The best walks and hikes around Austwick

Yes, there are nearly 40 curated hiking routes around Austwick. The trails range from easy strolls to challenging ascents, with the majority being rated as moderate. This variety ensures there are suitable options for different fitness levels and preferences.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the region's unique geological features, particularly the vast limestone pavements and the iconic Norber Erratics. The well-maintained paths through classic Dales scenery are also a common highlight.

The Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail is a popular choice for families. It's a well-regarded trail that follows the river through woodland and features a lake. The path is generally easy to follow, making it suitable for walkers of all ages.

Dogs are welcome on many trails, but it's important to be mindful of the landscape. You'll be walking through farmland with livestock, so keeping your dog on a lead is essential. Also, be aware of ground-nesting birds on the moorlands, especially during nesting season (typically spring and early summer).

A great option is the View of Pen-y-ghent – Feizor Village loop from Church of The Epiphany. This moderate walk takes you to the hamlet of Feizor, which is known for its charming tearooms that offer a welcome rest stop before you loop back towards Austwick.

The Norber Erratics are large sandstone boulders left behind by glaciers on top of limestone pavement. Over time, the limestone has eroded, leaving many boulders perched on small pedestals. A walk through Crummackdale is a fantastic way to see them and experience this unique geological wonder.

While Austwick's immediate landscape is more known for its limestone scars, you can find waterfalls nearby. The Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail leads towards Gaping Gill, a famous pothole where a stream plunges into a large cavern. For more traditional waterfalls, the village of Malham, with Janet's Foss, is a short drive away.

Ascending Ingleborough is a challenging, full-day hike. It's one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, so you should be prepared for a strenuous climb with significant elevation gain. The effort is rewarded with panoramic views across the Dales, and on clear days, as far as Morecambe Bay.

Crummackdale is a classic Yorkshire Dales valley that showcases some of the area's finest limestone scenery. A walk here involves passing through green pastures enclosed by dry-stone walls, with expansive views of the surrounding fells and access to the famous Norber Erratics.

Austwick has on-street parking available within the village, but it can be limited, especially on weekends. It's best to arrive early to find a space. Please park considerately, ensuring you do not block access for residents or farm vehicles.

For a quieter experience, consider the Flascoe Bridge – View of Pen-y-ghent loop from Oxenber and Wharfe Woods. While it still offers fantastic views, it tends to be less busy than the main routes to the major peaks, allowing for a more peaceful walk through the Dales countryside.

Both offer classic Dales scenery, but with different focuses. Malham is famous for its dramatic, large-scale limestone features like Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, which draw large crowds. Austwick provides a broader network of trails through rolling hills and valleys like Crummackdale, offering a chance to explore unique geology like the Norber Erratics, often with fewer people.