Secret Waterfall & 11-Mile Walk: Discover a Hidden Yorkshire Dales Gem
Hidden Yorkshire Dales village perfect for winter walks

A keen walker has unveiled a picturesque spot in the Yorkshire Dales, perfect for a bracing winter adventure, complete with a 'secret waterfall' and a charming village less than two hours from Leeds by train.

A Scenic Circular Route from the Station

The recommendation comes from hiker Chris, who shared his experience in a video. He highlighted that the journey begins seamlessly with a train ride from Leeds, stepping off directly into the heart of the stunning Dales countryside. The village in question is Dent, which is located in Cumbria but is famously associated with the Yorkshire Dales landscape.

Chris embarked on an extensive 11-and-a-half-mile circular walk, which took him approximately five hours to complete. The route incorporated part of the famous Dales Way long-distance path, offering multiple walking options for visitors of all abilities.

Discovering Dent's Cobbled Charm and Hidden Falls

For those preferring a shorter stroll, Chris noted that parking is available in Dent village itself. From there, a walk towards Flintergill leads to the waterfalls, though he cautioned that the track is "really steep." The effort is rewarded with a beautiful gorge where a river cascades over a series of mini waterfalls.

The endpoint (or starting point) of the walk is the quaint village of Dent, a roughly hour-and-45-minute stroll from the station. Chris described it as a "beautiful village to explore" with charming cobbled streets, white-walled cottages, and an ancient church. He enjoyed a well-earned cup of tea and a sandwich during his visit, noting it was quiet even on a Sunday.

Warm Pubs and Enthusiastic Reactions

The village boasts two welcoming pubs: The Sun Inn, with its traditional, no-nonsense ambience, and The George and Dragon, the tap house for the local Dent Brewery. The official Yorkshire Dales website praises Dent as "one of the loveliest of Dales villages."

On social media, the recommendation sparked enthusiasm. One user confirmed the train details, noting the station is on the Settle to Carlisle line, with a fare around £21 from Leeds. Others reminisced about family holidays in the Dales and stays at The Sun Inn. Chris encouraged others to make the trip, highlighting that advance train tickets can make it a very affordable day out.

With its combination of accessible transport, a rewarding circular walk, hidden natural beauty, and classic Dales village charm, Dent presents an ideal recipe for a memorable winter excursion.