The best walks and hikes around Bedale

Hiking around Bedale offers a classic Yorkshire countryside experience, characterized by a mix of open fields, gentle hills, and wooded areas. Many routes also feature the meandering Bedale Beck, providing a peaceful waterside walk. The terrain is generally accessible, with options ranging from easy strolls to moderate walks.

Yes, Bedale offers several family-friendly hiking options. An excellent choice is the Bedale Market Town – Crakehall Village Green loop from Bedale, an easy 4.3-mile (6.9 km) path that meanders along the Bedale Beck, perfect for a leisurely outing with children.

Many of the trails around Bedale are suitable for dogs, especially those through open fields and wooded areas. However, always keep dogs under control, particularly when passing through farmland with livestock. It's advisable to check specific route details for any restrictions or requirements, such as keeping dogs on a lead.

Yes, Bedale is well-suited for circular walks. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Bedale Market Town – Crakehall Village Green loop from Crakehall is a moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) circular trail offering varied countryside views.

The region is rich in natural beauty and historical features. You can explore the scenic Bedale Beck, which is central to many local walks. A short distance away, Hackfall Wood offers stunning waterfalls, dense woodland, and various grottos and ruins. The Hackfall Fountain Pond is another notable feature within the woods.

There are over 60 hiking routes around Bedale. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 25 easy trails, 39 moderate options, and 5 more challenging routes for experienced hikers. This variety ensures there's a suitable path for everyone.

Hikers can enjoy quintessential Yorkshire countryside views, including open fields, gentle hills, and peaceful wooded areas. The Bedale Beck provides picturesque waterside scenery. For more dramatic landscapes, the proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers opportunities for stunning vistas, while Hackfall Woods provides beautiful woodland and waterfall views.

Absolutely. Bedale itself has a rich history, and you can explore the Bedale Heritage Trail. Nearby, you can visit the impressive Jervaulx Abbey Ruins or the historic Snape Castle. The town's location also makes it a great base for exploring other historical sites in the wider Dales area.

While specific trailheads might require a short walk from public transport, Bedale is served by the Wensleydale Railway, a heritage line that offers a unique way to experience the region and potentially access starting points for walks further afield. Local bus services also connect Bedale to surrounding villages, which may provide access to some routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from nearly 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the charming Yorkshire countryside, the peaceful atmosphere along the Bedale Beck, and the variety of well-maintained paths suitable for different abilities. The ease of access to both gentle strolls and more extensive walks is frequently highlighted.

While many routes are easy to moderate, Bedale does offer some longer options. For instance, the Crakehall Village Green – Bedale Market Town loop from Burrill with Cowling is a moderate 6.3-mile (10.2 km) route with slightly more elevation gain, providing a good option for those seeking a longer walk through varied rural landscapes.

Bedale's Yorkshire countryside is beautiful year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery, summer provides pleasant weather for longer days out, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter offers crisp, quiet walks. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, especially during colder months.