A walk that begins in a pretty Yorkshire Dales village offering “splendid” views across Wharfedale has been revealed among the UK’s best to try this winter.
The Kettlewell and Conistone Pie route has been praised by The Times’ expert Christopher Somerville.
Introducing his latest outdoors guide, he shared: “Put the gloves and boots on, and get yourself out into that beautiful wintry countryside under a clear blue heaven, with a hint of frost to nip your nose and a scoop of breeze to redden your cheeks.
“Down through the woods where the shapely skeleton of every tree stands naked to admire.
@the.yorkshireman Rainy days in the Yorkshire Dales ☔️ Kettlewell 📍 #kettlewell #yorkshiredales #yorkshire #thingstodoinyorkshire #ukvillages #prettyvillage #northyorkshire ♬ The Beginning – Flawed Mangoes
“Out by the sea with the clamour of five thousand wintering geese overhead and unbelievable colours streaking the evening sky.
“Or a skid and a puff up the hill for the reward of sublime views over the frozen landscape from the summit, and a bonus of smugness that you did it. And then down to a proper pub with a log fire and a well deserved hot toddy to warm you up.”
You can see all 20 of the best-named winter walks across the UK here.
Why this Yorkshire Dales winter walk is among the UK’s best
Christopher said: “From pretty Kettlewell, the well-marked Dales Way runs south under hill slopes before rising to follow the escarpment edge with splendid views across Wharfedale.
“Then it’s down stony Scot Gate Lane to a quiet lane that runs back up the dale to Kettlewell.
“Cosy is the word for the Blue Bell Inn; welcoming, too, with a nice hot fire and a good solid menu of pub grub (world-beating steak pies, ahoy).”
The Kettlewell and Conistone Pie route is described as an “easy” stroll, which is around 7.5 miles long – along the way there are lanes and fell paths.
You can start the walk at the village car park in Kettlewell, BD23 5QZ (OS ref SD 968723).
Wondering how to get there? Christopher recommends hopping on bus 72 (Skipton – Buckden) or by car, Kettlewell is on the B6160 Wharfedale Road, between Grassington and Starbotton.
Kettlewell and Conistone Pie walk directions: Follow marked Dales Way through Kettlewell, then south under Bowasty (975721) to road by Crookacre Barn (975714).
Left for ⅓ mile; left (fingerpost, 977709) up Highgate Leys Lane. In ½ mile leave trees (982705); right along Dales Way for 1¼ miles to Coniston Pie (989686).
Continue on Dales Way for ⅓ mile; right (993682) down Scot Gate Lane for 1 mile to road outside Conistone (982676). Right and follow road for 3¼ miles back to Kettlewell.
You can find more information on the Yorkshire Guide.
