Don’t know about you, but I love day trips! I assume you are my kind of people, as you got here.
Inspired by nice lady on instagram I planned a “free” itinerary in Yorkshire Dales with all outdoorsy places. Only thing you might pay for is car park, but that can be avoided if you’re motivated enough and don’t mind walking bit longer to the main atraction.
Just a little disclaimer – this day trip was done from East Midlands, so you need to include 2,5 hours drive time each way – that takes big part of the day out already.
First stop – Brimham Rocks
This spot was on my list since last year, so the moment I started planning the trip it took first spot straight away.
Brimham Rocks is a natural millstone grit rock formation located on Brimham Moor in North Yorkshire, within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
These impressive rock formations were sculpted by a combination of ice, wind, and rain over millions of years, resulting in a variety of unusual and dramatic shapes. Brimham Rocks covers an area of approximately 454 acres (184 hectares) and are managed by National Trust as a popular destination for visitors who enjoy walking, climbing, and exploring the scenic landscape, offering panoramic views of the surrounding moors and countryside.
There is paid car park on arrival, but there are no entry fees to pay except for parking.
Based on the size of the site I would advise to plan minimum of 1,5 hour to have a stroll and enjoy a place without rushing.
At the car park there is a map, and both of main routes are well marked, so you’ll find your way around with ease.
I was well impressed with the rock formations, so personally, would highly recommend visiting!
Postcode: HG3 4DW, Harrogate
Next stop – Malham
My second stop was supposed to be Bolton Abbey near Skipton, but when upon arrival I saw that the car park price for one car is £15… I decided to pass.
It was good decision on that day, as the area is large and would definitely not go to Malham due to lack of time!
Lately a friend let me know that near by there is an impressive waterfall, so will be returning on another day, maybe not solo this time.
It’s around 1 hour drive between Brimham Rocks and Malham, you can set a Visitor Centre as your destination, but there are some street parking places available as well.
I recommend going pass the Malham Visitor centre if you plan to do the hike, like myself, because you can find big map with the trails, as well as small printouts you can take with you.
I did not came with set plan for a hike, so it was very helpful to see the lengths and estimated times it takes to complete each route.
If you feel like a break and having some food going up the main road you’ll come across The Old Barn Tearoom or a bit further down the road – The Buck Inn, so you’re not left without choices.
Going back to the hike – I chose shorter route that includes Janets Foss waterfall and Gordale Scar – roughly 1,8 miles (2,9km), allow 50min each way.
Longer hike includes also Malham Cove (circular – 4,5 miles or 7,2km), which I left for my next visit, as it was getting very afternoonish.
The route is very well marked, very easy to find yourself with just following the signs, I was very pleased. Most of the trail is very well made and it’s something close to walkway more than a path that will get muddy when rains.
Only around Janets Foss area you’re walking into the woodlands and the path getting bit more rocky and unrural.
Janet’s Foss is a charming waterfall that cascades over a limestone outcrop into a deep, clear pool surrounded by woodland.
The area is steeped in local folklore, with the name “Foss” derived from the Norse word for waterfall, and it is said to be the home of Janet, the queen of the local fairies, who supposedly lived in a cave behind the falls.
The biggest awe of the day was definitely my last stop – Gordale Scar.
Gordale Scar is a spectacular limestone ravine that was formed by glacial and water erosion over one and a half million years, consists of towering cliffs that rise over 100 meters (330 feet) high, enclosing a rugged, narrow gorge.
You can tell how little research I done, that heading to Gordale Scar I was not aware there are two waterfalls at the end of the ravine… Great surprise!
Place is popular against hikers but also rock climbers.
Absolutely loved this place and would recommend visiting if you’re planning a day in Yorkshire Dales.
If you want to have place to yourselves, like I did – go when it rains, exclusivity guaranteed!
Postcode to Malham Visitor Centre: BD23 4DA
Hope that helped you decide on your plans!
All the best, Aga.
Aga to go 