Big Views, Quiet Trails, and No Backtracking Required
There’s something extra satisfying about a circular hike — start and finish at the same spot, no retracing your steps, and just new terrain around every bend.
In the Yorkshire Dales, circular walks are the perfect way to experience everything the area has to offer: dramatic limestone cliffs, rolling moorland, hidden waterfalls, and peak bagging-worthy summits. These routes range from beginner-friendly loops to big-day leg-stretchers — all with that sweet, sweet loop energy.
Whether you’re chasing trig points or just a proper pub walk, these are 7 of the best circular hikes in the Dales.
1. Malham Cove, Gordale Scar & Janet’s Foss Loop
- Distance: ~7.5km | 2–3 hours
- Why It’s Great: Limestone cliffs, waterfall plunge pools, and a short climb onto the dramatic Malham Tarn plateau
- Best For: Scenic half-day wander with epic variety
- Top Tip: Go anti-clockwise — finish with the waterfall if it’s warm enough for a dip
2. Ingleborough Circular from Clapham
- Distance: ~13km | 4–5.5 hours
- Why It’s Great: One of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, plus a stunning loop past caves, valleys, and limestone pavements
- Best For: Peak baggers and geology geeks
- Top Tip: Pop into Ingleborough Cave if you want to add a little underground adventure to your day
3. Pen-y-ghent Circular via Brackenbottom & Horton
- Distance: ~10km | 3.5–4.5 hours
- Why It’s Great: Steep but satisfying climb with a dramatic summit ridge and a mellow return route
- Best For: First-time Dales peak baggers
- Top Tip: Start early — this one’s popular with Yorkshire Three Peak challengers
4. Simon’s Seat via the Valley of Desolation
- Distance: ~11km | 3.5–4.5 hours
- Why It’s Great: Enchanting woodland, waterfalls, and a craggy summit with wide-open views
- Best For: A quieter, less-touristy loop
- Top Tip: Bring a thermos — the summit rocks make the perfect brew spot
5. Buckden Pike Circular via Starbotton
- Distance: ~10.5km | 3.5–5 hours
- Why It’s Great: Atmospheric moorland, a war memorial near the summit, and one of the best views in Wharfedale
- Best For: History buffs and solitude seekers
- Top Tip: Check for boggier conditions — gaiters are handy after rain
6. Great Whernside Loop from Kettlewell
- Distance: ~12km | 4–5.5 hours
- Why It’s Great: A more peaceful neighbour to its bigger siblings, with a satisfying ridge walk and lovely valley return
- Best For: Avoiding the Pen-y-ghent crowds
- Top Tip: Combine it with a pub lunch in Kettlewell — the Blue Bell Inn is a classic
7. Swaledale Loop: Gunnerside Gill & Old Mining Trails
- Distance: ~11km | 4 hours
- Why It’s Great: Industrial history meets wild scenery, with moorland tracks and hidden waterfalls
- Best For: Walkers who love a bit of heritage with their hiking
- Top Tip: Look out for ruins and smelt mills — this area was once buzzing with lead mining activity
What to Bring for Dales Loop Walks
- OS Explorer OL2 or OL30 depending on your route
- Waterproofs and layers – even on dry forecasts
- Grippy boots – many of these trails cross wet limestone or moorland
- Snacks and water – not all loops pass a café or shop
- Peaky Baggers app – track your summits and loop routes in one place
Why Circular Walks in the Dales Hit Different
- More variety = more views
- Easier logistics (no second car or shuttle needed)
- Ideal for linking multiple peaks or features in one go
- Often quieter than out-and-backs on honeypot trails
Final Thoughts
From craggy climbs to moorland meanders, these circular hikes show off the Yorkshire Dales at its best — and with no backtracking required.
Whether you’re new to walking in the Dales or looking for your next satisfying loop, these trails bring the summit-to-pint energy we all need.
Share Your Loop
Log your routes in the Peaky Baggers app, share your favourite circular hikes with #PeakyBaggers, and let us know which one gave you the best “I could live here” moment.
Photo by Karl Moran on Unsplash
