Circular Walks in Yorkshire and Cumbria: My Diary of Adventures

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

Enjoy a Scenic Grassington Walk with Riverside Views and Moorland Trails

A brand-new walk is now live on my website, set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales around the much-loved market town of Grassington. This circular route takes in a real mix of landscapes and features — from the dramatic cascades of Linton Falls to the quiet riverside paths beside the Wharfe, the charming village of Hebden, and the open moorland near Yarnbury. There’s plenty of variety along the way, making it a great introduction to the area.

The full walk is 8½ miles long and takes around 4 hours, with a total ascent of 303 metres. On the route page, you’ll find step-by-step directions, full route stats, and a range of helpful tools — including access to GPX downloads, elevation profiles, interactive maps, and even a 3D fly-over to help with planning.

Grassington itself makes a lovely starting point. This old market town is full of charm, with cobbled streets, traditional stone cottages, and a friendly, welcoming feel. It’s a great base for walkers, tucked into Wharfedale and surrounded by classic Dales scenery.

There’s no shortage of scenic spots along the way. Linton Falls is an early highlight, with its tumbling water and dramatic footbridge. Further on, the graceful Hebden Suspension Bridge and nearby stepping stones offer a peaceful place to pause. There are broad moorland views near Yarnbury, quiet valleys and riverside stretches, and fascinating glimpses into the area’s lead mining history.

If you enjoy varied walks with a mix of landscape, history, and standout views, this Grassington route is well worth exploring. It’s a rewarding day out in one of the Dales’ most scenic areas.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/grassington-walk

A Rewarding Wensleydale Walk Featuring Redmire Force and Aysgarth Falls

I’ve just added a brand-new walking route to my website—this time through the stunning Wensleydale countryside in North Yorkshire. Starting in the village of West Witton, the circular route takes in a fantastic mix of scenery and landmarks, including Redmire Force, Aysgarth Falls, West Burton, and the historic ruins of the Penhill Preceptory. With riverside paths, stepping stones, waterfalls, and classic Dales villages, this walk really captures what makes Wensleydale such a special part of the Yorkshire Dales.

The full route is 10½ miles long and takes about five hours, with a total ascent of 338 metres. It’s a great way to spend a day in the Dales. On the walk page, you’ll find clear directions and route statistics, along with links to OS mapping tools, GPX downloads, elevation charts, and even a 3D fly-over of the route.

Wensleydale, named after the village of Wensley, is one of the most scenic and historically rich valleys in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The River Ure winds its way through the dale, carving out a landscape of rolling hills, wooded glades, and limestone features. The area is famous for its cheese and dotted with lovely villages like Aysgarth, Bainbridge and Hawes. It’s also packed with history—from Roman roads and medieval churches to traces of lead mining and lime kilns.

There are loads of visual highlights on this route, many of which you’ll find in the photo section on the website. Early on, there’s a peaceful stretch beside the River Ure, followed by the secluded cascades at Redmire Force. The stepping stones across the river are always a fun feature, and the views of Lower Force at Aysgarth Falls are stunning. A bit further on, the impressive St Andrew’s Church in Aysgarth catches the eye with its warm stone and striking Gothic windows. You’ll also pass Cauldron Falls at West Burton and the atmospheric ruins of the Penhill Preceptory—definitely worth a pause along the way.

If you’re after a new walk in the Yorkshire Dales, this one through Wensleydale is up there with the best. Whether you’re drawn to the scenery, the waterfalls, the history, or just fancy a proper day out in the countryside, there’s something here for everyone. You’ll find the full route, maps, photos and all the tools you need on my website.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/wensleydale

Visit the Memorial Cross on Your Buckden Pike Walk in the Yorkshire Dales

There are several ways to reach the summit of Buckden Pike, with popular starting points from Buckden, Starbotton, and Kettlewell. I’ve just published a detailed guide to one of the most well-trodden circular routes, beginning in Buckden village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. If you’ve never climbed this 700-metre peak, this is a great place to start!

The route follows a steady ascent, taking a diagonal path up the hillside, helping to ease the gradient until the final push near the top. After reaching the summit, you’ll follow a beautiful flagged path southwards to the Polish Memorial Cross, a striking tribute to the airmen who lost their lives here during WWII.

Next, you’ll take on a quarter-mile stretch of classic Yorkshire Dales peat bog! If it’s been raining, expect a muddy challenge—but hey, that’s part of the fun, right? After this, it’s an easy descent down to Starbotton, with breathtaking views all the way, followed by a picturesque riverside stroll along the River Wharfe, leading you back to Buckden.

If you’re looking for a fantastic circular hike in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is one of the best and most rewarding routes. The full guide is now live on my website, featuring detailed directions, maps, statistics, and plenty of photos to help you along the way!

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/buckden-pike-walk

Enjoy Low Dales and High Dales on a North York Moors Walk From Hackness

A brand-new walk is now live on my website! This 8¼-mile circular route from Hackness takes you on a scenic journey through the peaceful valleys of Low Dales and Whisper Dales, before leading you into the woodland of Broxa Forest. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over Harwood Dale, walk through the beautiful landscapes of High Dales, and explore some of the most picturesque parts of the North York Moors National Park.

Planning your walk? Parking is available near Hackness Church of England Primary School, and there’s a Google Maps link to the starting point on my website page. The route follows quiet country lanes, woodland paths, and scenic bridleways. I’ve included detailed directions to guide you every step of the way.

A walk full of variety! From the open countryside of Whisper Dales to the sheltered forest trails of Broxa, this route offers a wonderful mix of landscapes. One of the real highlights is the approach to Barns Cliff End, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views—a perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty of the North York Moors.

See the walk before you go! The website page includes photos showcasing key landmarks along the route. There are also interactive maps available, making it easy to follow the trail using OS Maps or Outdooractive. Plus, you’ll find walk stats to help you plan your adventure.

Ready to explore? Click the link below to view the full walk description, route details, parking advice, and a photo gallery.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/north-york-moors-walk

Follow the Best Route to High and Low Bride Stones on the Bridestones Walk

My Bridestones walk is now available! This fantastic route starts from the Saltergate car park on the A169 Whitby to Pickering road and takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in the North York Moors.

The walk follows Old Wife’s Way, part of the Tabular Hills Walk, before heading onto Newgate Moor and passing alongside Newgate Wood. It then enters Bridestones Nature Reserve, where you’ll explore both High Bride Stones and Low Bride Stones, ensuring you don’t miss any of the incredible rock formations.

The route continues along Needle Point, offering fantastic views across Dovedale Griff and Bridestone Griff, before descending through woodland into Dove Dale. After following the stream through the valley, the walk reaches Staindale Lake, a peaceful spot surrounded by trees, with a path around the lake and a picnic area.

From here, the walk climbs steeply back into the woodland, entering the National Trust Bridestones site and emerging onto the open moorland at Low Bride Stones. The trail then continues across the Bridestones Nature Reserve, retracing the path past the ancient earthwork ridge and following Old Wife’s Way back to the Saltergate car park, where the walk ends.

My website provides full step-by-step directions, walk distance, duration, ascent details, maps, and navigational tools. Plus, I’ve included photos taken at key points along the route, so you can see exactly what to expect.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/bridestones-walk