3 Walking Trails through Skipton Woods

Gateway to the Dales and rich with history, Skipton is a picturesque and fascinating place to explore.

One of the best walks in Skipton is the route through Skipton Castle Woods, a walk that combines scenery with culture and is accessible to all.

The main path through Skipton Castle Woods is a gentle, family-friendly ‘there-and-back’ stroll between the main entrance and the Great Flood Bridge, alongside Eller Beck.

You can extend this route but exploring some of the upper paths in the river valley. These are accessed either via a set of steps or a climb up a fairly steep slope (with handrail).

Both of these routes are roughly a mile in length.

For a more strenuous but still relatively accessible walk, try the Earl of Thanet Trail, a circular route from town to Skipton Castle which offers glorious views through the trees. This route is about 2.5 miles.

Children will love exploring these woods, a wonderful natural playground overflowing with wildlife. Use the Woodland Trust’s ‘nature spotter activity sheet’ to tick off bugs, birds, and types of trees. Kingfishers around the Round Dam Pond are a real highlight.

Plan your visit to Skipton Woods.