Discover the Yorkshire Dales’ iconic landscapes with this expertly curated collection of 15 short walks in and around Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley. Each route has been handpicked for its stunning scenery, local interest and accessibility, inviting you to explore the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park at a relaxed pace, perfect for families, newcomers and anyone seeking gentle adventure.

• Each walk comes with a clear, easy-to-follow Ordnance Survey® map and step-by-step route description, making navigation in the Dales simple and enjoyable for walkers of all experience levels. 
• Practical information is included for every route in the Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley areas, covering parking, public transport options, facilities and must-see highlights, so you can focus on making the most of your day.
• Discover classic Dales landscapes as you stroll through limestone gorges, ancient woodlands and picturesque villages, with iconic viewpoints at Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Ilkley Moor and the Cow and Calf rocks, alongside historic sites such as Bolton Abbey, Trollers Gill and Grassington lead mines.
• Routes range from 4 to 10km (all under three hours), and are graded easy to moderate, with short climbs but no technical terrain, ideal for a relaxed outing or walk with the whole family in the Yorkshire Dales. 
• Enjoy the best of Dales hospitality, with recommendations for welcoming pubs and cosy tea rooms along the way, plus expert tips for every season, from spring’s wildflowers and summer’s long days to autumn’s fiery colours and the crisp magic of winter walks.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley guidebook is perfect for exploring the region’s most memorable walks. Whether you’re discovering gorges, caves and historic sites, or simply soaking up the views and vibrant village life, this guide offers everything you need for a rewarding day out in the Yorkshire Dales’ most captivating corners.

15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley - Quick Facts

Location: Grassington, Skipton, Malham, Ilkley and surrounding areas, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North‑Yorkshire, UK (including Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Ilkley Moor, Cow and Calf rocks, Trollers Gill, Grassington lead mines and more)
Total walks: 15 selected short walks
Typical duration: Under 3 hours each (apart from challenge route)
Distance per walk: 4–10 km (2.5–6 miles)
Walk type: Easy day walks with no technical terrain; short climbs included
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for most walkers and families
Navigation: Clear Ordnance Survey® maps and step-by-step route descriptions included
Highlights: Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Ilkley Moor, Cow and Calf rocks, Bolton Abbey, Trollers Gill, Grassington lead mines, panoramic viewpoints, limestone gorges, picturesque villages, waterfalls, and cosy local pubs and tea rooms
Best season: Walkable all year round; enjoy spring wildflowers, long summer days, autumn colours, and the crisp magic of winter landscapes (weather and conditions permitting)

Author Highlight

“Dry stone walls, grazing sheep, heather-clad fell tops, tea-box villages and curious rock formations wherever you go - the Yorkshire Dales has its own distinct charm and the southern part of the national park covered by this guidebook is no exception. The walks in this book combine the best of the two most accessible Dales: Wharfedale, which snakes north from the stately spa town of Ilkley towards Grassington, and Airedale, north of the traditional ‘Gateway to the Dales’ market town of Skipton. An array of spectacular sites awaits, including Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet's Foss, Linton Falls, Simon's Seat, the Strid, Cow and Calf rocks, Kilnsey Crag and Trollers Gill.”

- Rachel Crolla and Carl McKeating, authors of 15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Grassington, Skipton, Malham and Ilkley

Using this guide  

Introduction 

Route Summary Table 

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales 

Things to See 

Bases and Places to Stay 

Travel 

The walks 

Walk 1 Ilkley: White Wells and the Cow and Calf 

Walk 2 Ilkley: Heber’s Ghyll and the Swastika Stone 

Walk 3 Bolton Abbey and the Strid 

Walk 4 Simon’s Seat and the Valley of Desolation (Challenge) 

Walk 5 Burnsall, Appletreewick and Kail Hill 

Walk 6 Burnsall and Hebden by way of the Wharfe 

Walk 7 Trollers Gill 

Walk 8 Grimwith Reservoir 

Walk 9 Grassington lead mines from Hebden

Walk 10 Grassington, Linton Falls and Linton

Walk 11 Grassington Grass Wood and the Wharfe at Ghaistrill’s Strid 

Walk 12 Conistone Dib and Pie 

Walk 13 Malham Cove and Janet’s Foss 

Walk 14 Embsay Crag and Reservoir 

Walk 15 Skipton Woods and Castle 

Useful information 

Seasons

All walks have been designed to be worthwhile outings at any time of year.

Centres

Grassington; Ilkley; Malham; Burnsall; Skipton

Difficulty

Easily accessible walks with no difficulties, most of which will take two hours or less. Simple route finding and convenient villages and towns nearby.

Must See

Natural wonders of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar; Ilkley Moor and the Cow and Calf rocks; The beautiful valley of the River Wharfe; Bolton Abbey and Burnsall; Simon’s Seat; Grassington lead mines; Riverside and moorland scenery; craggy summits and limestone cliffs.

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