Skipton to Malham via Canal and Pennine Way

The route

This route leaves Skipton on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath before peeling off to join the Pennine Way, following the National Trail through Craven's farmland and into Malhamdale. At 17.7km with just 78m of ascent, it's a gentle route by distance-to-climbing ratio, and most of the effort is in covering the ground rather than fighting gradient.

Canal to trail

The opening section on the canal is flat and fast, a good way to settle into a rhythm before the terrain changes. Once you join the Pennine Way, the going shifts to field paths and farm tracks, crossing the Aire and threading between drystone walls on the approach to Malham. The Pennine Way's waymarking is consistent throughout this stretch, so route-finding stays straightforward even without much local knowledge.

Malham

The route finishes in Malham, a village that sits at the heart of some of the most photographed limestone scenery in the Dales, though this particular route doesn't climb up to Malham Cove or Janet's Foss - it delivers you to the village itself. The Buck Inn and the Lister Arms are both well-established stops for food, and the Old Barn Cafe is a good lower-key option if you'd rather not sit down to a full pub meal.

Getting there and back

Because this is a point-to-point route, you'll need a plan to get back to Skipton - there's no direct rail link to Malham, so a car shuttle or a pre-arranged lift is the practical option. Field paths can hold water and turn muddy after sustained rain, particularly in the lower sections near the Aire.

Why it works

This route earns its place as an easy-paced, low-stress long run - the navigation is largely done for you by the National Trail waymarking, the climbing is minimal, and the destination is one of the best-loved villages in the Dales. It's a good choice for runners who want distance in the legs without a fight over difficult terrain.