Trail Running Planet · Yorkshire Dales · Malhamdale
Skipton to Malham via Canal and Pennine Way
You start on a flat canal towpath and finish in Malhamdale, with the Pennine Way's National Trail waymarking doing the navigation for you almost the entire way.
Distance
17.7 km
Ascent
189 m
Descent
96 m
Max elevation
228 m
Route type
Point to point
Est. time
2h 5m – 2h 45m
Grade
Hard
Navigation
waymarked
Parking
BD23 1AH
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A point-to-point route from Skipton to Malham, following the canal out of town before picking up the Pennine Way into Malhamdale. 17.7km, 189m of ascent, finishing in one of the Dales' best-known villages.
Hazards & notes
Field paths near the Aire can flood and turn muddy after sustained rain. This is a point-to-point route with no direct public transport back to Skipton, so arrange return transport before setting off.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/yorkshire-dales/malhamdale/skipton-to-malham-via-canal-and-pennine-way
trailrunningplanet.com