TrailTrack
Region Guide

Discover Yorkshire Dales & Moors

Limestone valleys, heather moorland, and the iconic Three Peaks — Yorkshire at its most dramatic.

Highest Point
Whernside — 736m
Area
4,142 km² combined
Best Months
May, June, September
Famous Routes
Yorkshire Three Peaks
Classifications
Nuttalls, Humps, Dales 30
Nearest Hub
Harrogate / York

About the Region

Yorkshire boasts two national parks in one county — the Dales and the Moors — each with a distinct character. The Dales deliver limestone pavements, dramatic gorges and the iconic Three Peaks circuit. The Moors offer vast heather moorland, hidden valleys and the spectacular Cleveland Hills.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks — Whernside (736m), Ingleborough (723m) and Pen-y-ghent (694m) — form one of Britain's best-loved challenges, covering 39km with 1,600m of ascent. The Dales 30 list captures the finest hills in this limestone landscape.

"There is no other landscape in England quite like the Dales — it gets into the blood."

— James Herriot

Three Peaks Legacy

The Three Peaks
39 km classic

Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent linked in a single day — one of Britain's great walking challenges with 1,600m of ascent.

Dales 30
Limestone hills

The 30 finest summits of the Yorkshire Dales, capturing the unique character of limestone karst, gritstone edges and hidden waterfalls.

North York Moors
Heather moorland

The largest expanse of heather moorland in England, laced with ancient trackways, abbeys, and the dramatic Robin Hood's Bay coastline.

When to Visit

Spring
Mar – May

Conditions improve and crowds thin. Snow may linger on the highest tops — check before heading above 700m.

Best for: Wainwrights, wild camping
Summer
Jun – Aug

Long days and warm weather, but popular fells can be busy. Early starts reward you with empty summits.

Best for: Beginners, family routes
Autumn
Sep – Nov

Many walkers' favourite season. Rich colours, stable weather windows and noticeably fewer people on the paths.

Best for: Photography, long ridges
Winter
Dec – Feb

A serious undertaking above the snowline. Crampons and ice-axe skills required. Views on a clear day are unmatched.

Best for: Experienced walkers only

Essential Routes

Yorkshire Three PeaksStrenuous

The classic challenge linking Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in a single epic day.

Distance
39 km
Ascent
1,600m
Ingleborough SummitModerate

A superb plateau summit with views across the Dales and beyond to the Lake District.

Distance
14 km
Ascent
630m
Roseberry ToppingEasy

A distinctive pointed peak above Great Ayton with panoramic views across the Vale of York.

Distance
6 km
Ascent
320m
Gordale ScarModerate

One of the most dramatic limestone gorges in England — waterfalls, pavements and towering crags.

Distance
10 km
Ascent
350m

Ready to explore Yorkshire Dales & Moors?

Browse all fells, plan routes, and track your progress.