Outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales

A man and boy on mountains bikes on the Yorkshire Dales — Mountain biking on the Yorkshire Dales | © National Trust Images/Ben Selway

The moorlands, meadows and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales are criss-crossed by miles of paths. Among them, you'll find numerous routes for walking, running and cycling.

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales

Malham Tarn

Explore this special place on foot. Discover a dramatic, open area of limestone pavement and grassland, high peaks and rocky outcrops.

There’s also the Tarn itself, serenely calm one day, dramatically grey and rough the next. This amazing expanse of open water is part of the Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve. It’s internationally important for the variety of flowers and other wildlife found here.

Upper Wharfedale

Take a gentle stroll along the River Wharfe or stride out onto the higher peaks like Buckden Pike or Old Cote Moor.

See some of the best wild flower meadows in the country around Yockenthwaite, or saunter through colourful fellside woodland. Wherever you choose to go you’ll get amazing views, and leave with a wish to return another day.

Hudswell Woods

There are lots of footpaths to explore at Hudswell Woods; wander along the riverbank, or be a little more adventurous and head into the woodland.

Family walking through the limestone country in the Yorkshire Dales. The children are climbing on rocks. — Walking through limestone country | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Running in the Yorkshire Dales

From uphill climbs to more level distance runs, there's a different challenge on every route. With some of the best wildflower meadows in the country, windswept moors, colourful woodland and rugged limestone pavement there's always something to see with each new season.

Cycling in the Yorkshire Dales

Whether you want an energetic cycle ride to get the blood pumping or a gentle social ride with friends and family, there are routes and inspiring countryside to suit every style of cycling.

Runner in Buckden, Upper Wharfedale | © National Trust Images / Ben Selway

Fly-fishing at Malham Tarn

We are pleased to announce that The Friends of Malham Tarn will be running the fishing this year. The Friends of Malham Tarn are a group of local anglers passionate about fishing and Malham Tarn. Two boats will operate over the fishing season (1 May – 30 September) and day tickets will be available to all via their website www.friendsofmalhamtarn.org which will go live on 23 April.

A day ticket will cost £25 per angler with 2-3 anglers per boat. The price includes permit, boat and electric engine hire, landing net, drogue and life vest. Anglers will need an EA rod licence and need to follow the check, clean, dry biosecurity protocol.

Please contact them via the above website with any queries about the fishing.