Discover the Best of the Yorkshire Dales: A Scenic Grassington Circular Walk with Moorland Trails and Riverside Views

Posted: 24th April 2025
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Looking to explore the Yorkshire Dales on foot?

If you're seeking a truly memorable Yorkshire Dales experience, this stunning circular walk from Grassington offers the perfect blend of riverside paths, open moorland, historical mining remains and charming Dales villages. Whether you're staying at Long Ashes Park, or just visiting the area, this 8.5-mile (13.5 km) route is a must for keen walkers and nature lovers.

Located just 4 miles (approx. 10 minutes by car) from Long Ashes Park, this scenic Grassington walk begins at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre, where you’ll find plenty of parking and useful facilities including toilets and route maps. From here, your adventure into the heart of Wharfedale begins.

Highlights of the Grassington Circular Walk

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Linton Falls: A spectacular series of cascades and the site of the Linton Falls Hydro, an eco-conscious hydroelectric station generating green energy from the River Wharfe.

The Dales Way: Follow this iconic long-distance trail past riverside meadows, ancient stepping stones, and charming footbridges.

Hebden Suspension Bridge: Built in 1885 with recycled mining cable, this elegant crossing offers beautiful views up and down the river valley.

Hebden Beck and the Lead Mining Trail: Explore a landscape shaped by centuries of lead mining, with ruins and remnants that bring local history to life.

Yarnbury and Bare House: Atmospheric abandoned buildings and vast limestone pastures add to the sense of timelessness on the moor.

Panoramic Views: Take in sweeping views across Conistone Moor, with glimpses of Sweet Hill and Great Whernside in the distance.

Walk Overview

  • Distance: 8½ miles / 13½ kilometres
  • Time: Approximately 4 hours
  • Ascent: 993 feet / 303 metres
  • Difficulty: Moderate (mix of well-marked trails, footpaths and moorland tracks)

Grassington Walk Directions

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1. Start at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre. From the car park, head to the southern corner and follow the path down towards Linton Falls, passing dry stone walls and arriving at the scenic waterfalls.

2. Turn left before the footbridge, joining the Dales Way towards Hebden and Burnsall. Walk across grassy fields for approximately 0.5 km, then join a tarmac lane and turn right.

3. Continue until the lane becomes a footpath. At the crossroads, take the second left, continuing on the Dales Way towards Burnsall (not Hebden).

4. Follow the River Wharfe for about 1 mile (1.6 km) to reach Hebden Suspension Bridge. Don’t cross the bridge - instead, turn left towards Hebden.

5. Join Mill Lane, then take a left-hand footpath signed for Hebden and Bank Top. Pass between two houses, follow the path by the trout farm, cross the footbridge near the weir, and climb through the valley.

6. Rejoin Mill Lane, turn right, then cross the B6265. Opposite, take the lane signed Bridleway to Yarnbury.

7. Follow this peaceful lane for about 1 km to Hole Bottom, cross the stone bridge, and continue on the bridleway up the valley. You’ll pass remnants of old lead mines and stepping stones over Hebden Beck.

8. Continue following Hebden Beck northwards for another 0.5 km. As the path begins to climb, take the right-hand fork, heading west towards Yarnbury.

9. Walk 0.8 km to Yarnbury, passing a small reservoir and mine ruins. On reaching Yarnbury House, turn right, then immediately left along the footpath to Bycliffe Road.

10. Follow the stony track for 1.2 km to High Barn. Take the left-hand fork and continue to Bare House, a striking abandoned farmhouse.

11. Pass through the gate at Bare House, turn right, and follow the yellow waymarkers. The grassy path descends gently for about 0.8 km or half a mile, passing a sheepfold and through drystone wall gaps.

12. Continue for another half a mile through limestone-dotted fields and stone stiles. Enter a long, walled field, and pass Grassington Methodist Church on your left.

13. Turn right at the next junction, walk downhill, and turn left onto the B6265. Follow the pavement back to the Visitor Centre car park.

A Perfect Post-Walk Treat at The Gamekeeper's Inn

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After a day of exploring, treat yourself to a hearty, homemade meal at The Gamekeeper’s Inn, located right at the heart of Long Ashes Park. This award-winning inn offers a warm welcome, a cosy atmosphere and a menu brimming with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal favourites.

Why not finish your walk with a well-earned Sunday roast, a refreshing pint of Yorkshire ale, or one of the inn’s indulgent desserts? The Gamekeeper’s Inn is a favourite with walkers and holidaymakers alike, offering the perfect end to a perfect day in the Dales.

Stay at Long Ashes Park: Your Base for Yorkshire Dales Adventures

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Located in the picturesque village of Threshfield, Long Ashes Park offers a wide range of accommodation including luxury lodges, woodland glamping pods, and a charming country inn. With its peaceful setting, on-site spa, leisure club, and proximity to some of the region’s most iconic walks, Long Ashes Park is the ideal destination for your next countryside getaway.

Book your stay and enjoy easy access to Grassington, Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove, and the dramatic limestone scenery that makes the Yorkshire Dales National Park one of Britain’s top walking destinations.

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Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a longer walking holiday, this circular Grassington walk is one of the best ways to discover the character, beauty, and heritage of the Yorkshire Dales. And with Long Ashes Park as your base, you're never far from another incredible day out.

Ready to walk the Dales and unwind in comfort? Book your stay at Long Ashes Park today.

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