Barden Moor Short Loop

The route

This is the shorter of two loops onto Barden Moor, covering 9.4km with 224m of ascent on the open access land east of Wharfedale. The climbing here is gentle by Dales standards, spread thinly across the route rather than arriving in one block, which makes this a good option when you want moorland underfoot without a long morning committed to it.

The moor

The route climbs to around 431m on Barden Moor, heather and rough grass with the same wide Wharfedale views as the longer loop, just less time spent up at height. The main tracks are well used and straightforward to follow, though the ground can turn soft after rain, particularly on the descent back towards Barden Tower. Because the loop stays closer to the lower edge of the moor, it's a reasonable introduction to this kind of open access terrain for runners who haven't done much moorland before.

Access and timing

Like the rest of Barden Moor, this is managed grouse moor, with shooting from 12 August to 10 December (no shooting on Sundays) and full access outside that window. Dogs are not permitted on Barden Moor or Barden Fell at any time, a Bolton Abbey Estate rule that applies regardless of season, so plan accordingly if you usually run with one.

Why it works

This loop is the one to reach for on a shorter morning, or as a first outing onto Barden Moor before stepping up to the longer route. It delivers genuine open moorland character - exposed ground, real views, access land you can vary your line across - in a package that won't eat your whole day, and it's a sensible choice when the weather looks changeable and you'd rather not be exposed on the moor for hours at a time.