Up and Inn: The best Yorkshire Dales walks with a pub

To take in the sights of the Dales, a walk is a glorious way to get out and see the best of Yorkshire. Even better, is when that walk includes a stop in a traditional ale house to warm up by the fire or fill up with a hearty meal. To celebrate the rambler’s watering hole tradition, here is our collection of great Yorkshire walks that start or end in a pub.

Malham’s moors and Cove with a start or finish at the Buck Inn

Follow the route

A few short climbs and generally good tracks add up to a 7.5miles (12 km), 3-4 hours’ route that takes in a view of the Dales, Janet’s Foss waterfall, the mouth of Gordale Scar and a stop at Malham Cove.

Starting in the heart of Malham village, you’ll head through Wedber Wood to the enchanting waterfall, Janet’s Foss. Following an onward route to Malham Cove you’ll get a great look in on Gordale Scar before the giant semicircle cliff of the cove. From here you’ll simply follow the trail to an ale in Malham.

Found in the village of Malham, the Buck Inn welcomes all to its Hiker’s Bar with local real ales and food menu. You might just need the speciality Malham and Masham pie after the longest of our recommended walks.

Parking is available at Malham Village Pay & Display, BD23 4DA

Stainforth and Catrigg Force starting from the Craven Heifer

FOLLOW THE ROUTE

A good family walk at 2.4 miles (3.8 km), expect a walking time of around 1-2 hours that still manages to squeeze in stepping stones, a hidden waterfall and views of the Pen-y-ghent peak.

Starting in the lovely village of Stainforth, follow a track running beside the Craven Heifer pub onto a fantastic run of stepping stones before heading south east until you see the signpost for Catrigg Force. Downwards through the trees next to Stainforth Beck you’ll find the waterfall and drop pool.

The route heads southwards to Upper and Lower Winskill where you can take in great views of Pen-y-ghent before heading back to Stainforth.

On the door step of the three peaks, the Craven Heifer Hotel has hearty meals, guest ales and open fires that’ll make it a welcome retreat for winter walks too.

Parking is available at Stainforth Car Park, BD24 9PF

Bolton Castle and Redmire with a stop at the Bolton Arms

FOLLOW THE ROUTE

A mix of field paths and farm tracks connect with village lanes for 4.5 miles (7 km), a 2 ½ - 3 hour walking time packs in a medieval fortress, tranquil village and peaceful waterfall.

By starting at the 14^th century Bolton Castle you can add a visit to the green gardens and falconry experiences on a summer morning to your walk. You’ll then follow old, stone cottages into Redmire and downhill to a stop at the Bolton Arms. Through village greens you’ll pass St. Mary’s Church before following the River Ure upstream. After a footbridge to the multi-drop Redmire Force you’ll cross the old railway on the uphill finish back at Bolton Castle.

A stop on your journey, the Bolton Arms has a woodburner to warm up in winter or a sheltered beer garden with views of Wensleydale for the summer. Fresh local meals, snacks and real ales mean the menu is well worth a sample too.

Parking is available at Bolton Castle Pay & Display, DL8 4ET