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What to do on sunny days

Stream dipping on a Wild Wednesday
Photographer: Paul Harris
Stream dipping on a Wild Wednesday
Mountain biking near Pen-y-ghent
Photographer: Paul Harris
Mountain biking near Pen-y-ghent
Picnic at Malham
Photographer: Stephen Garnett Photography
Picnic at Malham

Get outdoors

Ideas for walks, cycle rides and more

Pack up a picnic

Farm shops and delis in the Yorkshire Dales

Make the most of those wonderful days when the sun shines and the Dales look their best.

Pack up a picnic

A sunny day can be an ideal time to pack up a picnic and enjoy some time with friends and family. There are many popular spots such as by the River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey or close to Linton Falls near Grassington. Then there is Malham Tarn and alongside the river in Langstrothdale. There is a popular picnic area besides the River Lune at Devil's Bridge just outside Kirkby Lonsdale, or for a wilder feel some lovely roadside spots around Great Asby Scar and Sunbiggin Tarn.

Take a walk on the wild side

There are loads of options for a walk in the Dales from short walks to major challenges. A sunny day gives you the chance to grab a peak, although you still need to make sure you are suitably prepared. Try:

The ever popular peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside which dominate the Settle and Ingleton area.

Buckden Pike at the head of Wharfedale where you can visit the scene of a Second World War plane crash and learn the remarkable story of the one survivor. 

The Howgills which tower over Sedbergh and which Alfred Wainwright described as a herd of sleeping elephants. From their summits there are fantastic views into the Lake District, up to the North Pennines, out to Morecambe Bay and over the rest of the Yorkshire Dales. 

Take the plunge in an outdoor pool

Open for three months through the summer season there is the wonderful outdoor pool at Ingleton which is run by the local community. Originally dug out by local miners in the 1930's it has recently been refurbished and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Go mountain biking

The Yorkshire Dales is known as one of the finest cross-country mountain biking areas in Britain with a huge network of tracks and trails to explore. There are lots of suggested routes to get you started or you can pop into one of our National Park Centres for advice. If you need to hire a bike visit the superb Dales Bike Centre near Reeth in Swaledale, Stage 1 Cycles in Hawes or 3 Peaks Cycles in Settle.

Get outdoors

Ideas for walks, cycle rides and more

Pack up a picnic

Farm shops and delis in the Yorkshire Dales

Water, water ...

Lakes, rivers and waterfalls

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