Circular Walks in Yorkshire and Cumbria: My Diary of Adventures

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

Saturday 29 March 2025: Enjoy a scenic Grassington walk with riverside views and moorland trails.
Saturday 29 March 2025: Enjoy a scenic Grassington walk with riverside views and moorland trails

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

Tuesday 25 March 2025: A rewarding Wensleydale walk featuring Redmire Force and Aysgarth Falls.
Tuesday 25 March 2025: A rewarding Wensleydale walk featuring Redmire Force and Aysgarth Falls

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

Friday 7 March 2025: Visit the memorial cross on your Buckden Pike walk in the Yorkshire Dales.
Friday 7 March 2025: Visit the memorial cross on your Buckden Pike walk in the Yorkshire Dales

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

Tuesday 4 March 2025: Enjoy Low Dales and High Dales on a North York Moors walk from Hackness.
Tuesday 4 March 2025: Enjoy Low Dales and High Dales on a North York Moors walk from Hackness

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

Thursday 20 February 2025: Follow the best route to High and Low Bride Stones on the Bridestones walk.
Thursday 20 February 2025: Follow the best route to High and Low Bride Stones on the Bridestones walk

Discover Fremington Edge on a Walk from Reeth to Langthwaite

Last week, my friends and I tackled the Fremington Edge walk in the Yorkshire Dales, and we had an absolutely brilliant day out! The route takes you from the lovely village of Reeth, up onto the rugged Fremington Edge with stunning views over the surrounding valleys.

I’ve now added full details of the walk to my website, including a complete route description, walk statistics, parking recommendations, and maps to help you along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just looking for a scenic day out, this walk offers something for everyone.

Plus, I’ve included a selection of my own photos so you can get a sneak peek of what to expect on this picturesque route! From dramatic landscapes to peaceful village paths, this hike is a real gem in the Yorkshire Dales.

Head over to my website for everything you need to know about the Fremington Edge walk and plan your next adventure.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/fremington-edge

Wednesday 25 September 2024: Discover Fremington Edge on a walk from Reeth to Langthwaite.
Wednesday 25 September 2024: Discover Fremington Edge on a walk from Reeth to Langthwaite

Experience the Low Force to High Force Walk and the Beautiful Teesdale Waterfalls

I’ve just published a detailed guide for a walk taking in Low Force and High Force, starting from the Bowlees Visitor Centre near Middleton-in-Teesdale. It’s a fantastic circular route, set in the stunning landscape of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The walk is around 5½ miles and includes a short detour to Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force before heading along the River Tees. Along the way, you’ll cross the historic Wynch Bridge and get up close to the powerful cascades of Low Force and High Force.

This is a route packed with interest, from the Pennine Way’s tranquil riverside path to the dramatic falls tumbling over ancient rock formations. If you’re a fan of impressive waterfalls, this is one not to miss.

If you think your kids can handle 5½ miles, this is a brilliant family-friendly walk that I highly recommend. The route is easy to navigate, with no technical challenges, and the gentle ups and downs are manageable for most.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/low-force-to-high-force-walk

Sunday 15 September 2024: Experience the Low Force to High Force walk and the beautiful Teesdale waterfalls.
Sunday 15 September 2024: Experience the Low Force to High Force walk and the beautiful Teesdale waterfalls

Enjoy Leyburn Shawl on a Scenic Seven-Mile Walk Through Wensleydale

Planning a walk along the famous Leyburn Shawl in North Yorkshire offers plenty of options. You can decide where to start, whether to choose a circular or linear walk, and whether to go clockwise or anticlockwise. You might explore the higher moorland to the north or enjoy the Wensleydale valley to the south. It all depends on how far you want to go!

One of my favourite routes is a 7-mile circular walk starting from Leyburn. It heads west across the Shawl to the lovely village of Preston-under-Scar, drops down towards Bolton Hall, then continues east to Wensley, before looping back north-east to Leyburn. You’ll experience a wonderful mix of scenery and village charm.

The Leyburn Shawl path is a true delight, offering stunning views across the dales. The picturesque villages of Preston-under-Scar and Wensley are perfect stops along the way. The final mile from Wensley back to Leyburn can be a little tricky to navigate, so it adds an extra bit of fun if you’re new to the area!

It’s a beautiful walk that I think you’ll love! I’ve just published the full route details on my website, including a step-by-step guide, maps, stats, and some of my favourite photos.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/leyburn-shawl

Wednesday 11 September 2024: Enjoy Leyburn Shawl on a scenic seven-mile walk through Wensleydale.
Wednesday 11 September 2024: Enjoy Leyburn Shawl on a scenic seven-mile walk through Wensleydale

Explore the Rosedale Abbey Walk Through Rosedale, Spaunton Moor, and Lastingham

I’ve just added this brand-new walk to my website, a route we completed last week. It’s a fantastic 9¼-mile circular walk, perfect for those looking to explore the beauty and history of the North York Moors.

Start your journey in the heart of Rosedale Abbey, a village steeped in history. Pass by the 16th-century White Horse Farm Inn before following a well-marked path along the stunning north-eastern and eastern edges of Spaunton Moor, offering breathtaking views over the Rosedale valley.

Make your way to the picturesque village of Lastingham, where you can explore the ancient Church of St Mary, a site of historical and religious importance, and descend into its unique Norman crypt, one of the finest in England.

Cross the wide-open landscapes of Spaunton Moor, heading towards the iconic Ana Cross, a modern replacement of a medieval wayside cross, before returning to the tranquillity of Rosedale Abbey to complete this memorable walk.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/rosedale-abbey-walk

Friday 6 September 2024: Explore the Rosedale Abbey walk through Rosedale, Spaunton Moor, and Lastingham.
Friday 6 September 2024: Explore the Rosedale Abbey walk through Rosedale, Spaunton Moor, and Lastingham

Explore the Aysgarth Walk Featuring Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton

I’m thrilled to introduce the Aysgarth walk on my website, a stunning 9-mile route that combines the beauty of Aysgarth Falls with the historic charm of Castle Bolton in Wensleydale.

This circular walk takes you from the picturesque village of Aysgarth, through lush woodlands and across open fields, guiding you past the magnificent Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls of Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure. As you continue, you’ll reach the impressive Bolton Castle, rich with history and offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The route is well-marked and includes a variety of terrain, making it suitable for those looking for a slightly longer but rewarding adventure.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore charming villages, like Castle Bolton and Carperby, and enjoy the tranquillity of ancient woodlands, such as Freeholders’ Wood and St Joseph’s Wood. With several options for refreshments and facilities at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre and Bolton Castle, this walk offers a perfect day out in the Yorkshire Dales. Check out the full guide on my website to plan your visit!

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

Thursday 22 August 2024: Explore the Aysgarth walk featuring Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton.
Thursday 22 August 2024: Explore the Aysgarth walk featuring Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton

Explore the New Rievaulx Abbey Walk Now Available on My Website

I’m excited to announce a brand-new walk on my website! The Rievaulx Abbey walk offers an 11½ mile adventure starting from Helmsley. It guides you through picturesque spots like the village of Rievaulx, Rye Dale, and Old Byland. You can follow the detailed directions, maps, and tools provided to explore this stunning area.

On my website, you’ll find everything you need, including walking distance, duration, elevation details, and a collection of my photos showcasing the route’s highlights. The paths are easy to navigate and comfortable to walk on.

For more information, visit my website and start planning your journey!

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/rievaulx-abbey-walk

Saturday 3 August 2024: Explore the new Rievaulx Abbey walk now available on my website.
Saturday 3 August 2024: Explore the new Rievaulx Abbey walk now available on my website

Explore the Hole of Horcum and Its Legends and Landscapes

I just added a new adventure to my website. The Hole of Horcum circular walk in the North York Moors is an amazing 7-mile journey. You will experience stunning heather moorland and serene woodland trails.

Begin your walk at the Saltergate car park. From there, you’ll traverse the edge of the impressive Hole of Horcum. Enjoy panoramic views of the natural amphitheatre and follow the exhilarating route across Levisham Moor.

The trail is easy to navigate and full of photographic opportunities. Look out for the charming village of Levisham with its traditional country inn and the scenic Horcum Slack meadowland.

Visit https://www.paulbeal.com/hole-of-horcum-circular-walk

Friday 26 July 2024: Explore the Hole of Horcum and its legends and landscapes.
Friday 26 July 2024: Explore the Hole of Horcum and its legends and landscapes