Yorkshire’s Hidden Dales
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is famous for iconic dales like Malham (with its limestone pavement), Bolton Abbey (with its river and abbey ruins), and Grassington (with its pretty village). These are spectacular and rightly popular, but they’re also crowded, especially on weekends and in summer. The Dales has so much more to offer—hidden valleys, quiet corners, and spectacular scenery that most visitors never discover.
This guide reveals 10 lesser-known Yorkshire dales, each with its own character and beauty. Some are intimate and enclosed, others wide and sweeping, all reward exploration with genuine solitude and spectacular views.
1. Dentdale
Dentdale is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ most beautiful but surprisingly quiet valleys. Located on the western edge of the National Park, it feels wilder and more remote than the better-known eastern dales. The dale is characterised by traditional stone villages, drystone walls, and dramatic limestone scenery.
What makes Dentdale special is its completeness and authenticity. This isn’t a theme-park version of a dale but a living, working landscape where farming communities continue traditional ways of life. The village of Dent is particularly charming—a cluster of stone cottages around the river, with a character that feels unchanged in centuries.
Key locations: Dent village, the railway viaduct (spectacular, walkable along the Settle-Carlisle line), and the surrounding countryside with limestone crags and pastures.
Getting there: Dentdale is accessed from the A684 (Kendal to Hawes road) or by train (Dent station is on the Settle-Carlisle line, one of Britain’s most scenic railways).
Walking: The dale offers excellent walking. A circular walk from Dent village (about 5 miles) takes in viaduct views, limestone features, and riverside paths.
Facilities: Dent village has a pub, shop, and tearoom. Limited facilities elsewhere.
Best for: Limestone scenery, railway heritage, authentic Dales village life.
2. Coverdale
Coverdale is one of the Dales’ hidden gems—a beautiful valley that feels like stepping back in time. The dale runs north-south from Leyburn to Buckden and is characterised by traditional stone villages, drystone walls, and some of the Dales’ most spectacular limestone scenery.
What makes Coverdale special is its sense of timelessness. The villages—West Witton, East Witton, Thoralby, Horsehouse—feel like they’ve changed little in generations. The walking is excellent, with paths through pastures and woodlands leading to spectacular viewpoints over the surrounding countryside.
Key locations: The villages along the dale, the dramatic limestone escarpments at the head of the dale, and the numerous drystone walls that characterise the landscape.
Getting there: Coverdale is accessed from the A684 near Leyburn. Park in one of the villages and explore on foot.
Walking: Excellent walking throughout. A walk from West Witton to the head of the dale and back (about 7 miles) offers spectacular limestone scenery and solitude.
Facilities: Villages have basic facilities—pubs in most, small shops in some.
Best for: Authentic Dales villages, limestone escarpments, quiet walking.
3. Littondale
Littondale is one of the Dales’ most dramatic valleys, running east-west between the towering limestone hills of Malham Moor and Penyghent. The dale is comparatively narrow and steep-sided, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy missing from the broader dales.
What makes Littondale special is its dramatic character and comparative quietness. The dale sees a fraction of the visitors of nearby Malhamdale, yet offers equally spectacular limestone scenery. The villages—Halton Gill, Arncliffe, Hawkswick—are small, traditional, and beautifully situated.
Key locations: Arncliffe village (particularly charming), the limestone escarpments that frame the dale, and the footpaths that climb onto the surrounding hills for spectacular views.
Getting there: Littondale is accessed from the A65 near Gargrave. Park in one of the villages and explore.
Walking: Excellent but sometimes challenging walking. A walk from Arncliffe onto Malham Moor (about 5 miles) rewards with spectacular views across the dale and beyond.
Facilities: Limited. Arncliffe has a pub; other villages have minimal facilities.
Best for: Dramatic limestone scenery, authentic village life, solitude.
4. Bishopdale
Bishopdale is one of the Dales’ most remote and beautiful valleys. Running north from the main A684 towards the wild moorlands above Buckden, the dale becomes progressively wilder and more remote as you travel north. This is Dales at its most untamed.
What makes Bishopdale special is its wildness. As you travel north, the fields give way to pastures, the villages become fewer and further apart, and the landscape feels increasingly remote. The head of the dale, near Buckden, feels like proper wilderness.
Key locations: The lower dale with its traditional farming landscape; the upper dale, increasingly wild and pastured; the head of the dale near Buckden, remote and spectacular.
Getting there: Bishopdale is accessed from the A684 near Aysgarth. Park in the lower dale and walk or drive north (road is passable but narrow and winding).
Walking: Good walking, though some paths are indistinct in the upper dale. A walk from the lower dale to Buckden and back (about 8 miles) offers a true Dales wilderness experience.
Facilities: Minimal. The lower dale has a pub; the upper dale has nothing.
Best for: Wild Dales landscapes, remoteness, experienced walkers.
5. Swaledale
Swaledale is one of the Dales’ most beautiful and varied valleys. Running east-west from Richmond to Keld, the dale changes character dramatically along its length—starting gentle and pastoral, becoming increasingly rugged and wild as you travel west towards the head of the dale.
What makes Swaledale special is its variety. The lower dale around Richmond and Reeth is gentle and accessible. The middle dale around Grinton and Muker is beautifully situated with excellent villages. The upper dale towards Keld is wild and remote, with spectacular waterfalls and dramatic landscapes.
Key locations: Richmond (historic market town), Reeth (charming village at the dale’s centre), Grinton Bridge (spectacular), and the upper dale towards Keld (waterfalls, wild landscapes).
Getting there: Swaledale is accessed from the A6108 from Richmond. The B6270 runs the length of the dale.
Walking: Excellent walking throughout. A walk from Reeth to Keld and back (about 12 miles) takes you through the full variety of Dales landscapes.
Facilities: Excellent throughout. Richmond has all facilities; Reeth and Muker have pubs and shops; upper dale has limited facilities.
Best for: Variety of landscapes, historic villages, excellent walking.
6. Wensleydale
Wensleydale is perhaps the Dales’ most beautiful and accessible valley, yet it receives fewer visitors than its fame suggests. Running east-west from near Leyburn to Garsdale Head, the dale is characterised by green pastures, drystone walls, and spectacular limestone features.
What makes Wensleydale special is its accessibility and beauty. The A684 runs the length of the dale, making it easy to explore by car. The villages—Bainbridge, Aysgarth, Hawes—are all beautiful and well-provisioned. The waterfall at Aysgarth (the Aysgarth Falls) is spectacular and easy to reach.
Key locations: Aysgarth Falls (spectacular waterfalls), Hawes (market town with good facilities), and the surrounding limestone scenery and drystone walls.
Getting there: The A684 runs the length of Wensleydale, making it easily accessible by car.
Walking: Excellent walking throughout. A walk around the Aysgarth Falls area (about 4 miles) is particularly good.
Facilities: Excellent throughout. Hawes has all facilities; Aysgarth has a visitor centre and tearoom.
Best for: Accessible Dales beauty, spectacular waterfalls, good facilities.
7. Ribblesdale
Ribblesdale is one of the Dales’ most dramatic valleys, running north-south between the towering limestone hills of Ingleborough, Penyghent, and Whernside. The dale is characterised by dramatic limestone features, including the spectacular waterfall at Ribblehead and the famous railway viaduct.
What makes Ribblesdale special is its dramatic limestone scenery. The viaduct at Ribblehead is one of the Dales’ most iconic structures—a massive 24-arched railway bridge that carries the Settle-Carlisle line across the valley. The waterfall at Ribblehead is also spectacular.
Key locations: Ribblehead viaduct (spectacular), Ribblehead waterfall, and the dramatic limestone scenery throughout the dale.
Getting there: Ribblesdale is accessed from the A65 near Settle. The B6479 runs through the dale to Ribblehead.
Walking: Excellent but sometimes challenging walking. A walk around Ribblehead taking in viaduct, waterfall, and limestone features (about 5 miles) is particularly good.
Facilities: Limited. Ribblehead has a pub (the famous Station Inn, but it’s sometimes closed). Other facilities are minimal.
Best for: Spectacular limestone scenery, railway heritage, experienced walkers.
8. Kingsdale
Kingsdale is one of the Dales’ most remote and beautiful valleys. Running east-west near the head of Wensleydale, it’s accessed only by foot or a single road that ends at the remote village of Keld. This is Dales at its wildest and most remote.
What makes Kingsdale special is its wildness and the spectacular waterfall at its head—Keld Force, one of the Dales’ most impressive waterfalls, plunging dramatically over limestone shelves. The surrounding landscape is remote and beautiful, with spectacular views over the surrounding hills.
Key locations: Keld village (remote and beautiful), Keld Force waterfall (spectacular), and the wild moorland above the dale.
Getting there: Keld is accessed by a single road from the A684 near Hawes. The road is narrow and winding but passable. Alternatively, walk from Muker or Swaledale.
Walking: Excellent walking. A walk from Keld to the head of the dale and back (about 6 miles) takes in spectacular waterfall scenery.
Facilities: Keld has a youth hostel and sometimes a shop/café. Minimal elsewhere.
Best for: Remote Dales landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, experienced walkers.
9. Malhamdale (Upper)
Malham is famous and deservedly popular, but most visitors only see the lower dale—Malham village, Malham Cove, Janet’s Foss. The upper dale, towards the head above the cove, is much quieter and equally spectacular, with excellent walking and fewer crowds.
What makes the upper Malhamdale special is its relative quietness and spectacular limestone scenery. The walking above Malham Cove is excellent, with paths taking you onto the limestone pavement itself and offering spectacular views across the dale and beyond.
Key locations: The limestone pavement above Malham Cove (spectacular, accessible by footpath), the views across the upper dale, and the walking paths that lead towards the head of the dale.
Getting there: Park in Malham and walk north towards the head of the dale (about 1 hour to the limestone pavement).
Walking: Excellent walking. A walk from Malham to the head of the dale and back (about 5 miles) offers spectacular limestone scenery.
Facilities: Malham has excellent facilities (pubs, shops, cafés). The upper dale has nothing.
Best for: Spectacular limestone scenery, quieter Malham experience, excellent walking.
10. Deepdale
Deepdale is one of the Dales’ most intimate and beautiful small dales, running east-west north of Swaledale. The dale is small but perfectly formed—a narrow valley with steep limestone sides, a small river running along its bottom, and a beautiful village at its head.
What makes Deepdale special is its intimacy and completeness. The village of Deepdale is particularly charming—a cluster of stone cottages and a church, perfectly situated in the dale. The walking around the dale is excellent, with paths climbing onto the surrounding hills for spectacular views.
Key locations: Deepdale village (charming), the dramatic limestone escarpments that frame the dale, and the footpaths that lead onto the surrounding hills.
Getting there: Deepdale is accessed from the A6108 near Richmond. Park in the village and explore.
Walking: Excellent walking. A walk around Deepdale and onto the surrounding hills (about 5 miles) offers spectacular views.
Facilities: Deepdale village has a pub. Minimal elsewhere.
Best for: Intimate Dales beauty, authentic village life, excellent walking.
Understanding Dales Landscapes
The Yorkshire Dales are characterised by:
Limestone scenery: Spectacular escarpments, pavements (flat areas of exposed limestone), caves, and pot-holes.
Drystone walls: Traditional dry-stone walls, often centuries old, that criss-cross the landscape.
Pastures: Green pastured land, particularly in the upper dales, creating wild, remote landscapes.
Traditional villages: Stone-built villages with character and history, many dating back centuries.
Rivers and waterfalls: The Dales’ rivers—Swale, Ure, Ribble, Wharfe—create beautiful valleys and spectacular waterfalls.
Dales Walking Tips
Weather: The Dales can be wet and windy. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on seemingly fine days.
Footwear: Most Dales walking requires good walking boots or shoes. The terrain is rocky, uneven, and can be slippery.
Navigation: The Dales have good path networks, but some upper dale paths are indistinct. Carry a map and compass.
Mobile reception: Variable, especially in the upper dales and around hills. Don’t rely on your phone.
Timing: Start early if planning longer walks. Daylight is limited in winter.
Dales Etiquette
Respect the landscape: Don’t climb on limestone pavements unless on footpaths. The fragile vegetation takes decades to recover from damage.
Respect farming: Close gates behind you. Don’t feed or disturb livestock.
Take only photographs: Don’t remove rocks, fossils, or plants.
Keep noise down: The dales are peaceful places. Respect others’ enjoyment of solitude.
Seasonal Dales
Spring (March-May): Green and fresh, lambs in fields, flowers in limestone pavement. Good walking weather.
Summer (June-August): Longest days, but busiest. The dales can be hot and crowded.
Autumn (September-November): Spectacular colours, crisp air, fewer crowds. Excellent walking weather.
Winter (December-February): Often cold and wet, can be spectacular in snow. Short days limit walking time.
Photographing the Dales
Limestone features: Overcast days often show limestone details better than bright sun.
Villages: Early morning or late afternoon offers good light and fewer people in your shots.
Waterfalls: Cloudy or rainy days can make waterfalls particularly dramatic (water is flowing more).
Wide landscapes: The dales offer spectacular wide-angle shots. Use the surrounding hills to frame your images.
Wildlife Watching
The Dales are rich in wildlife:
Birds: Curlews, lapwings, red grouse (on higher moors), peregrine falcons, and many other species.
Mammals: Roe deer, brown hares, occasionally foxes and badgers.
Plants: Limestone pavement plants (rare and specialised), wildflowers in pastures, trees in woodland.
Insects: Butterflies and moths (particularly around limestone areas), various beetles.
Note: Keep your distance from all wildlife. Never feed animals.
Planning Your Dales Visit
By region: The Dales are spread across a large area. Plan by region to minimise driving:
- Southern Dales (Malham, Grassington): Most popular, most accessible, most crowded.
- Western Dales (Dentdale, Ribblesdale): Wilder, more remote, fewer facilities.
- Northern Dales (Swaledale, Wensleydale): Good facilities, varied landscapes.
- Eastern Dales (Bolton Abbey, Coverdale): Good mix of accessibility and quiet.
By activity: Decide what you want—village exploration, limestone features, walking, wildlife watching.
A Final Thought
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is far more than its famous valleys. While Malham, Bolton Abbey, and Grassington are spectacular and deserve their popularity, the Park has so much more to offer—hidden valleys, quiet corners, and spectacular scenery that rewards exploration.
The dales in this guide offer something different from the tourist circuit. Some are intimate and enclosed (Deepdale, Upper Malhamdale), others wild and remote (Bishopdale, Kingsdale). All reward exploration with genuine solitude and spectacular scenery.
The key to enjoying the Dales is to explore beyond the obvious. Yes, visit Malham Cove and Bolton Abbey—they’re magnificent. But also spend time in Littondale, explore Bishopdale’s wild landscapes, discover the hidden gems that most visitors miss.
The Dales are about more than specific attractions—they’re about a landscape, a way of life, a sense of continuity that stretches back centuries. These hidden dales demonstrate that in their authentic villages, traditional farming, and spectacular scenery.
So pack your walking boots, grab your camera, and explore the Dales beyond the tourist map. The real magic is in the hidden corners, the quiet valleys, the spectacular scenery that only those who explore beyond the obvious ever discover.
This guide reveals 10 lesser-known Yorkshire dales, from wild Bishopdale to intimate Deepdale, from the dramatic limestone scenery of Ribblesdale to the remote beauty of Kingsdale. The Yorkshire Dales National Park has far more to offer than its famous tourist destinations. Explore these hidden valleys and discover the Dales’ authentic magic.