Trow Gill

The limestone gorge cuts through the Pennine moorland like something carved by a giant's hand, and honestly, it's worth the detour from Settle if you're already out walking in the Dales. Trow Gill is a proper narrow ravine - steep sides, atmospheric, the sort of place that makes you feel properly small. You're walking between high rock faces with moorland closing in on either side, and on a wet day it genuinely feels like something from a fell-walker's fantasy.

The walk itself is straightforward enough and takes about an hour return from the car park, though the path can be muddy and the descent a bit steep on the way down. It's free to access - there's no gate, no charge, just pull over and go. The gorge is roughly 600 metres long, and you can either walk through it or turn back at a certain point if you're not keen on the scramble at the far end. Fair warning: it's not for anyone nervous on terrain. Kids who like a bit of adventure will love it; younger toddlers will find it rough going.

Visit in dry weather ideally. The rock walls shed water and things get slick quickly. If you're based at The Dalesbridge Campsite or Ribblesdale Pods near Settle, you can knock this out as a morning mission before moving on to bigger attractions like Malham Cove or Janet's Foss. It's the sort of quick, satisfying walk that fills in time between camp breakfasts and proper hikes.