The best walks and hikes around Cracoe

For hikes starting in Rylstone, there is on-street parking available near the church. However, this can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended. For walks starting in other nearby villages like Grassington or Burnsall, you will find designated pay-and-display car parks.

Yes, dogs are welcome on many trails, but the area is dominated by open moorland and farmland with livestock. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead at all times, particularly during lambing season (spring) and when near sheep or cattle. Be aware of ground-nesting birds on the moors between March and July.

While many routes involve climbing, the area around the River Wharfe offers gentler options. The paths around Linton Falls are relatively flat and provide dramatic scenery without a strenuous ascent. Similarly, the riverside walks between Burnsall and Hebden are popular with families for their gentle gradients and picturesque surroundings.

The terrain is varied. Expect a mix of grassy paths through meadows, well-defined tracks across open moorland, and some rocky, uneven sections, especially on the ascent to Cracoe Fell and along the Rylstone Edge. After rain, paths can become very muddy and boggy, so waterproof hiking boots are essential.

Yes, the region has several well-regarded pubs perfect for a post-hike meal or drink. In Hetton, The Angel is a popular choice. If your walk takes you near Grassington or Burnsall, you'll find a wider selection of traditional pubs and inns to relax in.

The two main landmarks have distinct histories. The tall obelisk is the Cracoe War Memorial, built in 1922 to honour local soldiers who died in the First World War. The large stone cross on the nearby ridge is Rylstone Cross. It was originally a pillar erected in 1815 to celebrate the Peace of Paris, with the cross being added later for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.

Yes, the area is accessible by bus. Services run from the nearby town of Skipton, which has a train station, to villages like Cracoe and Grassington. This allows you to start several hikes without needing a car. Always check the latest bus timetables before you travel as services can be infrequent, especially on Sundays.

The series of distinctive, low-lying limestone hills you see in the landscape, such as Skelterton Hill, are known as the Cracoe Reef Knolls. They are fascinating geological features, representing the fossilised remains of a reef that existed in a tropical sea over 300 million years ago.

There are over 550 hiking routes to explore in the Cracoe area. These range from challenging full-day treks across the fells to easier, shorter walks through the dales, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.

The komoot community rates the hiking in Cracoe very highly. With thousands of reviews, hikers often praise the magnificent panoramic views from the ridges, the historical interest of the landmarks, and the classic Yorkshire Dales scenery of rolling hills and stone walls.

Yes, for those seeking a longer day out, the Rylstone Cross – Cracoe Fell War Memorial loop from Rylstone is a great option. At over 10 miles (16 km), it extends the classic ridge walk and offers a more comprehensive exploration of the moorland.

For a change of scenery from the high fells, the Winterburn Reservoir – The Angel at Hetton loop from Hetton provides a lovely moderate walk. This route circles the peaceful reservoir before passing through classic Dales farmland and villages.