The best walks and hikes around Cowling

Yes, Cowling is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. Many trails loop back to the village, taking you over open moorland and to scenic viewpoints. A great moderate option is the Wainman's Pinnacle – Lund's Tower on Earl's Crag loop, which visits the two famous stone monuments on Earl Crag.

The 'Salt and Pepper Pots' are two prominent landmarks on Earl Crag. The 'Salt Pot' is Lund's Tower, a stone tower you can often climb for panoramic views. The 'Pepper Pot' is Wainman's Pinnacle, an obelisk built to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon. Both are popular destinations on local walks.

Absolutely. Cowling sits directly on the Pennine Way, making it ideal for day hikes. You can follow a section of this famous National Trail north towards Lothersdale and the Yorkshire Dales, or explore the moorlands to the south. The terrain offers a classic taste of Pennine walking with rolling hills and expansive views.

Yes, there are several shorter and less strenuous options suitable for families. For a rewarding but manageable walk, try the Wainman's Pinnacle loop from Cowling. It's a relatively short walk of about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) that still gives you the experience of reaching one of the area's famous landmarks.

For some of the best panoramic views, head to Earl Crag. From the top, and especially from Lund's Tower, you can see across the Aire Valley towards other Yorkshire peaks like Pen-y-ghent. Another excellent viewpoint is Pinhaw Beacon, a highly-regarded spot near Lothersdale that offers wide-ranging vistas from its trig point.

Many trails around Cowling are great for walking with dogs, especially on the open moors. However, you will cross farmland with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. Always be mindful of ground-nesting birds on the moors during nesting season (typically spring and early summer).

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic gritstone landscapes, the panoramic views from the crags, and the mix of wild moorland and quiet valley paths.

There is on-street parking available within the village of Cowling, which serves as a convenient starting point for many local routes. For walks starting slightly further afield, such as to Pinhaw Beacon, there are often small, dedicated car parks or lay-bys near the trailheads. Please park considerately and do not block access for residents or farm vehicles.

You can explore over 15 different hiking routes around Cowling. The selection includes 6 easy walks perfect for a quick outing and 9 moderate hikes for those seeking more of a challenge. The network covers everything from short ascents to local landmarks to longer treks across the moors.

Yes, you can plan a route that includes a pub stop. The Hare and Hounds loop from Glusburn and Cross Hills is a moderate walk that centers around a well-known local pub, making it a perfect choice for combining a good hike with refreshments.

Longer hikes offer a fantastic variety of classic Yorkshire scenery. A route like the Ickornshaw Moor Highest Point loop takes you across high, rolling moorland for a sense of wildness and solitude, before descending through a patchwork of green fields and traditional stone walls.