Some of the best inn to inn hiking in England can be found in the Yorkshire Dales and without the crowds of their more popular Lake District neighbor. The Dales have been a popular destination for walkers and hikers for many years, especially for those seeking a classic British pub-hiking, dog-friendly holiday. In this article we’ll share our recent experiences of hiking in the Yorkshire Dales, as well as some tips on what to see and do if you’re planning a visit.
Why choose Yorkshire Dales for hiking
The Yorkshire Dales are famous for their picturesque countryside and quaint villages. Nestled among the rolling hills are a number of small towns with character and charm, worth visiting for their own sake. What makes the Yorkshire Dales such a great walking destination is the multitude of footpaths that crisscross the countryside and the cozy inns strategically placed along these trails. Several national trails run through the Dales, including Pennine Way, Coast to Coast, Lady Anne’s Way and the Dales Way. You’ll also find lesser known routes such as the Ribble, Dales Inn and Herriot Ways.
History of walking in the Yorkshire Dales
Walking, or rambling as the Brits might say, has always been popular in the Yorkshire Dales. The area became a national park in 1954 but people have been writing about the joys of walking this region well back into the 1800s. The term “dale” refers to a valley. Other terrain terms are scar (cliff or rocky slope), beck (stream), fell (mountain or hill), tarn (small lake) and linn (small gorge or waterfall).
Pop culture has also helped sustain interest in the Dales. The natural wonders and well-preserved villages have been featured by popular movies (Harry Potter and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves) and TV series (The Witcher and All Creatures Great and Small).
Hiking Yorkshire Dales with Muddy Boots
While the Dales are easy enough to hike on your own, we chose to book our trip with Muddy Boots Walking Holidays, and here’s why:
- We didn’t know anything about this region and didn’t have time to research trails or plan a trip.
- Muddy Boots creates custom routes designed for their clients, taking into consideration level of fitness, requested rest days, when and where food is available, prettiest walks away from crowds, etc.
- Because we chose a custom route, they were able to incorporate our request to meet local business owners (a gin distillery tour and artisan cheese maker).
- We knew they would choose the best lodging in terms of proximity to the trail, comfort and food.
- Helen and Matt, owners of Muddy Boots, live in the Dales and actively support other local businesses in the region. They are everything you want in a tour operator — local, passionate about the area, avid walkers, great communicators, professional and easy to work with.
- We felt like we knew and could trust them since we’d been following them on Instagram for awhile. Helen has a way of drawing you in with their beautiful photos and daily walks.
Hiking the Dales on your own
While we think Muddy Boots will offer the best experience, we understand DIY hikers may want to plan your own Yorkshire Dales trip. The trails are well marked but not always easy to spot and sometimes overlap with several trails, so just keep that in mind if you’re hiking solely with maps and no walking notes.
We met up with a group of British backpackers who were lost. When they asked us for help, I laughed and said "we're all in trouble if you're asking the Americans for directions!"
Resources for DIY Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales National Park site is an excellent place to start. You’ll find info on the national trails that run through this region, as well as shorter walks, maps and walking notes, guidance for hiking in England and much more.
Yorkshire Dales transportation
Getting around in the Yorkshire Dales by public transit isn’t as easy as other places in the UK, so having a car is recommended. We prefer using Turo to rent cars when we can. If you’re driving, do a little research on where the car parks are and how to pay.
IMPORTANT NOTE: "contactless card transactions" means paying by credit card through an app (which requires WiFi or data) and "cash" means coins (not bills).
If arriving by plane, Manchester Airport is the closest international airport and Street Cars airport shuttle is who we recommend using unless your first stop is Skipton (which has train access from the airport).
Lodging in the Yorkshire Dales
Most villages in the Dales are very small with maybe one or two small inns, so if you’re wanting to stay at the heart of the trails then you need to book early! Many visitors to the Dales opt for camping or RVing, which are available for rent. Find links to all the lodging options on Yorkshire Dales National Park site. Or, save yourself the time and let Muddy Boots do all the work and pick the best available options.
Know before you go
First-time travelers to the UK should be prepared for a few differences in lodging. First and most importantly, washcloths aren’t provided so you’ll need to pack disposable washcloths or reusable compressed towels (which is what we prefer). You should also prepare yourself for small showers and no air-conditioners or fans. This is the Dales, where staying in century-old inns is part of the appeal, and small can be just as luxurious if you’re prepared for it.
Read all about our Pub Hiking in the Yorkshire Dales on our sister site Planes Terrains and Avocados.
If you’re planning a visit to the Yorkshire Dales, we highly recommend it. It’s an unforgettable place, full of natural beauty and with a rich history waiting to be explored. So lace up your hiking boots and head out into the Dales – you won’t be disappointed!
