Beyond the Classics: 6 Walking Holidays Across Yorkshire & Lancashire

When most walkers dream of Northern England, the usual suspects quickly come up: the Coast to Coast, the Dales Way, the Cleveland Way. They’re iconic for a reason, but here’s the truth: Yorkshire and Lancashire have far more to offer than the famous footpaths that fill glossy guidebooks.

Tucked between moors, heaths, and coastlines are trails less talked about, but no less rewarding. These are the routes where you’ll find peace instead of crowds, raw landscapes instead of polished itineraries, and a chance to feel like the path was made just for you. From wild uplands that test your stamina to gentle riverside strolls perfect for reflection, each trail tells its own story of Northern England.

With Walk With Williams’ self-guided tour, you can cover some of the amazing walking routes and make the most of your walking holidays in the UK. Here are six walking routes across Yorkshire and Lancashire that you should not miss out on.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the busy national trails, the Yorkshire Wolds Way is a gem hiding in plain sight. Stretching for around 79 miles (127 km) from Hessle on the Humber Estuary to Filey Brigg on the coast, this route takes you across gentle chalk hills, rolling farmland, and hidden valleys that feel a world away from the tourist-heavy paths of the Dales or the Lakes.

The beauty of the Wolds Way lies in its simplicity. You won’t find dramatic peaks or jagged ridges here. Instead, the landscape rewards you with wide open skies, sweeping fields, and the quiet that makes every bird call. Being a moderately challenging route, this route has mild gradients perfect for beginners looking for a more leisurely pace.

The trail passes through charming market towns like Hull, Market Weighton and Pocklington, as well as pretty villages where you can pause at a country pub for a pint or a warm meal. With plenty of things to do in Hull, you can blend in some music and a local art vibe to your walking holidays.

The Pennine Bridleway

If you are looking for a walk through the Pennine hills but want to keep things under control, you can also watch out for the Pennine Bridleway. Although it still offers the same rugged and remote landscape of Northern England, it is undoubtedly a bit of a milder version. Stretching for about 205 miles (330 km), it follows ancient packhorse routes, drovers’ roads, and newly created bridleways through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pennines.

Unlike many other long-distance trails, this one was purpose-built not just for walkers but also for cyclists and horse riders, which adds a unique charm. The route begins in Middleton-in-Teesdale and winds its way south, skirting the Yorkshire Dales and into Lancashire, offering endless moorland views, stone villages, and valleys shaped by centuries of history.

Along the way, you’ll encounter sections that feel wild and untouched, perfect for anyone who wants to get away from tourist-heavy paths. The path presents some challenges, but it also evokes a sense of solitude and achievement as you overcome them.

The Pennine Way

Often described as one of the most challenging British walking trails, the Pennine Way is as challenging as it is rewarding. Stretching 268 miles (431 km) from Edale in Derbyshire through Yorkshire and up to the Scottish Borders, it cuts across some of the wildest and most dramatic landscapes in northern England.

This is not a walk for the faint-hearted, as the Pennine Way is rugged, remote, and often windswept, demanding stamina and preparation. However, it also rewards those who are willing to take on the terrain and push their stamina. The route showcases the gritstone edges of the Peak District, the vast moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales, and the sweeping scenery of the North Pennines.

Along the way, you pass through timeless villages like Hawes and Malham, offering a chance to rest, refuel, and soak up some Yorkshire hospitality. The climb up Malham Cove and the crossing of the bleak yet beautiful moors are highlights that stay with walkers long after the journey is over. For many, hiking the Pennine Way feels like a personal achievement, a badge of honour among Britain’s long-distance paths.

The Ribble Way

For those keen on discovering Lancashire’s most scenic river landscapes, The Ribble Way is a rewarding trail. Stretching around 116 km (72 miles), this long-distance path follows the course of the River Ribble from its estuary at Longton, near Preston, right up to its source in the Yorkshire Dales.

The trail connects two counties beautifully, giving walkers a chance to experience both the gentle charm of rural Lancashire and the dramatic upland scenery of Yorkshire. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush river valleys, market towns like Clitheroe and Settle, and rolling farmland that paints a picture of classic English countryside.

The Ribble Way is relatively gentle in its lower stretches, making it family-friendly, but it becomes more challenging as you head north towards the fells of the Dales.

Settle to Carlisle Way

If you are interested in knowing more about Britain’s railway history and heritage, the Settle to Carlisle Way is the one you should choose. This trail mirrors one of Britain’s most iconic railway journeys, but on foot. Stretching roughly 130 km (80 miles), it takes walkers through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and into the rolling landscapes of Cumbria, shadowing the famous Settle–Carlisle railway line.

What makes this walk special is the blend of natural drama and industrial heritage. Along the way, you’ll encounter limestone pavements, wild moorlands, and valley villages, with constant views of the railway’s architectural marvels. The highlight for many is the Ribblehead Viaduct, an imposing 19th-century structure that looks spectacular from the trail.

The route is moderately challenging, with a blend of riverside strolls and upland stretches, but it’s never overwhelming. As one walks through this route, they can enjoy passing through various villages that have rail connections.

Lancashire Coastal Way

If you love the sea breeze and ever-changing views of the shoreline, the Lancashire Coastal Way makes for a refreshing choice. Spanning around 137 km (85 miles), this trail hugs the county’s coastline from Merseyside in the south to Cumbria in the north. The route passes through various golden sandy beaches, salt marshes, estuaries alive with birdlife, and classic seaside towns that bring a dash of charm.

The route passes through highlights such as the Ribble Estuary, a paradise for birdwatchers, the lively promenades of Blackpool, and the quieter stretches of Morecambe Bay, where sweeping tidal views stretch endlessly.

Families and casual walkers often enjoy this trail because much of it is low-level, making it accessible without needing serious hiking experience. Accommodation options range from seafront hotels to cosy B&Bs, many of which serve up local seafood and hearty Lancashire fare.