By foot or by pedal

Gunnerside – For the classic Dales landscape of drystone walls, barns, and wildflower meadows, head to the pretty village of Gunnerside in Upper Swaledale. The valley of Gunnerside Gill is beautiful, with woodland, waterfalls and its imposing scars.

Great Shunner Fell – While in Wensleydale, Great Shunner Fell is one of the few summits traversed by The Pennine Way. The main routes up are from Hawes, Thwaite and Hardraw, and the views from the top of the third highest peak in the Dales are well worth the effort.

Middleham Gallops – There are many great views in this 3 or 5 mile walk. The village which is elevated by the remarkable Middleham Castle, and marvel at the thoroughbred horses along the gallops from the yards of world class trainers in the area.

Buckden Pike – as well as climbing one of the best fells in the Dales outside the Three Peaks, this walk explores Upper Wharfedale. It is a day’s exploration, passing a poignant memorial to a crashed RAF bomber in 1942, and the views from Great Whernside are worth the effort.

Richmond Walks – there is so much to see in this ancient market town including its Norman Castle, the Georgian Theatre, the Green Bridge, Richmond Falls and the ruins of Easby Abbey. Many are within walking distance of our Yorkshire cottages.

Aysgarth Falls – with three flights of waterfalls this is a highlight of Wensleydale, well known for its scenes in Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves. Walk through the woods to the 14th century Bolton Castle to tour the ruins and gardens.

Roseberry Topping – known as the ‘Yorkshire Matterhorn’, the point can be seen for miles around and is loved by walkers and families alike for seeing both woodland and moorland.

The White Horse Walk – with panoramic views over to Kilburn Woods this is one of the most iconic Yorkshire landmarks. There are different route lengths starting from 1.5 miles, with a longer more challenging route via the Sutton Bank scar.

Helmsley to Rievaulx – a gentle 7-mile walk that’s perfect for a picnic. From Helmsley’s market place, go through the pretty bluebell woods to the River Rye’s banks and the grand ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. A favourite from any of our Yorkshire cottages.

Wainstones – a more challenging walk through the western moor where the rocks, known as Wainstones, are dramatic and magnificent. Hitting Urra Moor, you’re at the highest point in the North York Moors.

Rievaulx Terrace – explore Ryedale with this leisurely walk along the grassy terrace alongside the woodland. There are vistas of Hambleton Hills, and look out for the temples and the surrounding wildlife while strolling through the landscaped gardens.

Farndale – Wind along the River Dove for an easy stroll, or you can take the longer route through the fields. This walk is beautiful at any time of year, but is at its finest in Spring to see the ‘Daffodil Dale’ in all its glory.

The Moor to Sea Cycle Network links more than 100 miles of waymarked cycling through the spectacular scenery of the North York Moors National Park. Enjoy wide sweeps of open heather moorland to the breath-taking Heritage Coast. 

Using forest tracks and part of the old Rosedale railway line, the newest leg links Easby on the western fringes with Dalby Forest. Along its 34 miles, there’s one tough climb up to the moor top, rewarded with a stunning view that is well worth the challenge. 

Hamsterley Forest is one of the North East’s premier mountain bike destinations. There are over 2000 hectares of forest to explore, on 33 miles of waymarked trails, and countless more miles of seldom-travelled forest road. Whether it is a high octane thrill-seeking you are after on one of the extreme downhill courses, or a quiet cycle with your family, Hamsterley Forest has something for cyclists of all abilities. 

Dales Bike Centre is the absolute must-visit stop for riding mountain bikes and road cycles in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. 

The setting of Stage 1 of the 2014 Tour De France, the Dales is also a top contender in Cycling Weekly’s Top 10 Places to Ride in the UK. An amazing road riding experience, start ticking off those trickier climbs. The 30 mile Tan Hill Loop or pick of parts of the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway, through Leyburn, Grinton, and up to Muker.