The best winter walks in the Yorkshire Dales
Many of us have good intentions of getting out in the fresh air and doing more exercise in the New Year, but cold weather and short days can put us off! When you do manage to get yourself out of the door though, it’s always worth it, and sometimes the walks are even better than the summer months – stunning lighting, a dusting of snow and no crowds! So here are our top tips for winter walks in the Yorkshire Dales to give you some inspiration to get out.
A gentle amble – Freeholders Wood and Aysgarth Falls – 1.2 miles (with various options to extend)
Visit the popular waterfalls at Aysgarth Falls but, rather than sticking to the well-trodden path, spend some time exploring the tracks that wind their way through Freeholders Wood, to the north of the river. This short circuit offers the chance to spot a variety of trees and wildlife (including deer, if you’re lucky), and wildflowers as they start to poke their heads through the ground!
The falls themselves can be at their most beautiful in winter, surrounded by snow and icicles and usually with plenty of water flowing over!
From the main path, a narrow track by the gate heads up into the wood, passing through a gap in the old railway line and circling round through the wood to emerge back on the road near the car park. You can also extend this into longer walks, for example heading to the impressive ruins of Bolton Castle and returning through the village of Carperby. More details are available from the National Park Centre in the car park (check winter opening hours).
Parking: Aysgarth Falls National Park Car Park (charges apply)
Lots of variety and stunning views – The Head of Wharfedale – 5 or 7 miles
This 5 or 7 mile circuit is a triangular route, starting in Buckden and climbing to the tiny hamlet of Cray, before following the ridge around the ‘head of the valley’ to pretty Hubberholme and returning along the River Wharfe.
It’s a real Dales classic with plenty to keep walkers of all ages entertained – the route is strewn with stiles, stepping stones, bridges, limestone outcrops and, possibly best of all, three great pubs to refuel in along the way! Much of the land is owned by the National Trust so the paths are well-maintained, making it great for winter walking. You also pass by beautiful Yockenthwaite Farm, recently having appeared on TV as Helen’s farm in ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. The views down Wharfedale and into Langstrothdale are stunning, and if you add a touch of frost or a layer of mist sitting in the valley below you, it’s true magic!
NB: If there has been plenty of rain, the stepping stones can be slightly underwater so waterproof boots are recommended!
Parking: Buckden National Park Car Park (charges apply).
More of a challenge – Simon’s Seat – 8.25 miles
Bag a summit, visit a stunning waterfall, trek through the ‘Valley of Desolation’ and stop for some of the best brownies around – the circular walk to ‘Simon’s Seat’ is one of our top recommendations for anyone looking for a more challenging winter walk.
It starts at the River Wharfe and heads up through the evocatively named ‘Valley of Desolation’, visiting Posforth Gill Falls before crossing the moor to ‘Simon’s Seat’, the summit of Barden Fell. Views from here stretch across much of the southern Dales and further afield, and are absolutely stunning with a covering of snow on the higher tops.
Drop down through woodland to reach the ‘Brownie Barn’, where the ever popular ‘LOVE Brownies’ are made and you can warm up with an indulgent hot chocolate, before following the River Wharfe through Strid Wood, past the dramatic rapids at the Strid, back to the start. While the moor can be wet underfoot, most of these paths are on the Bolton Abbey Estate so are very well looked after, making it a great option for the winter months. A short extension at the end along the river takes you to the stunning ruins of Bolton Priory, which is well worth adding on, and can be at its most beautiful on a frosty day.
Parking: Bolton Abbey ‘Riverside’ Car Park – currently needs booking in advance online.
Join a Muddy Boots Social Walk!
There is no better way to give yourself the push you need to get out and about than joining a group with other people keen to get outside and explore!
The first of our small group ‘Social Walks’ for 2024 is our ‘New Year’s Day Ramble’, starting at Aysgarth Falls - a perfect winter walk and a great way to start the New Year! The, almost still counting as winter, we have our ‘Ascent of Pen-y-Ghent’ walk on 24 March. Full details and booking for these and other social walks taking place through the year can be found by clicking here.