Local Walks
Around Howgill Lodge & Wharfedale
Here you will find a selection of our favourite walks all starting at the campsite. From a quick circular route to the pub, to a long and rewarding hill climb taking in Simon’s Seat and the Valley of Desolation, there is something for everyone. Whichever route you choose, you will be sure to love the great Yorkshire Dales scenery and the sense of calm and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
We’d love to see your photos! After your walk send us your photos via Facebook and tell us what you loved most.
Craven Arms and The New Inn, Appletreewick
20 minutes | 1.7 milesA short river walk to the local pubs in Appletreewick – The Craven Arms and The New Inn.
Turn right out of the campsite and in around 50 metres turn right and head down the footpath to the road. Turn right over the bridge and turn immediately left and head towards the river. Follow the riverbank for around 15 minutes and head right at the next signpost to Appletreewick. Turn right again at the road and follow it for a short distance up the hill to the Craven Arms. 5 minutes further along the road and you find the centre of Appletreewick and The New Inn. Follow the same route back to the campsite.
Simon’s Seat Loop
2 hours | 3.2 miles(Dogs not allowed) A really easy to follow route and staying at Howgill you couldn’t be any nearer to the impressive summit of Simon’s Seat.
Please take appropriate footwear and clothing as it is often much colder and windier at the highest parts of the walk.
Turn right out of the campsite and in approximately 50 metres look out for the signpost and footpath on your left towards Simon’s Seat. Follow the steep climb through the woodland and on to the moor. Keep left following the well marked footpath to Simon’s Seat and get ready to admire the outstanding view across the beautiful green hills of the Yorkshire Dales.
After you have finished marvelling at the beauty, find the footpath which starts on the bottom side of the rocks at the summit and follow the technical decent to Dalehead Farm. Turn left and follow the stone track back to the campsite.
River Walk to the Turreted Bridge
2½ hours | 5.75 milesA flat(ish!) riverside walk to the infamous Strid, known for being one of the most dangerous sections of river. A deadly combination of fast flowing water, underwater currents and a 30 metre depth, make sure you stand well clear as you get those impressive photos of the white water smashing between the rocks.
A really easy route to follow – turn right out of the campsite and in 50 metres turn right again following the signs to the river. Follow the river downstream along the Dalesway footpath passing through open farmland in the valley bottom. As you approach Barden bridge the path intersects the road before entering the Barden field car park! Keep following the river and look out for the beautiful stone built, turreted bridge which you need to cross onto the other side of the river. Follow the path for around 20 minutes and you will find the Strid. When you have finished admiring the beauty of this natural water feature head back up the river and follow the same route back to the campsite.
Trollers Gill, Appletreewick
2 ¾ hours | 6.3 milesA scenic walk passing through Skyreholme village and Trollers Gill, a spectacular limestone gorge. Continue to Appletreewick for long-reaching views and two pubs. Note: Trollers Gill may be impassable after rainfall, use the diversion if needed.
From the campsite, head left to Dalehead Farm along the stone track. Look for the Skyreholme signpost, follow the path across the fields and over the stream to the road. Turn left, pass Parcevall Hall Gardens, and turn left again for Trollers Gill. Follow the stream through the gorge and cross the wooden bridge to reach the moor. Turn right on the stone track, then left on the dark grassy path. Turn left on the road and follow it to the signpost for Appletreewick. Walk across the moorland and descend to Appletreewick, where you’ll find pubs on the left.
After refreshing, head right towards Burnsall, looking for a left signpost to the river. Turn left, follow the river, cross the road and over the small bridge. Take an immediate left, go up the stone track, and turn left at the crossroads. Howgill is 50 meters on your left.
Simon’s Seat, Trollers Gill and Appletreewick
4½ hours | 8 miles(Dogs not allowed) Up, down, views, gorges, streams, rivers, pubs and amazing scenery! This walk has it all and its right on the doorstep. This is our all-time favourite walk from Howgill as you can see so much in relatively small amount of time.
Follow the route on walk 2 – Simon’s Seat loop and when you descend to Dalehead Farm look out for the sign post off the stone track to your right pointing towards Skyreholme. From here follow the route on walk 4 – Trollers Gill and Appletreewick.
You’re going to have an amazing time and we can’t wait for you to get back and tell us all about it!
Simon’s Seat, Valley of Desolation, Bolton Abbey
5 hours | 9.6 miles(Dogs not allowed) A challenging but rewarding hill walk taking in some of the most interesting scenery and best features of the local area. Please take appropriate footwear and clothing as it is often much colder and windier at the highest parts of the walk.
To start, turn left from the campsite and follow the track to Dalehead Farm. Look out for a gate on your right with signposts to Simon’s Seat. Take the steep footpath to Simon’s Seat for spectacular views. Then head south along an unmade path and turn left onto a stone access track. Follow the path down into the woodland and follow the signposts towards Bolton Abbey. Follow Posforth Gill beck downstream until you find a spectacular waterfall. Then, follow the path down to Waterfall Cottage, turn left onto the road, and look out for the footpath on your right. Follow this to the wooden bridge and cross over to the Cavendish Pavilion for a well earned break.
Head up the river on the left-hand side to find the Strid in about 25 minutes. Cross over the aqueduct and follow the Dalesway footpath. Pass the ice cream van at Barden (summer only), the car park, and re-enter the fields on your left. Look out for signs to Howgill on your right to take the path back to the campsite.
