If you go down in the woods today, you’re sure of a blue surprise – late April and the start of May is the perfect time for woodland walks filled with carpets of bluebells! 

Where to wander this month: Local Bluebell walks 

The details: 

There are a number of stunning walks nearby that feature stunning carpets of bluebells through the end of April and start of May.

The routes:

Oxenber Woods – A firm favourite with the staff at Riverside, Oxenber Woods between Austwick & Feizor feature a stunning display of bluebells each year, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Roeburndale Woods – One for the more seasoned hiker, this steep valley loop takes in some of the most important areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in Lancashire.

Bowtham Wood loop from Bentham – Part of the heritage trail that starts just outside of the park entrance, this 5 mile loop follows the river Wenning.

Rigmaden Bluebells – This moderate walk is a favourite of Bentham Footpath Group, even if you miss the peak of bluebell season, this still promises to be a nice walk.

Walk maps for these walks and many others can be found in our park reception and you can view all of our other walk recommendations here.

Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the routes and share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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If you do like to be beside the Seaside, Morecambe Promenade is only a short drive or train journey away! 

Where to wander this month: Morecambe Promenade 

The details: 

A self guided walking trail taking in the sights and sounds of Morecambe’s famous seafront, from the iconic Midland hotel to the Lakeland Panorama, and no visit to Morecambe would be complete without a picture with the Eric Morecambe statue!

The route: The beauty of this self-guided wander along the prom is that you can follow the full route on the map, or pick & choose which landmarks you would like to visit.

There are plenty of fabulous places to grab a drink or bite to eat along the way, and lots of car parking options, or you could even jump on the train from Bentham!

Grab your walking boots and view the route here.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception and you can view all of our other walk recommendations here.

Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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For the month of December, discover the natural oasis in the heart of Skipton – an ancient, beautiful woodland that gave rise to a castle!

Where to wander this month: Skipton Castle Woods 

The details: 

River valley route: This family friendly stroll is 1 mile and takes approximately 1 hour.

Upper paths extension: Extend the river valley route by exploring the upper level paths.

Earl of Thanet Trail: An enjoyable and sometimes strenuous loop walk taking in the industrial history of the woods. This loop is 2.5 miles and takes approx. 2 hours.

Terrain: A mixture of mostly wide surfaced paths, some narrow sections, some uneven terrain, bridges/steps/steep slopes depending on which route is taken, please consult the map before starting.

Important info:  Please take care as the woodland sections can be muddy after rainfall.  Remember to prepare for all weather conditions.

The route: There are multiple starting points however the main starting point can be found near the castle itself, which is a 46 minute drive from Riverside. A large car park can be found behind the nearby Town Hall, along with toilets and refreshment options.

Grab your walking boots and view the route here.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception and you can view all of our other walk recommendations here.

Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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For the month of November, take a self-guided tour of Historic Lancaster, a city of stories and heritage. This walk can be done whatever the weather, and refreshments are plentiful along the route.

Where to wander this month: Lancaster Heritage Trail 

The details: 

Distance:  2 – 3 miles

Approx. Time: 1 – 2 hours approx.

Terrain: Mostly flat but with some moderate descents. Underfoot it is all streets, footpaths and some steps, with some uneven terrain/cobbles.

Important info:  Please take care around roads and crossings.  Remember to prepare for all weather conditions.

The route: The route begins at Lancaster Priory and meanders around the city, taking in sights such as the Maritime Museum, Millenium Bridge, St John’s church, the Market Square and Lancaster Castle. There are public toilets in the centre of Lancaster, with ample car parks dotted around the city, and a park & ride on the outskirts, or you can catch the train from Bentham. With various shops, eateries, pubs and more, you could easily find yourself enjoying the whole day in Lancaster!

Grab your walking boots and view the route here.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception and you can view all of our other walk recommendations here.

Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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For the month of October, a walk that’s right on our doorstep, the High Bentham Circular! This walk takes in lovely scenery along the valley of the River Wenning, and provides views south to the Forest of Bowland fells, and the hills of the Yorkshire Dales to the North. This is based on sections of the Bentham Heritage Trail.

Where to wander this month: High Bentham Circular 

The details: 

Distance:  5 miles ( 8.04km) circular

Approx. Time: 3 hours

Terrain: Roads, tracks, fields, stiles, gates, cattle grids. Some muddy slopes and boggy areas. Some stiles and bridges may be slippery after wet weather.

Important info:  Please take care on roads and access tracks. It is likely that livestock, including cattle, will be encountered along this route. Remember to follow the countryside code and to prepare for all weather conditions.

The route: The route starts up in the village, on the main street and goes for 2.5 miles before crossing the railway and river Wenning (by road), and returning you back to the village (or the entrance to the caravan park if you are staying with us).

Grab your walking boots and view the route here.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception and you can view all of our other walk recommendations here.

Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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For the month of September, a walk through some of the sprawling heather moorland, rocky outcrops and sheltered valleys that make up Lancaster’s share of the Forest of Bowland. There’s some magnificent, far reaching views to top it all off!

Where to wander this month: Birk Bank & Baines Crag

The details: 

Distance: 4.7 miles ( 7.5km) circular

Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Terrain: Some steep sections but mainly level walking. One very rough section and some wet patches but mostly easy underfoot.

Important info:  Remember to follow the countryside code and to prepare for all weather conditions. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted on the access land in the first half of this walk.

The route: The route starts at Birk Bank Car park on Rigg Lane, Quernmore. This is a circular route taking you through a variety of landscapes. There are no public toilets or refreshments en-route so please be mindful of this.

Grab your walking boots and view the route here.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception and you can view all of our other walk recommendations here.

Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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For the month of August, take in the beautiful sea views across Morecambe Bay and the Silverdale coast with this scenic looped route. Alongside the breathtaking views you will also pass the praying hands shell sculpture.

Where to wander this month: Bolton-le-sands & Hest Bank Loop

The details: 

Distance: 4.17 miles (6.71 km) circular

Approx. Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Terrain: Flat and moderate. The majority of the walk is on a canal tow path and on the beach front which has pebbly sections.

Important info:  Remember to follow the countryside code and to prepare for all weather conditions. Dogs must be kept on a lead when crossing farmland.

The route:

The route starts on Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands, there is parking available on main road.  It is a 33 minute drive to the start of the walk from Riverside. There are eating options in Bolton-le-Sands including pubs, cafes and fish & chips.

Grab your walking boots and view the route here.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception and you can view all of our other walk recommendations here.

Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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For the month of July, why not try this undulating walk from Hawes to Sedbusk, via Hardraw, where you can make a small detour and visit the famous Hardraw Force waterfall. The route can be quite strenuous in places.

Where to wander this month: Hawes to Sedbusk 

The details: 

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5 km) circular

Approx. Time: a minimum of 1.5 hours

Terrain: fields, tracks, roads, some ladder stiles and gates. Parts of the route can boggy when wet.

Important info:  Remember to follow the countryside code and to prepare for all weather conditions. Dogs must be kept on a lead when crossing farmland.

The route:

The route starts in Hawes from the Hawes National Park Centre Car Park (DL8 3NT).    It is a 40 minute drive to the start of the walk from Riverside. There are toilets available in the car park at the beginning, and plenty of pubs, shops & Cafes in Hawes.

Grab your walking boots and view the route here.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception and you can view all of our other walk recommendations here.

Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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Malhamdale is home to spectacular scenery and the famous limestone pavements. With some of the best known natural wonders in the national park, a day trip to Malham is inspiring and educational. Whether you are looking for a quieter walk to the tarn away from the crowds, a wander to Janet’s Foss to try and spot a fairy, or a stroll to the famous Malham Cove, we’ve got you covered!

There is even a route by the tarn suitable for tramper hire.

The routes:

Malham Walks from Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre

Malham Cove: This 2mile stroll winds up through Malham to the bottom of Malham Cove, a 70m cliff of white limestone which has been a favourite for visitors for centuries, before returning the way you came, with plenty of opportunities for an ice cream before your return to the car.

Janet’s Foss: A 2.4mile meander through fields and enchanting woodland before reaching the waterfall which is named after the queen of the fairies. The return to the village along the same route offers another chance to try and spot a fairy through this magical forest.

Gordale Scar: If you fancy two stunning landmarks for the price of one, you can follow the Janet’s Foss route and then continue onwards to Gordale Scar. This hidden gorge has inspired writers and artists for centuries, and was created by the meltwater from successive ice ages. This route is 1.8 miles each way, 3.6 miles in total.

Malham Landscape Trail: If a circular route that features all three famous sights is more your thing, then you can follow the route for Janet’s Foss & Gordale Scar before turning off across the fields to reach the top of Malham Cove and it’s impressive limestone pavements. Having crossed the pavements you will descend to the base of the cove before completing your circuit into Malham. This loop is 4.5 miles in total.

The routes above can all be found here.

Malham Tarn Circular 

This 4.5 mile circuit is an undulating walk exploring the landscape surrounding England’s highest lake, Malham Tarn. You will cover fields, tracks, lanes and woodland, along with a a number of gates & stiles. As well as the stunning views across the tarn and countryside you will also see points of interest along the route such as a Smelt mill chimney from 1815 and a house that was once visited by Charles Dickens.

The route for this walk can be found here. 

There is also a slightly different version of this loop which is suitable for a Tramper, which can be booked in advance, allowing those less able to still enjoy the wonderful wildlife and nature around the Tarn.

The route for the tramper route and information on booking can be found here. 

Terrain: Ranging from woodland paths to fields, lanes and limestone pavements depending on your choice of route. You will mainly follow hard paths and grass tracks.  Please be aware that it can be muddy and slippery in wet weather and some stiles can be a little difficult, so sensible footwear is advised.

Please make sure to follow the countryside code, leaving gates how you find them, and keeping dogs on a lead near livestock and nesting bird areas.

Walk info:

It will take you around 40 minutes to drive to the start of this route.

For the Malham walks, please park at the Malham Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre car park, BD23 4DA. For the Malham Tarn walk, please park at the Watersinks car park, BD23 4DJ.

There are toilets in the National park car park (but none near the tarn) and refreshments are available in Malham village.  Why not treat yourself to a pre or post walk treat at The Lister Arms, The Buck Inn or The Old Barn Tearoom.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception . Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and please do share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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For May, we are again letting you know about 4 walks all in the same area, Aysgarth falls and Freeholders Woods, which you can enjoy separately or combine to take in more of the fabulous scenery.  If you enjoy walks in the Yorkshire Dales, they now have a free handy app with over 40 walks with offline mapping so you can track the walk even if there is no mobile phone signal.

The routes:

Lower and Middle Falls: 1 mile (1.6km), approx. 40 minutes. The blue route on the map following paths through Freeholders woods taking in the viewpoints for the lower falls and middle falls.

Upper Falls: 1/2 mile (0.8km), approx. 30 minutes. The purple route on the map meanders through the woods towards the Upper falls.

Woodland Walk: 1 mile (1.6km), approx. 30 minutes. The red route takes you on a looped stroll through ancient woodland.

Countryside Walk: 2.7 miles (4.3km), approx. 1.5 hours. The black route takes in the middle and lower falls before heading out of the wood across farmland offering stunning views along the valley towards Bolton castle. You eventually head back towards Freeholder’s Wood and the car park.

Terrain: Ranging from woodland paths to fields and lanes depending on your choice of route. You will follow hard paths and grass tracks.  Please be aware that it can be muddy and slippery in wet weather and some stiles can be a little difficult, so sensible footwear is advised. Grab your walking boots and view the route here

Please make sure to follow the countryside code, leaving gates how you find them, and keeping dogs on a lead near livestock and nesting bird areas.

Walk info:

It will take you around 57 minutes to drive to the start of this route. There are two car parks, the Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre DL8 3TH and Aysgarth Falls car park DL8 3SR.

There are toilets in the National park car park and refreshments are available at both.  Why not treat yourself to a pre or post walk treat, or head into Hawes on your way back to Riverside where popular favourites are the Wensleydale Pantry, the Chippie Hawes and the Wensleydale Creamery.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception . Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and please do share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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