The best walks and hikes around Thornton In Lonsdale

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes, meaning you can start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Many trails loop through the surrounding dales and river valleys. A great moderate example is the Baxenghyll Gorge Waterfall – View of Twistleton Scar loop from Thornton in Lonsdale, which combines a river gorge with views over the limestone pavement of Twistleton Scar.

Many trails in the area are suitable for dogs, but be aware that you'll be walking through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where livestock grazing is common. Keep your dog on a lead, especially near farm animals. The popular Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is known to be dog-friendly, and many local pubs welcome dogs after a long walk.

For an easy walk that's great for families, consider the View of Ingleborough – St Oswald's Church loop from Thornton in Lonsdale. It's a relatively short and flat route that offers rewarding views of the famous peak and passes the historic St Oswald's Church, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was married.

Absolutely. The region is famous for its waterfalls. Thornton Force is a particularly impressive sight and a popular destination. You can reach it via a short but scenic walk like the Hollybush Spout Waterfall – Thornton Force waterfall loop from Ingleton, which takes you through lovely woodland to see the falls.

For a more strenuous day out, you can tackle one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The ascent of Whernside, the highest peak in Yorkshire, offers a fantastic challenge with panoramic views. The Yordas Cave and Whernside loop from Braida Garth is a demanding route that rewards your effort with incredible scenery and a visit to a local cave system.

The hiking here is classic Yorkshire Dales. Expect to see rolling green hills, ancient woodlands, and valleys carved by rivers like the Twiss and Doe. The area is known for its dramatic limestone geology, which creates features like scars (limestone cliffs), pavements, and extensive cave systems. Many trails follow these rivers, leading to a series of beautiful waterfalls.

There are over 20 marked hiking trails to explore around Thornton in Lonsdale on komoot. These range from easy riverside strolls to difficult mountain ascents, offering plenty of choice for all fitness levels.

The routes around Thornton in Lonsdale are highly rated by the komoot community, with over 15,000 hikers having explored the area. Reviewers often praise the spectacular waterfalls, the well-maintained paths, and the magnificent views from the higher ground.

Yes, the limestone landscape is riddled with caves. A popular hike that includes a cave visit is the Rowten Pot – Yordas Cave loop from Thornton in Lonsdale. This route takes you across open moorland to Yordas Cave, which you can enter to see its impressive main chamber and waterfall. Remember to bring a torch!

While many trailheads are best accessed by car, the area is served by local bus routes connecting nearby towns like Settle, Kirkby Lonsdale, and Ingleton. Settle also has a train station on the famous Settle-Carlisle line, which can be a scenic way to start your journey into the Dales. From these towns, you can often walk directly onto the trail network or take a short bus ride.

For Whernside, a very popular starting point is the car park near the Ribblehead Viaduct, which offers direct access to the main path. For Ingleborough, there are several pay-and-display car parks in the village of Ingleton, which is a common starting point for the ascent. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as these car parks can fill up quickly.