The best walks and hikes around Skelding
4.5
(1029)
7,525
hikers
211
hikes
Hiking around Skelding offers access to the diverse landscapes of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by open moorland, tranquil reservoirs, and distinctive rock formations. Trails often follow the courses of local becks and lead through varied terrain, providing a range of experiences for hikers.
Best hiking trails around Skelding
- The most popular hiking route is Carlesmoor Beck and Lumley Moor Reservoir loop from High Grantley — Nidderdale, a difficult 11.6 miles (18.7 km)…
Last updated: June 21, 2026
4.5
(2)
10
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
95
hikers
11.2km
03:07
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
10
hikers
5.82km
01:34
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
8.23km
02:15
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
North Gill Beck is a small upland stream forming the northern boundary of Dallowgill. It runs eastwards through enclosed pasture and woodland toward the River Laver. These bridges and and forward are in Pye Carr and Hodgson Wood which are nice and cool on a hot day.
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Drift Lane is an old driftway, a route used for moving livestock between pasture, markets, and droving roads. The Laver is shallow and braided in this reach, making it ideal for cattle crossings, cart access to riverside meadows and seasonal movement between farms.
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Lumley Moor was built to release water, not just store it. Victorian waterworks often reduced natural river flow. When towns like Ripon began abstracting water from upland streams, they risked lowering summer flows, affecting mills downstream, killing fish and breaching riparian rights (a big legal issue for Victorians). So water authorities were legally required to put water back into the river to compensate for what they took out. Same as Gouthwaite Reservoir but on a much smaller scale, this is a type of compensation reservoir.
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This is a pretty hand‑made ceramic and glass mosaic set into a stone plinth beside Carlesmoor Beck Ford, created as part of the Dallowgill Millennium Mosaic Project (2000–2002). The project placed 22 mosaics around the parish, each depicting a local theme — wildlife, history, landscape, folklore.
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Very nice place for a pit-stop. The little waterfall created by the drop in the beck bed is unusual, most fords on the Nidderdale moors are flat and featureless crossings.
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St Mary’s Church at Studley Royal Park is one of the most striking examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in the region. Designed by William Burges in the 1870s, the church is breathtaking inside and out, with intricate carvings, rich stained glass, and dramatic decoration throughout. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are extraordinary, making this church not only a place of worship but also a work of art. Its location within the deer park adds to the sense of tranquillity, and it is well worth a visit for anyone interested in architecture, history, or simply beautiful spaces. The church was actually born out of tragedy, it was built in memory of Frederick Vyner who was kidnapped and murdered in Greece in 1870. While travelling near Marathon, he and others were taken hostage by brigands demanding ransom. A failed rescue attempt led to his death, and his grieving family* used the unspent ransom money to build two churches in his memory – Christ the Consoler at Newby Hall and St Mary’s at Studley Royal. *Frederick’s mother, was Lady Mary Vyner, and his sister (Henrietta), was married to George Robinson who later became 1st Marquess of Ripon, the owner of Studley Royal).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Skelding?
There are over 200 hiking routes around Skelding, offering a wide range of experiences. These include 93 easy trails, 110 moderate trails, and 10 more challenging routes, ensuring options for all skill levels.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Skelding?
Hiking around Skelding offers diverse landscapes characteristic of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll encounter open moorland, tranquil reservoirs, and distinctive rock formations. Trails often follow the courses of local becks, providing varied terrain and scenic views.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the Skelding area?
Yes, Skelding offers several easy routes suitable for families. An excellent option is the Brimham Rocks – Druid's Writing Desk loop from Fellbeck, an easy 4.4-mile (7.1 km) trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. This route leads through the unique rock formations of Brimham Rocks, which are fascinating for all ages.
Are there any circular walks available around Skelding?
Many of the trails around Skelding are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Carlesmoor Beck and Lumley Moor Reservoir loop from High Grantley — Nidderdale is a popular difficult circular route, while the Lumley Moor Reservoir loop from Grantley offers an easier circular option.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to look out for on hikes?
The region is known for its distinctive rock formations, such as those found at Brimham Rocks. You can also explore tranquil reservoirs like Lumley Moor Reservoir. For specific viewpoints and summits, consider visiting High Crag Ridge Trig Point, Riva Hill Summit, or Nutwith Common Summit.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Skelding?
The trails in Skelding are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from open moorland to tranquil reservoirs, and the unique rock formations that make the routes engaging and scenic.
Are there any trails that feature water bodies like reservoirs or lakes?
Yes, several trails incorporate water features. The Carlesmoor Beck and Lumley Moor Reservoir loop from High Grantley — Nidderdale is a prime example, exploring the scenic Carlesmoor Beck and the tranquil Lumley Moor Reservoir. You can also find highlights like Glasshouses Dam and Gouthwaite Reservoir in the wider area.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Skelding?
While specific seasonal details for Skelding are not provided, the diverse landscapes of moorland, reservoirs, and rock formations suggest that hiking can be enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn typically offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Winter hikes might be possible but could require more preparation due to weather conditions on open moorland.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes for experienced trekkers?
Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Skelding offers routes like the Carlesmoor Beck and Lumley Moor Reservoir loop from High Grantley — Nidderdale. This difficult 11.6-mile (18.7 km) trail takes approximately 5 hours to complete and explores extensive moorland and reservoir areas within Nidderdale.
Can I find any historical or religious sites along the hiking routes?
While the primary focus is on natural landscapes, you can find points of interest such as How Hill and St. Michael's Church, which offers a glimpse into local heritage and architecture, potentially accessible from some routes or as a short detour.
What are the typical elevation changes on trails around Skelding?
The elevation changes vary significantly depending on the trail's difficulty. Easy routes like the Brimham Rocks – Druid's Writing Desk loop from Fellbeck have moderate ascents of around 128 meters. More challenging routes, such as the Carlesmoor Beck and Lumley Moor Reservoir loop from High Grantley — Nidderdale, feature elevation gains of approximately 269 meters, offering more strenuous climbs.
Is there a trail that features unique artistic or man-made elements?
Yes, the Carlesmoor Beck Ford – Dragonfly Mosaic loop from Welcome to Tom Corner is a moderate 6.9-mile (11.1 km) trail that includes a notable dragonfly mosaic, adding an interesting artistic touch to the natural surroundings.
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