Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Harrogate to Harrogate in Yorkshire Dales, United Kingdom.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Culture, Classic road trip.

Yorkshire Dales Explorer: A 5-Day Grand Loop from Harrogate

Q: How long is the Yorkshire Dales Explorer: A 5-Day Grand Loop from Harrogate route?

This route takes 5 days taking in 7 stops.

Loading…

The route · 7 stops

3 overnight bases · 4 stops on the way

Harrogate

1 night

A handsome Regency spa town and ideal launchpad for the Dales. Wander the ornate Royal Pump Room, explore the Valley Gardens and treat yourself to afternoon tea at Bettys Café. Harrogate's hotels and restaurants are among the best in North Yorkshire.A handsome Regency spa town and ideal launchpad for the Dales. Wander the ornate Royal Pump Room, explore the Valley Gardens and treat yourself to afternoon tea at Bettys Café. Harrogate's hotels and restaurants are among the best in North Yorkshire.

Recommendations

On the way

Skipton
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: The official gateway to the Dales. The medieval castle is one of England's best-preserved, and the sloping high street hosts a lively market three times a week. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal basin makes a good evening walk before heading deeper into the Dales next morning.Worth a stop on the drive: The official gateway to the Dales. The medieval castle is one of England's best-preserved, and the sloping high street hosts a lively market three times a week. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal basin makes a good evening walk before heading deeper into the Dales next morning.
Recommendations

On to Grassington

Grassington

2 nights

The Dales' most picturesque base. Stone cottages line a cobbled square, with riverside walks along the Wharfe and limestone moors stretching in every direction. Use two nights to visit Malham Cove, a 260-foot limestone amphitheatre, and wild Gordale Scar, both under 20 minutes by car.The Dales' most picturesque base. Stone cottages line a cobbled square, with riverside walks along the Wharfe and limestone moors stretching in every direction. Use two nights to visit Malham Cove, a 260-foot limestone amphitheatre, and wild Gordale Scar, both under 20 minutes by car.

Recommendations

On to Hawes

Hawes

1 night

The highest market town in England at 850 feet, and Wensleydale's beating heart. The Wensleydale Creamery offers guided cheese tours; the Dales Countryside Museum is a genuinely absorbing local history collection. Hardraw Force, the tallest unbroken waterfall in England, is a 15-minute walk from the Green Dragon Inn.The highest market town in England at 850 feet, and Wensleydale's beating heart. The Wensleydale Creamery offers guided cheese tours; the Dales Countryside Museum is a genuinely absorbing local history collection. Hardraw Force, the tallest unbroken waterfall in England, is a 15-minute walk from the Green Dragon Inn.

Recommendations

On the way

Aysgarth
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: A quiet valley hamlet anchored by a spectacular natural feature: Aysgarth Falls, where the River Ure tumbles over three tiers of limestone steps over a mile-long stretch. A circular walk from the National Park Visitor Centre takes in all three falls in 45 minutes. Bolton Castle, a well-preserved 14th-century fortress, is five minutes by car.Worth a stop on the drive: A quiet valley hamlet anchored by a spectacular natural feature: Aysgarth Falls, where the River Ure tumbles over three tiers of limestone steps over a mile-long stretch. A circular walk from the National Park Visitor Centre takes in all three falls in 45 minutes. Bolton Castle, a well-preserved 14th-century fortress, is five minutes by car.
Recommendations
Richmond
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: One of Yorkshire's finest market towns, perched on a steep hill above the River Swale. The Norman castle keep offers panoramic views across Swaledale. Richmond's cobbled market square is flanked by Georgian townhouses, and the Georgian Theatre Royal, one of England's oldest surviving theatres still in use, is worth a guided tour.Worth a stop on the drive: One of Yorkshire's finest market towns, perched on a steep hill above the River Swale. The Norman castle keep offers panoramic views across Swaledale. Richmond's cobbled market square is flanked by Georgian townhouses, and the Georgian Theatre Royal, one of England's oldest surviving theatres still in use, is worth a guided tour.

Yorkshire Dales Explorer: A 5-Day Grand Loop from Harrogate