Grab your water bottle and a sun hat as one of Britain’s greatest spots for a summer walk is in the Yorkshire Dales, according to BBC Countryfile.
The “charming little valley” of Upper Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales has been featured in the publisher’s recent travel guide, among the likes of St Davids Peninsula in Pembrokeshire and Glen Sligachan in the Isle of Skye.
BBC Countryfile commented on its walking guide: “During the long, balmy days of summer, options for walking are seemingly endless.
"Step out of your door and stroll to your local park or reserve; amble through cool, shady woodlands; follow riverside trails and canal towpaths; relish the seaside charm of a coastal path; head for the high hills or climb mountains.
@intothewildyorkshiresty1 Located in Cray, Upper Wharfedale, this little gem is hidden in plain sight and is found a little way off the main path and is part of the Cray Gill Waterfalls walk It is located on public access land and you have to explore a bit more to get up close! Hope you enjoy #intothewildyorkshirestyle2023 #waterfalls #northyorkshire #craygill #upperwharfedale#starseverywhere ♬ How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
“With so many options, choosing a summer walk can be tricky. To help you out, we've put together a selection of our favourite summer hikes.
"Each summer walk includes route directions and a map, as well as wildlife highlights, amenities, distances and difficulty.”
You can see BBC Countryfile’s full guide to Britain’s best summer walks here.
Why is Upper Wharfedale among Britain’s best summer walks?
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Duration: 4 hours
Writing about Upper Wharfedale, BBC Countryfile revealed: “Upper Wharfedale is a charming little valley off the beaten track where the roads are too narrow for trucks and busses to navigate.
“It's a bit of a bind to get to, but once you've found the dale, you'll never forget it.
“The limestone and peat uplands hereabouts are riven with steep-sided valleys and ghylls where water teems off the fells and tumbles over a series of waterfalls through the heart of the picturesque villages of Cray, Yockenthwaite and Hubberholme.”
On this “easy” walk, you will be able to take in the sites of Buckden Pike and Buckden too – see the full route and all directions here.
Additionally Walking in the Yorkshire Dales claims Upper Wharfedale is one of the “best walking areas in the Dales”.
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Recommended reading:
- Why the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales has been dubbed 'darling of the North'
- Fancy a feast by the river? 3 of the best picnic spots in the Yorkshire Dales
- Pint by the river? 5 Yorkshire Dales pubs with outside spaces worth visiting
The outdoors website explained: “The quintessential Yorkshire Dale and probably the most frequented area to the north of Grassington including the villages of Kettlewell, Starbotton, Buckden, Arncliffe and Litton.
“Upper Wharfedale includes Langstrothdale and Littondale for these purposes. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best walking areas in the Dales with over touristed areas such as Kettlewell but some surprisingly under-walked areas to be found.”
Are there any other routes in the Yorkshire Dales you stick to for a gentle summer’s walk?
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