Want to make the most of the summer weather in the Yorkshire Dales before autumn arrives?
There are plenty of walks to embark on in the national park, especially circular ones.
This means the routes are easy to follow and you end up back where you started.
Even better, you can still make the most of riverside paths, scenic views, waterfalls and more.
Here are some easy, moderate and hard circular walks in the Yorkshire Dales to try, according to AllTrails.
Malham Landscape Trail – Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove
Distance: 8km (2 hours 28 minutes)
Difficulty: Moderate
Along this “beautiful, scenic, and very popular” trail, walkers can expect to come across riverside paths, waterfalls, sweeping views and “fascinating” geology.
It starts at the pay and display car park in Malham, before the trail heads over the farm fields and beside Goredale Beck to Janet’s Foss, a “picturesque” pool and waterfall and the “legendary” home of the Fairy Queen.
The route description on the AllTrails website adds: “The trail continues along the road and over the campsite along an out-and-back path to Goredale Scar, a deep and atmospheric ravine with high overhanging cliffs and waterfalls.
“The terrain here is rocky and very slippery in wetter and icy conditions, so take care with your footing. Further along the trail, there is the option to detour up the hill along a very rough and steep path to the viewpoint above Gordale Scar.”
It then goes onto the pavement above Malham Cove before descending down to the “impressive amphitheatre-like formation of limestone cliffs”.
Finally, the trail winds its way back to the start through the farm fields and Malham village.
See the full route here.
Aysgarth Woods and Waterfalls Circular
Distance: 4.2km (1 hour)
Difficulty: Easy
The AllTrails website explains: “This trail takes in lovely woodland paths and rolling farmland, with great views of Bolton Castle, plus one of the most spectacular attractions within the Dales, Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure.
@the.yorkshireman There’s a reason the Aysgarth Falls walk is so loved, and it’s because it’s an easy, yet beautiful one 🙌🙌 #aysgarthfalls #aysgarth #yorkshiredales #thingstodoinyorkshire #yorkshirewalks #yorkshiredalesnationalpark ♬ Music For a Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles
“The waterfalls of High Force, Middle Force and Lower Force stretch along the river, and become even more spectacular after rain with the increased water falling over broad limestone slabs.
“A place of great inspiration, from Wordsworth to Turner and even a Hollywood film director, the falls are a good place to sit and relax.”
See the full route here.
Ingleton Waterfalls Circular
Distance: 6.8km (1 hour 52 minutes)
Difficulty: Moderate
This “beautiful” trail will take you around the “stunning and very popular” Ingleton Waterfalls, with scenic paths through the trees and along the river.
The AllTrails description continues: “Due to its popularity, parking can fill up quickly so an early start is advised.
“Keep an eye out for wildlife on the water and in the woodlands and enjoy the views of the waterfalls.”
Please note, swimming is not permitted in the river.
See the full route here.
Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe Circular
Distance: 13.8km (3 hours 47 minutes)
Difficulty: Moderate
If you fancy a bit of a challenge in the Yorkshire Dales, this route begins at Bolton Bridge and heads along the River Wharfe.
AllTrails shares: “Soon, you will pass the ruins of the priory, where you cross the river via the bridge or the stepping stones and continue on the other side of the river.
“Further along, cross the Cavendish Bridge and enter the woods. The path leads you to the Strid, where the river narrows to cascade through limestone rocks.
“Continue along the river to the Barden Bridge, which you’ll cross and start heading back along the other side of the river.
Recommended reading:
“Reaching the Cavendish Bridge once more, cross over and follow the path to the Cavendish Memorial Fountain close to the B6160.”
From this point, follow the path back to the priory ruins and retrace your steps back to the car park.
See the full route via the AllTrails link above.
