The area around the western Yorkshire Dales offers a rich blend of river valleys, rolling fells, dramatic waterfalls and charming historic villages. From the deep Lune and Rawthey valleys around Sedbergh to the limestone crags and cascades of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail and the quaint market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, this corner of the Dales combines lush pastoral dales, panoramic hillsides and fascinating heritage.

15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales – Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton brings together 15 of the best short day walks in this area, all under three hours and ranging from 3 to 11 km (1–7 miles). With easy-to-moderate terrain and minimal navigation complexity, this collection is perfect for those seeking family-friendly walks or a half-day outing that showcases the very best of these classic Dales surroundings.

• These 15 carefully selected walks explore the breadth of the western Yorkshire Dales — including tranquil riverside strolls around Sedbergh and the Rawthey, scenic limestone valleys like Barbondale, high viewpoints such as Wild Boar Fell and the cascades of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
• Experience the classic Dales valleys, riversides and villages in under three hours, with easy-to-follow route descriptions, clear Ordnance Survey maps and numbered points that tie maps to the text
• Practical details on parking, facilities and local highlights — from historic Pendragon Castle to Ruskin’s View and Farfield Mill — help you plan your day and select the perfect walk
• Walks start from key centres such as Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Dent and Ingleton, giving you the flexibility to plan day trips or short breaks, with refreshment stops and scenic points woven into every route
• Downloadable GPX files provide an optional digital navigation aid, making it simple to follow routes on your phone or GPS device while you explore rivers, waterfalls, fells and dales

From limestone waterfalls and gentle riverside paths to open fells and historic market towns, this corner of the Yorkshire Dales rewards exploration in every season. With clear mapping, expert guidance and enticing local highlights at every turn, 15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales – Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton is your ideal companion for discovering the landscapes, heritage and tranquillity of one of England’s most scenic walking regions. 

15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton - Quick Facts

Guide name: 15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales – Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton
Location: Western Yorkshire Dales, Northern England
Total walks: 15 short day walks
Typical duration: 1–3 hours per walk
Distance range: 3–11 km (1–7 miles) per walk
Walk type: Circular and linear walks — riverside paths, limestone valleys, waterfalls, fells, villages, and historic sites
Navigation: 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps and numbered route descriptions; downloadable GPX files available
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for all abilities; family-friendly 
Terrain: River valleys, rolling fells, limestone crags, waterfalls, woodland, farmland, and villages
Highlights: Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Wild Boar Fell, Barbondale, Rawthey Valley, Pendragon Castle, Ruskin’s View, Farfield Mill, Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Dent, Ingleton
Best season: All-year walking; spring for wildflowers, summer for lush valleys, autumn for colourful foliage, winter for crisp air and waterfalls

Author Highlight

“This is a border landscape; to the north lies the Eden Valley and Scotland, with the Lake District to the west, and the Pennines and Yorkshire to the east. Easily accessible, yet relatively quiet and unspoilt, the area has much of interest to delight a visitor, from stunning waterfalls, riverside meadows, wild and empty moorland, to gigantic railway viaducts and fascinating museums that bring the local history to life.”

- Lesley Williams, one of the authors of 15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Ingleton 

Using this guide 

Introduction 

The Walks 

Walk 1 Sedbergh and the River Rawthey 

Walk 2 Sedbergh and the River Lune 

Walk 3 Sedbergh and Winder 

Walk 4 Sedbergh, Millthrop and Farfield Mill 

Walk 5 Cautley Spout 

Walk 6 Uldale and the upper Rawthey 

Walk 7 Pendragon Castle and Tommy Road 

Walk 8 Wild Boar Fell 

Walk 9 Dentdale’s Coal Road and Arten Gill

Walk 10 Dent and Green Lane

Walk 11 Dent to Sedbergh 

Walk 12 The Lune Valley and Fox’s Pulpit 

Walk 13 Barbon and Barbondale 

Walk 14 Kirkby Lonsdale and the River Lune 

Walk 15 Ingleton Waterfalls Trail 

Seasons

These routes are suitable for walking at all times of the year, although in winter and extremely wet weather, extra care will be needed on steep slopes and near rivers and waterfalls.

Centres

Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale are the main centres. The villages of Dent and Barbon also provide a range of more limited facilities.

Difficulty

The Yorkshire Dales comprise dales (valleys) but also steep hillsides from where extensive views can be enjoyed. Stoney tracks and paths tend to be the norm, rivers and streams are crossed on footbridges, and narrow ‘squeeze’ stiles pass through drystone walls.

Must See

Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Dent, Barbon, Barbondale, Dentdale, Howgill fells, Winder, Calf, Calders, River Lune, River Rawthey, River Dee. Ingleton waterfalls, Cautley Spout, Ingleborough, Pendragon Castle, Sedbergh school, Ruskin’s View, Farfield Mill, Dent Station, Coal Road, viaducts.

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