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United Kingdom
England
Yorkshire And The Humber

Craven

Easy hikes and walks in Craven

4.7

(7874)

73,481

hikers

1,428

hikes

Easy hiking trails in Craven traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills, dramatic limestone formations, and verdant valleys within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The region features a network of paths winding through woodlands, alongside rivers, and past reservoirs. Hikers can explore unique geological features and expansive meadows. This diverse topography provides varied terrain for accessible outdoor exploration.

Best easy hiking trails in Craven

  • The most popular easy hiking route is High Shaws Laithe and Valve Tower loop from Grimwith Reservoir Car Park — Yorkshire Dales National Park, a 4.3 miles (7.0 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to complete. This route offers views of Grimwith Reservoir and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales scenery.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Stainforth Force & Catrigg Force loop — Yorkshire Dales National Park, an easy 3.3 miles (5.3 km) path. This trail explores woodland and features two notable waterfalls, Stainforth Force and Catrigg Force.
  • Local hikers also love the Embsay Crag and St Mary's Church loop from Embsay Reservoir, a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail leading through varied terrain including Embsay Crag, often completed in about 1 hour 33 minutes.
  • Hiking in Craven is defined by limestone formations, rolling hills, and river valleys within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy hiking trails.
  • The routes in Craven are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 7,800 reviews. More than 74,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Craven's varied terrain.

Last updated: April 25, 2026

4.8

(49)

601

hikers

#1.

High Shaws Laithe and Valve Tower loop from Grimwith Reservoir Car Park — Yorkshire Dales National Park

6.97km

01:50

60m

60m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4.6

(19)

121

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(3)

18

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hiking Collection by

Jen Lowthrop

Tips from the Community

Midlife Cyclist
April 27, 2026, High Shaws Laithe Thatched Barn

No Cycling allowed. Nice walking area

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Historically, the centre served as a hub for ecological and geographical studies

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Functions as both a valve tower and an overflow, and is connected by a gangway to the shore

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Chris Shannon
February 22, 2026, Bolton Abbey

This is a really impressive piece of architecture, £15 to park at car park, in the summer there are some stepping stones

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0

There is no entrance to the steeper part except to shimmy around fences. We thought the hike straight up was very rocky with no direct path. Muddy and slippery. We turned around when we couldn’t find a clear path at the top. I would say this is not easy. Unless we were on some other trail.

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Standard looking inside, good looking from the outside

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A memorial to Lord Cavendish a 19th century politician who was killed in Ireland.

1

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available in Craven?

Craven offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 500 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails traverse diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, limestone formations, and verdant valleys within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Are there easy hiking trails in Craven that feature waterfalls?

Yes, Craven boasts several easy trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls. For example, the Stainforth Force & Catrigg Force loop is an easy path that explores woodlands and features two notable waterfalls. You can also find other impressive waterfalls like Janet's Foss and Gordale Scar Waterfall in the region.

Are the easy hiking trails in Craven suitable for families?

Many easy hiking trails in Craven are ideal for families. The region's diverse topography includes gentle paths alongside rivers and reservoirs, as well as woodland strolls. Routes like the Watersinks to Malham Tarn Easy Stroll offer accessible outdoor exploration for all ages.

Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in Craven?

Most easy hiking trails in Craven are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code to protect the natural environment and wildlife.

Are there many circular easy walks in Craven?

Yes, Craven features numerous circular easy walks, making it convenient to start and end your hike at the same point. Popular options include the High Shaws Laithe and Valve Tower loop from Grimwith Reservoir Car Park and the Embsay Crag and St Mary's Church loop from Embsay Reservoir.

Which easy trails offer the best views in Craven?

For impressive vistas, consider trails that ascend slightly or circle reservoirs. The Embsay Crag loop provides excellent views, as does the Grimwith Reservoir loop, offering expansive views of the Yorkshire Dales scenery.

What is the best time of year for easy hiking in Craven?

Craven is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer lush green landscapes and milder weather, ideal for easy hikes. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands, while winter can provide crisp, clear days, though some paths may be muddy or icy. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Are there any interesting landmarks or natural features to explore on easy hikes?

Craven is rich in unique natural features. Many easy routes allow you to experience the region's renowned limestone landscape, including impressive formations like Malham Cove. You can also explore serene river banks, such as those along the River Wharfe, or visit charming villages like Malham and Skipton.

Where can I find parking for easy hikes in Craven?

Many popular starting points for easy hikes in Craven, especially those near villages or reservoirs, offer dedicated parking facilities. For instance, the Grimwith Reservoir Car Park is a common starting point. Always check for specific parking information for your chosen route.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Craven?

The easy hiking trails in Craven are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the diverse and stunning natural landscape, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to experience the unique limestone formations and picturesque river valleys of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Are there easy walks in Craven that include a pub lunch nearby?

Yes, many easy walks in Craven start or pass through charming villages like Grassington, Malham, or Kettlewell, which often have traditional pubs. For example, the Grass Wood Nature Reserve loop from Grassington offers a lovely walk with village amenities nearby for a post-hike meal.

Can I access easy hiking trails in Craven using public transport?

While some trailheads might require a car, many easy hiking trails in Craven are accessible via public transport, particularly those starting from larger villages and market towns like Skipton or Malham. Local bus services connect these hubs to various points within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, providing access to numerous walking routes.

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Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Check out more Hikes throughout Craven below and find the perfect route in your destination.

Winterburn ReservoirChelker ReservoirGrimwith ReservoirEmbsay ReservoirMalham Tarn

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