When the daylight hours reduce, the temperature plummets and the snow hopefully begins to fall, there is only one thing to do and that’s get out and enjoy it whilst you can! Winter walks are the best.
Pull on the woolly hat and gloves, pour a flask of hot chocolate and embrace the day with one of these winter walks. Short and entertaining so perfect for kids and also if the weather suddenly turns.
Pinhaw Beacon
On the tops of Carleton Moor, above Elslack you will find Pinhaw Beacon. Parking in the large lay-by on Skipton Old Road, you can follow the track up the Pennine Way. This leads you to the trig point and the toposcope. This monument was installed in 2021 dedicated to all those that died of Covid-19 as well as expressing grateful thanks to all the NHS staff.
The walk is only a mile in total plus has fabulous views out over the district. It’s the best (and easiest) spot to catch the sunset, which at this time of year is around 5pm. The ideal winter walk for little ones.
Full walk details here – Pinhaw Beacon.
Barden Aqueduct
This walk takes in Barden Bridge and the Aqueduct which feature on this river side walk. This 2 mile walk is a spectacular walk in winter with the roaring river, views downstream and there is usually an ice-cream van parked up at Barden Bridge lay-by – it’s never too cold for ice-cream!
The paths are well maintained by Bolton Abbey Estate, the only thing you will have to negotiate are the steps up and over the Aqueduct.
Full walk details here – Barden Bridge to Aqueduct
Skipton Moor
From the top of Shortbank Road, Skipton you can gain immediate access onto the Dales High Way. The view points from up here are amazing out over the town.
The circular route on to the top of the moor to bag Vicar’s Allotment trig point is a 3 mile circular. The path is well trodden leading you up on to the moor crossing a number of fields and stiles. On the top you will spot a number of cairns as well as the trig point hidden a little bit further along.
Full route details here – Skipton Moor
Rylstone Cross
Sitting high and proud on the tops of a rocky ridge overlooking the Yorkshire Dales is Rylstone Cross, a war memorial.
This walk can be a challenge for little ones as it is a constant ascent up but it does follow a farm track for the majority of its route so makes it easy to follow. Farm tracks = potholes = puddles so if that doesn’t keep them happy then nothing will!
Take lots of snacks for this 3 mile circular and beware of the wind. Hiding behind the wall may be required!
Full walk details here – Rylstone Cross.
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