Way of the Roses

The Way of the Roses is a long-distance walking route that connects Skipton with Morecambe Bay, stretching across roughly 70 miles of North Yorkshire countryside. Rather than a single attraction, it's a trail that takes you through limestone valleys, past market towns, and along the edges of the Forest of Bowland - proper Yorkshire landscape, the kind that justifies the drive north.

You don't need to tackle the whole thing. Most people do sections. The stretch from Skipton southwards is well-marked and ranges from easy riverside strolls to more challenging moorland walks depending which bit you choose. The route passes through villages like Settle and Carnforth, so you can break it up with lunch stops without losing the thread of the walk.

This is brilliant for serious walkers and families with older kids who don't mind a decent hike. If you're after a gentle hour-long wander, you'll want something else. Allow a full day for a meaningful section, bring proper boots, and check weather before you go - North Yorkshire moorland can turn damp quickly.

Staying nearby makes real sense. Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, Howgill Lodge, and Wood Nook are all within three miles of Skipton, making them solid bases. You can explore sections of the route from different starting points rather than committing to one brutal day. Free to walk, naturally, and you get actual views rather than queuing at a turnstile.