Best walks to or from Skipton

Skipton Station to Ilkley Station

a stunning revelation of quiet, high moorland, Great views throughout, a fabulous last mile. A stunning route over a succession of quiet, high moors culminating in iconic Ilkley Moor, with soft rolling moorland, narrow paths and natural rock sculptures, great views down into Wharfedale and over the mill villages. The middle is remote farmland with well-kept stiles and gates, then a short steep climb onto the main moor and with a fabulous descent into Ilkley. Many stiles and some lack of footpath signs. Follows the Dales High Way and Millennium Way. Passes prehistoric cup-and-ring marked rocks and the Swastika Stone. A bench is well placed on the first climb and again at Windgate Nick.

Tough: steep ascents. 16km.

Many, many stiles, some requiring agility, and in places a lack of footpath signs; map or GPS competence is needed.

Lunch stop: Roman bathhouse cafe.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Gargrave Station to Skipton Station

An easy, dead-level walk along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath virtually all the way, on an excellent, well-maintained compacted-gravel and stone surface. A few gates, kissing gates and a short flight of stone steps. Lovely meadow verges rich with wildlife and a fine entry into Skipton by the canal basin.

8km.

The busy A65 runs nearby and traffic noise can detract from the tranquillity in places. A short flight of stone steps and some gates.

Many pubs and cafes in Skipton, plus bus and train stations at both ends.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route