The Yorkshire Dales

LOCAL AND VISITOR INFORMATION

A Week-long Trip in the Yorkshire Dales

This detailed 7 day itinerary ensures you experience the best of the Yorkshire Dales, balancing adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Enjoy your trip!

Malham Cove, Dales
Malham Cove
Bolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey

Harrogate as part of your Yorkshire itinerary

The 7 Day Itinerary

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Some highlights

  • Malham Cove and Gordale Scar: Stunning natural limestone formations.
  • Ingleton Waterfalls Trail: A beautiful circular walk with impressive waterfalls.
  • White Scar Cave: Explore underground wonders in Britain’s longest show cave.
  • Wensleydale Creamery: Learn about and taste the famous cheese.
  • Bolton Abbey: Explore historic ruins and scenic walking trails.
  • Ribblehead Viaduct: A magnificent example of Victorian engineering.
  • Pen-y-ghent: One of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, offering a rewarding hike with spectacular views.

Day 1: Arrival and Settle In

  • The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AJ
    BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION (book 2 nights)

  • The Burlington Restaurant (at the hotel)
    Cuisine: Gourmet meals with locally sourced ingredients
    Recommendation: Tasting menu for a diverse culinary experience

  • Parking: Available on-site at the hotel.

Day 2: Adventure – Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

Morning

  • Malham Cove
    Parking: National Park Car Park, Malham, BD23 4DA.
    Route: From the car park, follow the Pennine Way trail for approximately 1 mile to reach Malham Cove.
    Description: A massive curved limestone formation with a 260-foot cliff face and a unique limestone pavement at the top.
    More information on Malham Cove

  • LUNCH
    The Lister Arms, Malham, BD23 4DB
    Cuisine: Traditional British pub food
    Recommendation: Try the Yorkshire pudding or a classic pie.

Afternoon

  • Gordale Scar, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DL
    Route: Continue from Malham Cove by following the Gordale Lane path. It’s about 1.5 miles to Gordale Scar.
    Description: A dramatic limestone gorge with waterfalls. The climb into the gorge can be challenging; suitable footwear is essential.

Day 3: Spa Day

  • Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Skipton BD23 4EA
    BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

  • Facilities: Spa with pool, sauna, steam room and a variety of treatments:
    Massages, facials, body wraps and use of the thermal suite.

    Spa Treatments: Book tretaments in advance via the hotel’s website or phone

  • LUNCH
    The View Restaurant (at the hotel)
    Cuisine: Light healthy dishes
    Recommendation: Salads and smoothies for a refreshing spa day meal.

    DINNER
    Macleod’s Restaurant (at the hotel)
    Cuisine: Contemporary British with seasonal ingredients.
    Recommendation: Local lamb or fish dishes.

Day 4: Explore Hawes and Wensleydale

Morning

Drive to Hawes
Route: From Skipton, take the A65 and then the A684. It’s about one hour’s drive.
Parking: National Park Centre Car Park, Station Yard, Hawes DL8 3NT.

  • Wensleydale Creamery, Gayle Lane, Hawes DL8 3RN.
    Tour: Self-guided tours available with cheese-making demonstrations.
    Tasting: Sample a variety of Wensleydale cheeses.

  • LUNCH
    The White Hart Inn, Main Street, Hawes
    Cuisine: Traditional British pub food
    Recommendation: Fish and chips or a hearty stew.

Afternoon

  • Hardraw Force, Hardraw, Hawes DL8 3LZ.
    Walk: A short, easy walk from the inn to the waterfall..
    Parking: Limited parking available at The Green Dragon Inn (small fee).

  • Simonstone Hall Hotel, Hawes DL8 3LY
    Facilities: Elegant rooms, restaurant, and bar
    BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION (two nights)

Day 5: Adventure – Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

Morning

Drive to Ingleton
Route: From Hawes, take the B6255. It’s about a 40-minute drive.
Parking: Ingleton Waterfalls Trail Car Park, Ingleton, Carnforth LA6 3ET.

  • INGLETON WATERFALLS TRAIL
    Length: 4.5 miles circular route.
    Route Description: The trail starts in Ingleton village and passes through woodlands and along the River Twiss and River Doe, featuring numerous waterfalls.
    Tips: Wear sturdy footwear and bring water and snacks. The trail has some steep sections.

  • Lunch
    The Wheatsheaf Inn, Main Street, Ingleton
    Cuisine: Traditional British pub food
    Recommendation: Ploughman’s lunch or a local ale pie.

Afternoon

  • WHITE SCAR CAVE, Ingleton, Carnforth LA6 3AW.
    The longest show cave in the UK.
    Tours: The guided tour covers 1 mile and takes about 80 minutes. Explore underground passages with impressive limestone formations.

Day 6: Explore Grassington and Bolton Abbey

Morning

VISIT GRASSINGTON
Route: From Hawes, take the B6160. It’s about one hour’s drive.
Parking: National Park Centre Car Park, Hebden Road, Grassington BD23 5LB.

  • Riverside Walk
    Route Description: A gentle walk along the River Wharfe. From Grassington, follow the Dales Way path along the river.

    Grassington National Park Centre. Visitor information, exhibits about the Yorkshire Dales, and local walking route suggestions

  • Lunch
    The Devonshire Fell, Burnsall BD23 6BT (near Grassington)
    Cuisine: Contemporary British
    Recommendation: Seasonal dishes with local ingredients.

Afternoon

  • BOLTON ABBEY, Skipton BD23 6EX
    Explore the historic priory ruins and the picturesque estate with its wooded valleys and scenic riverside paths. Numerous trails including Strid Wood and Riverside Walk.
    Parking: Several car parks available within the estate. Riverside Car Park is closest to the abbey ruins.

Day 7: Adventure – Ribblehead Viaduct and Pen-y-ghent

Morning

Drive to Ribblehead
Route: From Bolton Abbey, take the B6160 and then the B6255. It’s about a one hour drive.
Parking: Ribblehead Viaduct Car Park, Ribblehead, Ingleton LA6 3AU.

  • RIBBLEHEAD VIADUCT
    An iconic 19th-century railway viaduct with 24 arches, set in a dramatic landscape.
    Parking: Several car parks available within the estate. Riverside Car Park is closest to the abbey ruins.

  • HIKE UP PEN-Y-GHENT
    Drive from Ribblehead to Horton-in-Ribblesdale (10 minutes).
    Start from the village, following the Pennine Way. The climb is about 6 miles round trip with some steep sections. The summit offers stunning views over the Yorkshire Dales.
    Parking: National Park Car Park, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, BD24 0HF

  • Lunch
    The Station Inn, Ribblehead
    Cuisine: Traditional pub food.
    Recommendation: Steak and ale pie or a Yorkshire pudding dish.

Afternoon

  • SETTLE-CARLISLE RAILWAY
    Settle Railway Station, Station Road, Settle BD24 9A
    Take a short drive to Settle and take a scenic train ride along the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway, known for its beautiful landscapes and historic stations.
    Parking: Available at the station.

Additional Information

Maps and Navigation
Ordnance Survey Maps: OS Explorer OL2 (Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western Areas) and OL30 (Yorkshire Dales – Northern & Central Areas) are highly recommended for detailed hiking maps.
Download the Ordnance Survey app for offline navigation.

General Tips
Weather: Be prepared for changing weather – check on The Met Office. Pack waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots.
Local Attractions: Many attractions and hotels may require advance booking, especially in peak seasons.

Other Yorkshire Dales Towns to Consider

If you’re exploring different bases for your trip, you may also want to consider Skipton, a lively market town and popular gateway to the western Yorkshire Dales. Skipton travel guide & places to stay