Walks in Gargrave
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Gargrave on foot.
Walk: Gargrave to Skipton
A country walk following the lock free summit of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, starting in Gargrave. The Route what3words for start point: ///detonated.stung.harder Start Point: Gargrave, just near Old Hall Croft Barn. Finish Point: Skipton Canal Basin Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map gargravetoskiptonDownload Walk Description Gargrave is the idyllic start to the walk with canal locks and picture-perfect cottages. Located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, it is the perfect place for a spot of star gazing, in the designated Dark Skies Reserve. This scenic walk starts in Gargrave at Higherland Lock, where you will follow the easy towpath through the countryside all the way to Skipton. On route you will be able to take in the stunning scenery in the area and admire the hills of the Yorkshire Dales. Once you leave Gargrave there will be no more locks until the Leeds and Liverpool Canal arrives in Bingley. This is a 17-mile lock free stretch where boaters enjoy the peacefulness of the area. Whilst out on the towpath do look out for mile posts along the canal. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal Company originally marked every ¼, ½, ¾ and mile. Many of these mile posts have now been restored as part of the canals 200th anniversary. As you enter Skipton, a thriving market town, you will pass a few swing bridges and reach the Skipton Canal Basin. Within the canal basin you will a range of outlets for some much-deserved refreshments, including the Canal Tugboat selling ice creams! You can either decide to retrace your steps or jump on the train for your return to Gargrave.
Walk: Pennine Way National Trail
This iconic 268 mile walk takes you through three of England's finest national parks. The Route what3words for start point: ///mice.ages.improvise Start Point: Edale Finish Point: Kirk Yetholm Distance: 268 Miles GPX Route Map pennine-wayDownload Walk Description Embark on an epic journey along the Pennine Way, a majestic 268-mile trek that weaves through the heart of England's most captivating landscapes. Your adventure begins in the charming village of Edale, nestled in the rugged Derbyshire Peak District. From there, you'll set your sights northward, traversing the rolling hills and serene valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. As you journey onward, each step reveals the rich tapestry of England's natural beauty. You'll cross the historic Hadrian's Wall, a testament to ancient times, in the awe-inspiring Northumberland National Park. Your trek culminates in a triumphant arrival at Kirk Yetholm, a quaint Scottish village that marks the end of this extraordinary trail. Regarded as England's premier Long Distance Footpath, the Pennine Way is more than a hike; it's a pilgrimage through the soul of the Great North. While the path demands resilience and fitness, it generously rewards with unparalleled vistas and breathtaking landscapes. Highlights of this grand expedition include the surreal limestone pavements of Malham Cove and the towering trio of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Traverse the mysterious moorlands bordering Yorkshire and County Durham, descending into the Tees Valley, where the river guides you past a cascade of awe-inspiring waterfalls. Your journey reaches a crescendo as you ascend to the edge of a dramatic canyon, offering a panoramic view over the Eden Valley that will etch itself into your memory forever. The Pennine Way is not just a walk; it's a journey through history, nature, and the depths of your own endurance, culminating in an experience that transcends mere physical achievement.