Yorkshire Dales Explorer: A 7-Day Grand Loop from Harrogate

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The route · 7 stops

1
Harrogate
1 night
A handsome Regency spa town and ideal launchpad for the Dales. Wander the ornate Royal Pump Room, explore the Valley Gardens and treat yourself to afternoon tea at Bettys Café. Harrogate's hotels and restaurants are among the best in North Yorkshire.
A handsome Regency spa town and ideal launchpad for the Dales. Wander the ornate Royal Pump Room, explore the Valley Gardens and treat yourself to afternoon tea at Bettys Café. Harrogate's hotels and restaurants are among the best in North Yorkshire.
Bettys on Parliament Street is worth queuing for. Book accommodation near the Valley Gardens for easy morning access to the Dales.
2
Skipton
1 night34m · 41 km from previous
The official gateway to the Dales. The medieval castle is one of England's best-preserved, and the sloping high street hosts a lively market three times a week. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal basin makes a good evening walk before heading deeper into the Dales next morning.
The official gateway to the Dales. The medieval castle is one of England's best-preserved, and the sloping high street hosts a lively market three times a week. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal basin makes a good evening walk before heading deeper into the Dales next morning.
Skipton Castle is open daily and takes about 45 minutes to visit. The indoor market runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
3
Grassington
2 nights13m · 16 km from previous
The Dales' most picturesque base. Stone cottages line a cobbled square, with riverside walks along the Wharfe and limestone moors stretching in every direction. Use two nights to visit Malham Cove, a 260-foot limestone amphitheatre, and wild Gordale Scar, both under 20 minutes by car.
The Dales' most picturesque base. Stone cottages line a cobbled square, with riverside walks along the Wharfe and limestone moors stretching in every direction. Use two nights to visit Malham Cove, a 260-foot limestone amphitheatre, and wild Gordale Scar, both under 20 minutes by car.
Park at the National Park car park on the edge of the village. Malham Cove is 11 miles south-west on narrow lanes — start early to beat coach parties.
4
Hawes
1 night33m · 39 km from previous
The highest market town in England at 850 feet, and Wensleydale's beating heart. The Wensleydale Creamery offers guided cheese tours; the Dales Countryside Museum is a genuinely absorbing local history collection. Hardraw Force, the tallest unbroken waterfall in England, is a 15-minute walk from the Green Dragon Inn.
The highest market town in England at 850 feet, and Wensleydale's beating heart. The Wensleydale Creamery offers guided cheese tours; the Dales Countryside Museum is a genuinely absorbing local history collection. Hardraw Force, the tallest unbroken waterfall in England, is a 15-minute walk from the Green Dragon Inn.
Wensleydale Creamery tours sell out fast in summer; book online. The Tuesday market is the best in the Dales.
5
Aysgarth
1 night18m · 21 km from previous
A quiet valley hamlet anchored by a spectacular natural feature: Aysgarth Falls, where the River Ure tumbles over three tiers of limestone steps over a mile-long stretch. A circular walk from the National Park Visitor Centre takes in all three falls in 45 minutes. Bolton Castle, a well-preserved 14th-century fortress, is five minutes by car.
A quiet valley hamlet anchored by a spectacular natural feature: Aysgarth Falls, where the River Ure tumbles over three tiers of limestone steps over a mile-long stretch. A circular walk from the National Park Visitor Centre takes in all three falls in 45 minutes. Bolton Castle, a well-preserved 14th-century fortress, is five minutes by car.
The Aysgarth Falls car park fills early in summer. Arrive before 10am or after 4pm. Bolton Castle is open April to October.
6
Richmond
1 night19m · 23 km from previous
One of Yorkshire's finest market towns, perched on a steep hill above the River Swale. The Norman castle keep offers panoramic views across Swaledale. Richmond's cobbled market square is flanked by Georgian townhouses, and the Georgian Theatre Royal, one of England's oldest surviving theatres still in use, is worth a guided tour.
One of Yorkshire's finest market towns, perched on a steep hill above the River Swale. The Norman castle keep offers panoramic views across Swaledale. Richmond's cobbled market square is flanked by Georgian townhouses, and the Georgian Theatre Royal, one of England's oldest surviving theatres still in use, is worth a guided tour.
The castle keep costs £8 to climb — worth it for the Swaledale views. Free parking at the cattle market off Gallowgate.
7
Harrogate
50m · 60 km from previous
Return to Harrogate to close the loop. A final dinner at one of the town's excellent restaurants or a soak at the Royal Baths makes a rewarding end to seven days in the Dales.
Return to Harrogate to close the loop. A final dinner at one of the town's excellent restaurants or a soak at the Royal Baths makes a rewarding end to seven days in the Dales.
The A1 south from Richmond to Harrogate takes just over an hour and avoids the Dales lanes.

Yorkshire Dales Explorer: A 7-Day Grand Loop from Harrogate

The route · 7 stops

Harrogate

Skipton

Grassington

Hawes

Aysgarth

Richmond

Harrogate

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