Flat Lane provides a lovely woodland section beneath tall oaks and ash trees, eventually opening to views towards Spaunton Moor. Near Kirby Balk, a traditional stone farmhouse offers a classic North Yorkshire scene. In Cropton, walkers pass the New Inn, home to Cropton Brewery, and continue to St Gregory’s Church, a striking Norman Revival building. The route crosses the River Seven via a wooden footbridge, climbs towards Appleton-le-Moors and then heads south through open farmland with wide views over Sinnington and the Vale of Pickering. The return through Bishop Hagg Wood and alongside the River Seven offers a peaceful finish before reaching the 18th-century stone bridge and the village green where the walk began.
If you enjoy woodland trails, pretty villages, historic churches and gentle North Yorkshire landscapes, this Appleton-le-Moors walk is a delightful choice. You can explore the full route description, maps and planning tools on my website via the link below.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/appleton-le-moors
Discover Open Moorland and Hidden Valleys on a Yorkshire Moors Walk
This superb Yorkshire moors walk from Gollinglith Foot is available in full on my website. Starting beside the red telephone box and the River Burn, the route climbs out of the valley on the Six Dales Trail, crosses quiet farmland and pine woodland, then heads out over the open expanse of Pott Moor. From here, it joins the high bridleway along Dale Edge, where wide views open over Upper Nidderdale, before turning north towards South Haw and dropping into the hidden valley of Steel House Gill. The return follows the developing River Burn and then Coal Road above Colsterdale, linking together open moorland, tucked-away valleys and classic Dales scenery in one rewarding circuit.
The full route is 11½ miles and takes about 5¾ hours to walk, with a total ascent of 351 metres. On the walk page you will find complete turn-by-turn directions, route statistics and parking advice. There are also links to Ordnance Survey and Outdooractive maps, giving you options to print the route, download it to your device or export it as a GPX file for your GPS or phone.
Colsterdale is a quiet, steep-sided valley shaped by the River Burn, a tributary of the River Ure. Although it sits within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Swinton Estate, it feels far more secluded than the busier parts of the Dales. The valley is dotted with sighting towers, built to survey the ground during the construction of Leighton and Roundhill Reservoirs and their pipelines. The name ‘Colsterdale’ was first recorded in 1281 and is thought to mean ‘coalman valley’, a nod to medieval mining here. The dale has seen parish boundary changes, reservoir schemes and even a First World War training camp for the Leeds Pals, later reused as a Prisoner of War camp, leaving layers of history in what now feels like a peaceful, little-visited corner of the hills.
Along the way there are plenty of highlights. Early on, the bridleway from Gollinglith Foot climbs through woodland before emerging by the abandoned Pickersgill House and the farmsteads at Towler Hill and High Sourmire. A descent through conifers leads into a small valley where, in summer, tall bracken gives the path a rough and adventurous feel. Beyond Pott Moor High Road, the broad track over Pott Moor blows the cobwebs away before suddenly revealing your first big views into Upper Nidderdale, with Little Whernside and Great Whernside on the skyline.
The high traverse of Dale Edge gives superb panoramas towards Scar House Reservoir, the River Nidd and the distant village of Middlesmoor. Further on, the route passes a disused shaft, a stone sheepfold and the boundary stone on South Haw, then drops into the quiet cleft of Steel House Gill where the River Burn begins. The final section beside the Burn and along Coal Road offers a lovely mix of shooting house, heather-clad slopes, patchwork fields and far-reaching views across Colsterdale before you return to the footbridge and car park at Gollinglith Foot.
If you enjoy big skies, airy moorland tracks and exploring quieter valleys away from the crowds, this Yorkshire moors walk is a fantastic choice. You can view the full route description, maps and planning tools on my website using the link below.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/yorkshire-moors-walk
Discover Lastingham on the Hutton-le-Hole Walk in the North York Moors
This superb circular walk from Hutton-le-Hole is now available to explore on my website. Starting from the North York Moors National Park car park just north of the village centre, the route heads through the heart of Hutton-le-Hole before crossing fields and moorland towards Lastingham. From there, it continues through quiet lanes and woodland to Spaunton and across open tracks to Appleton-le-Moors, before looping back via peaceful bridleways and country lanes to Hutton-le-Hole. Along the way, you will enjoy classic village greens, gently flowing becks, historic churches, traditional pubs, wide moorland views and timeless North York Moors countryside.
The full route is 9¼ miles and takes around 4¼ hours to complete, with a total ascent of 289 metres. All step-by-step directions, detailed route statistics and parking advice are provided on the walk page. You will also find links to Ordnance Survey and Outdooractive maps, which allow you to print the route, download it to your device and export it as a GPX file.
Hutton-le-Hole is a small North Yorkshire village on the southern edge of the North York Moors, long known for its charm and character. Its history stretches back to the Domesday Book and includes links to St Mary’s Abbey in York and a strong Quaker presence in the 17th century. Over time, the village has grown around its green, beck and limestone cottages, with many buildings now listed, from the old schoolhouse and telephone kiosk to historic chapels and houses. Today, Hutton-le-Hole is regarded as one of the most picturesque villages in the UK, with its greens grazed by sheep, footbridges over Hutton Beck and the Ryedale Folk Museum showcasing rescued historic buildings from across the region.
The walk is packed with memorable highlights. Early on, you pass the Grade II listed village pinfold and the Ryedale Folk Museum, before enjoying picture-postcard views of Hutton-le-Hole’s greens, stream and cottages. The route then leads across fields and moorland to Jennie’s Bridge over Hole Beck and down into the historic village of Lastingham, where you can visit St Mary’s Church, its remarkable Norman crypt and The Blacksmiths Arms. Further on, quiet lanes and woodland tracks lead through Spaunton, with its restored pinfold, and along Spauntons Lane, Ings Balk and South Ings Lane on the Tabular Hills Walk towards Appleton-le-Moors and Christ Church. The return leg passes the restored Appleton Reading Room, the old Spaunton Quarry, tree-lined Lingmoor Lane and finally brings you back to Hutton-le-Hole’s green, Hutton Beck and The Old School House Deli and Bakery for a well-earned treat.
If you enjoy combining beautiful villages, rich history and classic North York Moors scenery in one day out, this Hutton-le-Hole walk is a fantastic choice. You can explore the full route description, maps and planning tools on my website via the link below.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/hutton-le-hole-walk
Explore the Yorkshire Dales on a Scenic and Varied Swaledale Walk
There’s a brand-new Swaledale walk now available on my website. Starting in the lovely village of Reeth, this circular route blends moorland trails with riverside paths, guiding you through some of the Dales’ most spectacular scenery. You begin by heading down to the River Swale and crossing Reeth Swing Bridge, before climbing steadily onto the moors of Harkerside and Whitaside. From there, the route takes in old lead mine remains, a series of tucked-away waterfalls, traditional stone barns, and winding paths through open pasture. The loop finishes with a brilliant stretch along the banks of the River Swale, bringing you back into the heart of Reeth.
The full route is 10¼ miles long and takes around 5 hours to complete. Total ascent is approximately 430 metres, most of which is tackled early on after crossing the Swing Bridge. This means the hard work is out of the way before you are even a quarter of the way round. The walk page has everything you need: detailed directions, walk statistics, and parking tips. You will also find links to Ordnance Survey and Outdooractive maps. From there, you can print the route, download it to your phone, or export it as a GPX file if you use a GPS device.
Swaledale is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ true highlights. It is the most northerly of the main valleys, running from the high Pennine moors near Keld all the way down to the historic market town of Richmond. The landscape is full of character, with lush meadows, dry stone walls, scattered field barns, and sweeping moorland ridges. Swaledale is especially well known for its wildflowers in spring and early summer, thanks to traditional hay meadow management. You will also come across reminders of the area’s industrial past, with old mine workings and stone ruins adding depth to the views.
This Swaledale walk is full of standout moments. Reeth Swing Bridge is a fantastic early feature with a dramatic history involving floods and local resilience. Once up on the moors, the views really open up, especially from Green Hill Ends and the cairn at 459 metres. You’ll spot the remains of lead mining across the hills and pass through peaceful farmland around Bank Top House. The secluded waterfalls on Haverdale Beck are a perfect place for a quiet break. Later in the walk, you pass elegant Georgian houses like The Old Parsonage and Lawn House, then follow a lovely hedge-lined track before joining a riverside path with sweeping views towards Calver Hill.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/swaledale-walk
Follow This Step-by-Step Route for an Unforgettable Pen-y-ghent Walk
A brand-new route is now live on my website, and it’s a true Yorkshire favourite. The Pen-y-ghent walk begins in Horton in Ribblesdale and follows a peaceful, scenic path through Brackenbottom and Dub Cote, climbing steadily to the summit of Pen-y-ghent. Along the way, you’ll pass St Oswald’s Church, the old Horton Primary School, and the farm buildings at Dub Cote, with far-reaching views of Ingleborough, Whernside, and Horton Quarry. There’s also a short detour to the dramatic natural hollow of Hull Pot, a real highlight of the route.
Covering 7½ miles, the walk takes around 4 hours to complete, with a total ascent of 505 metres. You’ll find full directions, route details, and plenty of photos on the walk page to help you know what to expect. There are also links to online maps, GPX downloads, an elevation profile, and a 3D fly-over to help with planning.
Pen-y-ghent is one of the most recognisable peaks in the Yorkshire Dales. It may be the smallest of the Three Peaks, but it’s packed with character. The summit stands at 694 metres, topped with gritstone and underpinned by limestone, giving it its distinctive shape. The name comes from old Cumbric, possibly meaning ‘hill on the border’ or ‘hill of the heathens’.
This walk offers no shortage of memorable views and features. There’s the beautiful Norman church of St Oswald’s at the start, big skies above Dub Cote Scar Pasture, and the satisfying scramble up to the summit ridge. Hull Pot is one of the stand-out moments, especially if there’s been recent rain. From the top of Pen-y-ghent, you’ll be treated to wide open views across the Dales, with Ingleborough and Whernside standing out on the horizon.
For a great day out in the Yorkshire Dales, with varied scenery, geological interest, and a bit of a challenge, this walk is well worth your time.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/pen-y-ghent-walk
Everything You Need to Know About the Ingleborough Walk from Clapham
A brand-new walk is now available on my website, starting from the picturesque village of Clapham in the Yorkshire Dales. This exciting route follows the beautiful Clapham Beck valley, passes the impressive Ingleborough Cave, and climbs through the dramatic ravine of Trow Gill. Along the way, you will visit the spectacular Gaping Gill, tackle a steep ascent via Little Ingleborough, and reach the wide, flat summit of mighty Ingleborough. With limestone valleys, historic packhorse bridges, and sweeping views across the Dales, this walk offers a brilliant variety of landscapes.
The Ingleborough walk from Clapham covers roughly 10½ miles, takes around 5½ hours to complete, and includes a total ascent of 662 metres. Full turn-by-turn directions and detailed route statistics are available on the walk’s page. You will also find links to interactive maps, GPX downloads, elevation charts, and a 3D fly-over of the route. There are plenty of photos included too, so you can see what to expect before setting out.
Ingleborough stands at 724 metres and is the second-highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is known for its striking, flat-topped summit and fascinating geology, with layers of limestone, sandstone, and Millstone Grit. As one of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks, Ingleborough combines dramatic landscapes with rich history, from Iron Age settlements to hidden cave systems. Much of the mountain is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the Wild Ingleborough conservation project.
This walk is full of memorable sights. The rocky climb through the steep walls of Trow Gill is a real highlight, and visiting the huge depths of Gaping Gill is an unforgettable experience. Higher up, the golden grasses and rocky slopes around Little Ingleborough make a stunning backdrop for your final climb. From the summit, you can enjoy wide-open views across the Yorkshire Dales, including Whernside, Ribblehead Viaduct, and Pen-y-ghent. On the return, the route offers amazing stretches of classic limestone pavement, adding even more interest along the way.
If you are looking for an amazing way to experience Ingleborough, this fantastic walk is definitely worth a look. It is one of several ascents available, and one of the very best routes up the mountain. It has taken me quite some time to write this walk, and I hope I have included just about everything you need to know to complete it.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/ingleborough-walk
Uncover Artworks in Wensleydale’s Villages and Countryside on the Hawes Mosaic Walk
There’s a brand-new walk now available on my website, and it’s something a bit different. The Hawes Mosaic Walk is an 11-mile circular route through the stunning countryside of Upper Wensleydale, with twenty mosaic artworks to track down along the way. The walk starts at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes and finishes at nearby St Margaret’s Church. On the way, you’ll wander through the villages of Burtersett, Gayle, Hardraw, and Sedbusk. Expect lovely rural paths, classic Yorkshire stone barns and walls, and sweeping views. You’ll also pass some brilliant features like the dramatic Aysgill Force waterfall and the impressive Appersett Viaduct with its towering arches.
The route covers 11 miles and usually takes around 5 hours to complete. There’s a total ascent of 369 metres, so it’s a decent walk but very manageable. It’s circular too, so you’ll end up back where you began. On the walk’s dedicated page, you’ll find clear directions, route stats, and photos of every single mosaic. All the mosaic locations are clearly shown, so they’re easy to spot. You’ll also find handy planning tools like interactive maps, downloadable GPX files, an elevation chart, and even a 3D fly-over to help you get a feel for the walk.
The Hawes Mosaic Walk was created in 2000 by the local community to celebrate the millennium. Each mosaic links to a theme from the Millennium Window inside St Margaret’s Church, which you’ll see at the end of the walk. They reflect the culture, wildlife, farming heritage, and stories of the area. As you walk, you’ll see how the art and the landscape work together to tell a story about Upper Wensleydale, bringing a sense of connection between the past and present.
There are loads of visual highlights on this route, starting with the mosaics themselves. Each one is a little surprise waiting to be found, whether tucked into a dry stone wall or sitting quietly beside a lane. Some favourites include the ‘Sheep in Field’, the ‘Curlew’, the ‘Steam Train’, and the ‘Red Squirrel’. The view from Bands Lane is another highlight, with Great Shunner Fell and Lovely Seat providing a stunning backdrop. The walk page is packed with photos of all the mosaics and scenery, so you can get a taste of it before setting off.
If you’re a regular walker or just fancy something new, the Hawes Mosaic Walk is a brilliant way to explore Wensleydale on foot. It’s scenic, peaceful, and full of character, with some unusual artistic touches along the way. Have a look at the full walk page for the route, all the mosaics, and everything you need to plan your day out.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/hawes-mosaic-walk
How to Enjoy the Guisborough Woods Walk Through Forest and Moorland
A brand-new walk is now live on my website, starting just outside the market town of Guisborough. This circular route sets off from Hutton Village Road and leads walkers through the beautiful Hutton Wood before emerging onto the open moorland of Hutton Moor. From there, it follows a stretch of the Cleveland Way National Trail to the iconic Highcliffe Nab, where panoramic views await. The route then continues along the Cleveland Way as it weaves through the varied terrain of Guisborough Woods, eventually descending towards farmland and looping back to your starting point.
This Guisborough Woods walk covers 7½ miles (12 kilometres) and typically takes around 3¾ hours to complete. There’s a total ascent of 370 metres. Full route directions, detailed statistics, and exact parking information are all included on the walk’s dedicated page. You’ll also find links to OS Maps and Outdooractive for mapping tools, GPX downloads, elevation charts, and even a 3D fly-over of the entire route.
Guisborough Woods forms a long strip of woodland on the northern fringe of the North York Moors National Park, directly south of the town. It lies on a steep, north-facing slope, rising from around 150 metres (492 feet) to over 300 metres (984 feet), with Highcliff Nab standing proud at the top. The woods are rich in springs, gills, and varied topography, and have been shaped by centuries of history—once part of Gisborough Priory’s estate and now managed for both conservation and recreation. The Cleveland Way skirts along the high southern edge, offering superb views across Teesside.
There are plenty of standout moments along this route. The first mile does climb steeply through Hutton Wood, but once you reach the moor, the views really open up. Following the Cleveland Way past dry stone walls and blooming gorse, you reach Highcliff Nab—where you can see Guisborough, Redcar, the North Sea, and even the Teesside Wind Farm in the distance. The ridge walk beyond the Nab offers equally impressive views over Highcliff Wood and Gisborough Hall. Later, as you descend into Guisborough Woods, quiet forestry tracks and historic landmarks, including Hutton Hall, bring even more variety and interest to the return leg.
If you fancy giving this walk a go, head over to my website for the full route description and a whole gallery of photographs to help bring it to life. I was lucky enough to walk it in fine spring weather—hopefully you will be too!
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/guisborough-woods-walk
This Wharfedale Walk Showcases the Best of the Yorkshire Dales Countryside
A brand-new route is now up on my website, set entirely within the valley of Upper Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales. This figure-of-eight walk gives you a great mix of scenery—combining steady hillside climbs with gentle riverside paths. The figure-of-eight layout isn’t essential, but it helps add variety and makes the most of what the area has to offer.
Starting in Buckden, the walk takes you to the neighbouring villages of Starbotton and Kettlewell. You’ll join sections of the well-known Dales Way, cross the River Wharfe, and follow both open tracks and tucked-away lanes. With classic Dales features like dry stone walls, stone barns, traditional pubs, and sweeping views, there’s plenty to enjoy along the way.
The full walk covers 9½ miles, with an estimated walking time of around 4½ hours and a total ascent of 360 metres. You’ll find full directions and all the route details on the walk page. There are also links to digital tools including GPX downloads, elevation profiles, and a 3D fly-over to help with planning.
Wharfedale is one of the most iconic valleys in the Dales, shaped by the River Wharfe and surrounded by rolling hills and limestone outcrops. The Dales Way traces the river through the valley, which is dotted with farming villages and old stone buildings. It’s a landscape shaped by centuries of history and known for its quiet charm and timeless character.
This walk has no shortage of standout moments—from the elevated views above Buckden to the traditional cottages of Starbotton. In Kettlewell, you’ll pass the old village stocks, visit the peaceful war memorial garden, and explore the lovely church with its historic font and memorial windows. There’s also a welcoming pub in each village and plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way.
If you’re after a walk that offers a good mix of countryside views, riverside paths, and local interest, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s full of variety, easy to follow, and ideal for a day out in the Dales.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/wharfedale-walk
Follow a Stunning Kettlewell Walk Through Yorkshire Dales Hills and Valleys
This brand-new Kettlewell walk is now live on my website and it’s a cracking route through the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Starting in the lovely village of Kettlewell, it takes you across two beautiful valleys—Wharfedale and Littondale—passing places like Hawkswick and Arncliffe along the way. You’ll walk beside rivers, head up onto open hillsides, and enjoy a mix of peaceful trails, historic spots, and classic Yorkshire views. It’s a really varied walk with loads to enjoy from start to finish.
The full route is 9 miles and takes around 5 hours to complete, with a total climb of 536 metres. There are two good ascents along the way that will definitely test your stamina—especially the steep climb out of Arncliffe towards Brayshaw Scar. You’ll find all the details on the walk page, including full step-by-step directions and route stats. There are also handy tools like interactive maps and GPX downloads linked directly from the page.
Kettlewell sits right in the heart of the Dales and is full of charm. The River Wharfe runs through the village, and the surrounding landscape is classic Yorkshire—green fields, dry stone walls, and rugged hills. There’s plenty of history here too, from old lime kilns and lead mines to the remains of mediaeval terracing. Keep an eye out for St Mary’s Church and the village stocks, and if you’re visiting in summer, the famous scarecrow festival adds a splash of fun.
This Kettlewell walk is packed with brilliant views and photo-worthy moments. You’ll pass the restored lime kiln at Knipe Scar, take in wide open views over Littondale, and enjoy peaceful riverside paths along the Skirfare and Wharfe. Highlights include St Oswald’s Church, the Falcon Inn, and sweeping views of Buckden Pike and Great Whernside. There are old stone packhorse bridges and some lovely woodland paths that really add to the atmosphere.
If you’re after a walk that’s got a bit of everything—views, history, rivers, villages, and energetic climbs—this Kettlewell walk is well worth a look. It’s a classic Yorkshire Dales route that shows off the best of the area.
Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/kettlewell-walk
