The best family walks in the Yorkshire Dales
With the Easter holidays only a few weeks away (already!) and lockdown restrictions gradually beginning to ease, we thought it would be a good time to share some of our favourite family walks in the Yorkshire Dales, to give those that can get here some ideas for outings over Easter and so others can add them to the (ever growing!) list of things to do once we’re able to travel properly again.
See the end of the article for a great family activity we’re offering from 29 March – a great option for a fun day out over the Easter holidays!
Lower Aysgarth falls on a family walk in the Yorkshire Dales
Freeholders Wood and Aysgarth Falls – 1.2 miles with various options to extend (suitable for all ages)
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), great den building opportunities (due to the traditional hazel coppicing that still takes place in the wood) and plenty of mud to stamp in! From around mid-April, the whole area is carpeted in beautiful bluebells.
From the main path to the waterfalls, 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. More details are available from the National Park Centre in the car park (when open).
Parking: Aysgarth Falls National Park Car Park
View into Langstrothdale on the ‘Head of Wharfedale’ family walk in the Yorkshire Dales
The Head of Wharfedale – 5 or 7 miles (from about 5 years and up)
This 5 or 7 mile circuit (depending on your – and your kids’ – stamina), 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 Wharf.
It’s a real Dales classic with plenty to keep even the most reluctant of mini-walkers entertained – lots of stiles to climb, stepping stones to cross, bridges to play pooh-sticks on, limestone outcrops to clamber over and, once lock-down ends, three great pubs to refuel in along the way! The views down Wharfedale and into Langstrothdale are stunning and, if you’re lucky, you may spot a deer, kingfisher or rare orchid while strolling along the banks of the infant River Wharfe - true magic!
Parking: Buckden National Park Car Park
Reward yourself with a milkshake after climbing Simon’s Seat on a family walk n the Yorkshire Dales
Simon’s Seat – 8.25 miles (for older kids and those looking for more of a challenge)
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 families looking for a bit of a challenge and plenty of variety.
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. 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 (opening for take-out only on limited days during lockdown), before following the River Wharfe through Strid Wood, past the dramatic rapids at the Strid, back to the start. A short extension at the end along the river takes you to the stunning ruins of Bolton Priory, which is well worth adding on.
Parking: Bolton Abbey ‘Riverside’ Car Park – currently needs booking in advance online.
Stroll through Smardale Gill to Smardale Viaduct on a family walk in the Yorkshire Dales
Ravenstonedale and Smardale Viaduct – 4.5 miles (from about 5 years and up but shorter routes available)
To really get away from the crowds, head for the ‘Westmorland Dales’ in the far north-west of the National Park (and, as the name suggests, actually in Cumbria rather than Yorkshire). There is mile after mile of quiet footpaths to explore here but one of our favourite walks with younger walkers is the 4.5 mile loop starting in the fantastic village of Ravenstonedale and heading up through the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve to the impressive Smardale Viaduct.
As well as beautiful scenery and the viaduct itself, you get ancient woodland, a wide array of wildflowers, interesting industrial remains, a babbling beck and great wildlife spotting opportunities including rare butterflies, red squirrels, roe deer and sparrowhawks.
Back in Ravenstonedale, there are two great pubs to choose from (when open), a pretty stream (which actually becomes Smardale Beck), an ‘honesty box’ golf course, with clubs available to hire from the pub, and a small playground!
If you have a buggy or wheelchair, a shorter, accessible route to the viaduct is available by parking in the small nature reserve car park to the north of the viaduct – full details on Cumbria Wildlife Trust website.
Enjoying the view down Wharfedale on the Muddy Boots Family Adventure Walk in the Yorkshire Dales
The Muddy Boots guided Family Adventure Walk – Kettlewell – 4.5 miles
Part of our new collection of private, guided Discovery Walks, our Family Adventure Walk is designed to get the whole family enjoying a fun day out in the countryside while also picking up some handy skills and knowledge to inspire the kids to become nature lovers and independent explorers!
It begins in the quintessential Dales village of Kettlewell in Wharfedale, where we get the family engaged early by helping to plan the route before heading uphill to gain stunning views up and down the valley. The return leg is a gentle stroll along the River Wharfe with opportunities for paddling and stone skimming!
Along the way, you’ll find out how to squeeze the family into a storm shelter, cook simple food on the go, look at what land you are entitled to access, and learn to recognise key features of the landscape. We’ll provide a brief introduction to map reading (digital and old school!) and navigation, and explain how to cope with an emergency in the hills. It’s a fun and varied experience for all the family!
Our Family Adventure Walk costs £100 for up to 2 adults and 4 children (or £130 including a picnic lunch) and lasts 4 hours. You can see full details and book online (for dates from 29 March onwards) on our Family Adventure Walk page – a perfect outdoor activity for the Easter holidays!