Yorkshire Road Trips: Skipton, Malham Cove and Ingleton
Yorkshire is home to miles of picturesque scenery, and is the perfect place to spend a couple of days exploring with the family. Below, we’ve pulled together a 2-day itinerary for a Yorkshire Dales road trip, with stops along the way to explore charming villages, see some stunning scenery, and experience a touch of Yorkshire’s history.
Start Point: Skipton
End Point: Hawes
Length: 48 miles
Drive Time: Around an hour and a half, without stops.
Althought this drive is an hour and a half long, you can easily fill two full days with planned activities and explorations along the way. If you'd prefer a shorter trip, you can always choose 2 or 3 of our suggested sights and pack your adventure into one day instead!
Day 1
Start in Skipton
Skipton is a great starting point for exploring the Dales - Wander the cobbled streets and visit the over 900-year-old Skipton Castle, which overlooks the main street. Stop and have a bite to eat in one of the many cafes, pubs and restaurants, and explore the famous markets, which are held 4 times a week.
Drive to Malham Cove
A natural amphitheatre carved by glaciers, Malham Cove offers stunning views and a challenging (but rewarding) climb to the top. Gordale Scar can also be explored nearby, a dramatic gorge with towering limestone cliffs, as well as Janet's Foss waterfall.
Settle in Settle for the Night
Nestled in the heart of the Dales, Settle is a charming market town with a traditional atmosphere. Relax at a cozy pub, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant, and settle in for a peaceful night's sleep at a B&B.
Day 2
Walk Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Start your morning by walking the 4-mile Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, and take in the beauty of the Dales. The circular trail takes you through a spectacular landscape of waterfalls and lush greenery - Make sure you pack your walking boots for this one!
Visit the village of Ingleton
After your walk, explore the village of Ingleton, known as the “Land of Waterfalls and Caves”. Grab a souvenir at a local shop, have lunch at a pub, and soak in the charming atmosphere.
Drive to Hawes
Finish your road trip in Hawes, home of the Wensleydale Creamery. Sample some of the local cheeses, and soak up the atmosphere of this historic market town. Browse the quaint shops lining the cobbled streets, and don't forget to grab some Wensleydale cheese for the road!
Our itinerary covers just a handful of some of the beautiful places to drive to throughout the Yorkshire Dales, and includes activities that the whole family can enjoy. Before you set off on your adventure, don’t forget to get ready for the long journey ahead with our road trip preparation tips.
Whether you need a spacious SUV for optimal comfort on your road trips, or something more compact, we're sure to have the perfect car for you at Lloyd Motor Group. Browse our vehicles and start your journey with us today.