Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: North and East

Explore the wild beauty of the northern and eastern Yorkshire Dales, where sweeping limestone valleys, heather moorland and distinctive fell landscapes create some of the most rewarding walking in northern England. From the quiet slopes of the Howgill Fells to the historic valleys of Swaledale, Wensleydale and Nidderdale, this varied region of the Yorkshire Dales offers scenic day walks through traditional countryside shaped by farming, geology and centuries of rural life.

This Cicerone guidebook, written by experienced husband-and-wife duo Jan and Dennis Kelsall, is the perfect companion for discovering the best walking in the northern and eastern Yorkshire Dales. Featuring 43 circular day walks between Kirkby Stephen and Pateley Bridge, the guide explores the landscapes of the Howgills, Mallerstang, Swaledale, Wensleydale, Coverdale and Nidderdale with routes suitable for a wide range of walkers.

The guidebook describes 43 circular walks across the northern and eastern Yorkshire Dales, allowing you to explore the distinctive landscapes of the Howgill Fells, Mallerstang valley, Swaledale, Wensleydale, Coverdale and Nidderdale
Walks range from 5 to 19km (3–12 miles), offering everything from gentle countryside strolls to longer fell walks across open moorland and rugged upland terrain, with routes suitable for a wide range of walkers
Each route is circular and easily accessible from key Dales locations such as Sedbergh, Kirkby Stephen, Aysgarth and Pateley Bridge, making it simple to plan rewarding day walks across the region
Clear step-by-step route descriptions are supported by 1:50,000 OS mapping, helping you navigate the valleys, hills and moorland paths of the Yorkshire Dales with confidence
Practical information on parking and refreshments helps you organise your day in the Dales, while background notes introduce the area’s rich geology, wildlife, history and traditional landscapes


With carefully selected routes, clear mapping and valuable local insights, this guidebook provides everything you need to explore the northern and eastern Yorkshire Dales on foot. Follow quiet valley paths, climb panoramic fell tops and discover the timeless landscapes that make the Yorkshire Dales one of Britain’s most loved walking destinations.


Complete your collection with the companion guide

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: South and West,

available separately.

Seasons

Year round walking in the Yorkshire Dales, but be properly kitted out on the tops in winter.

Centres

Hawes, Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Aysgarth, Reeth, Kirkby Stephen, Pateley Bridge

Difficulty

From gentle three-mile walks to more strenuous day-long walks and suggestions for longer routes, not technically demanding but you should be able to use a map and compass

Must See

The Howgills, Wild Boar Fell, Cautley Crag, Brimham Rocks, Nidderdale

Map key Overview map Introduction The Dales Landscape Geological History Human Settlement Industry and Enterprise Farming in the Dales Plants and Wildlife The Northern and Eastern Dales The Yorkshire Dales National Park Navigation and Maps Careful Planning Clothing and Footwear Food and Drink Taking your Car Leaving your Car Behind Using this Guide 1 The Howgill Fells 1 Sedbergh and the River Rawthey 2 The Rivers Rawthey and Lune from Sedbergh 3 Winder, Calders and the Calf 4 Carlin Gill and Fell Head from Fairmile Gate 5 The River Rawthey from the Cross Keys Inn 6 Cautley Crag and the Calf 7 Around Wandale Hill 8 Baugh Fell from Rawthey Bridge 9 Grisedale 2 Mallerstang 10 High Seat 11 Pendragon Castle and Little Fell 12 Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell 3 Swaledale and Arkengarthdale 13 Apedale and Harkerside Moor 14 Grinton and Maiden Castle 15 Fremington Edge 16 Slei Gill 17 Whaw to Dale Head 18 Old Gang and Surrender 19 Beside the River Swale from Gunnerside 20 Gunnerside Gill 21 Ivelet Bridge from Muker 22 Great Shunner Fell and Lovely Seat from Thwaite 23 Muker, Thwaite and Kisdon Force from Keld 24 Whitsundale and the Head of the River Swale 4 Wensleydale and Coverdale 25 A Walk in Coverdale 26 West Witton and the River Ure to Redmire Force 27 Aysgarth to West Burton 28 Aysgarth Falls 29 Ivy Scar from Aysgarth 30 Whitfield Gill Force and Mill Gill Falls 31 By the River Ure from Bainbridge 32 Bainbridge to Semer Water 33 Aysgill Force 34 Dodd Fell Hill and Drumaldrace 35 Cotterdale 36 Great Shunner Fell from Hardraw 37 The High Way 5 Nidderdale 38 Brimham Rocks 39 Ashfold Side 40 Middlesmoor and How Stean Gorge 41 Nidderdale 42 Little Whernside Appendix 1 Route summaries and suggestions for longer routes Appendix 2 Where to find out more