The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK, including waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and ancient woodlands.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most breathtaking areas of Northern England. With its rolling green hills, iconic stone walls and fabulous market towns you’ll wish you had booked a longer stay.
The Dales are a destination of beauty whatever the weather! It’s here that you can experience the ever-changing light and atmosphere – no two days are the same, as natural light and weather systems play across the hills and dales.
As you step from our front door, your eyes will be drawn across to the wide East Witton village green with picket-fenced houses and then up towards Witton Fell. If you ask at reception we can provide you with a local walking route map for guidance straight from our front door.
If you’d like to ‘bag a peak’, but stay off the Three Peaks ‘super-highway’, then consider Buckden Pike or one of the Dales 30, that’s 30 peaks over 2,000 feet (610m) high across the Yorkshire and Cumbrian Dales. Alternatively, you can combine your hike with a train journey over the famous Ribblesdale Viaduct.
Your four-legged friend is more than welcome at The Blue Lion and there are miles of short walks, long distant footpaths and hidden gems to explore with your dog, though please do respect the natural beauty around you. There are some top dog walking tips from the Yorkshire Dales National park rangers to be found here.
Another favourite hiking area for us is Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a little further afield is the beautiful North York Moors National Park – all are wonderful areas to walk in and within easy reach of our door.
We have six walking maps that you can collect at our reception to help guide along routes for all abilities. We actively welcome walking boots in our log-fire bar, so do come and visit!
Starting in East Witton, this walk takes you down country lanes, forest tracks and across fields, leading to Jervaulx Abbey.
At 9.1 miles (4 hours) it is considered ‘moderate’ in walking standards, but with a midway stop off at the Abbey and a refreshing drink at the Blue Lion on your return, it makes for a fantastic day out in the Dales.
On the South side of the river Cover, this walk takes you through a ‘lost world’ before taking you over the river to Middleham. When you get to Middleham you can visit the historic Castle which has the largest castle keep in the North of England and a royal heritage that once earned it the title of the ‘Windsor of the North’. Explore the town’s charming cobbled market squares, Georgian and Victorian tearooms and galleries, and rich horse racing heritage. On your return to East Witton, put your feet up and reward yourself with a well-earned meal at The Blue Lion.
This walk is about 2 miles and although it is only a short walk, you really need to wear stout shoes or boots, as the walk is up and downhill. From the Blue Lion turn right and walk up the right side of the green until you come to the Chapel. You’ll then walk towards the river Cover and get to explore the meandering riverbanks, stiles and much more. Enjoy the lovely downhill views of Lower Wensleydale, and the river Ure in the distance.
This 4.5 mile walk might start with a hard uphill slog, but it’s worth it for the wonderful views on the rest of the walk. You;ll get to take in wonderful views when you turn around to catch your breath of Leyburn, Harmby and Spennithorne. Plus, when you get to Witton Moor, you will see lots of game birds and moorland birds too. Common sightings are curlew, oyster catcher, lapwing, partridge, and pheasant.
Discover the river Cover, in all its beauty. On this walk, there are some steep slippy bits above the river – and it’s about 4.5 miles. When walking along the river bank, look forward and to your right, you will see Middleham Castle – Richard III lived here and called it the Windsor of the North. You will see lots of flowers in the Spring and Summer along this lovely river bank.
