- Distance: Approximately 12-14 miles (19-22 km), depending on detours.
- Duration: Allow 6-8 hours, including breaks.
- Footwear: Sturdy walking boots are recommended, as some sections can be muddy.
- Weather: Check the forecast and dress in layers; the Dales’ weather can change quickly.
- Navigation: While the trail is signposted, carrying a map or GPS device is advisable.
Walking the Pennine Way
A Circular Day Route from Gargrave
Discover Scenic Trails and Yorkshire Charm on a Perfect Day Out
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the charming village of Gargrave serves as a perfect gateway to the iconic Pennine Way It takes just a half-day of canal cruising from Skipton to reach the charming village of Gargrave. Along the way, you’ll travel through open countryside with breathtaking views, shared with kingfishers, dragonflies, otters, swans, ducks, and geese that thrive along this peaceful stretch of the canal.
The visitor moorings in Gargrave provide a tranquil and shady spot to enjoy a couple of nights. 2025 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Pennine Way, making it an even more special time to lace up your hiking boots and explore a stretch of Britain’s first National Trail. Gargrave offers easy access to the walking trail, providing an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich history and natural beauty. Here’s a guide to making the most of your walk.
Starting in Gargrave
Begin your day in Gargrave, a picturesque village that blends history and hospitality. Before setting off, enjoy a hearty breakfast onboard Blue Otter Skipton or at one of the local cafés. You can also stock up on snacks from the village shop and popular Cooperative Supermarket. The Pennine Way is well-signposted from the canal, leading you along the tranquil banks of the River Aire.
Following the Pennine Way
From Gargrave, head north on the Pennine Way. The trail winds through lush meadows and alongside the gentle flow of the river, offering plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the views. Depending on the season, you might encounter grazing sheep, vibrant wildflowers, or the striking hues of autumn leaves.
As you continue, you’ll reach sections of the trail that ascend gently, rewarding your efforts with expansive views over the Dales. This stretch of the Pennine Way showcases the region’s diverse landscapes, from open fields to quiet woodlands.
Turning Towards Malham
At a natural midpoint of your walk, take a detour towards the village of Malham. Known for its dramatic limestone scenery, Malham offers a chance to explore iconic landmarks like Malham Cove and Gordale Scar if time permits. For this circular route, pause here for lunch—there are several charming pubs and cafés to choose from. You can also opt to walk one way to Malham and take a Dalesman Bus back to Gargrave. At this point, you can choose to take a bus back to Gargrave or continue walking.
Looping Back to Gargrave
From Malham, follow a well-trodden path leading back towards Gargrave. This part of the route takes you past stone walls, ancient farmsteads, and more stunning countryside. The paths are relatively easy to navigate, and the gentle terrain makes for a relaxing end to the day. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, from curlews to red kites, as you approach the village.
Practical Tips
Post-Walk Relaxation
Back in Gargrave, reward yourself with a well-earned drink at one of the local pubs, such as The Old Swan Inn. Reflect on the day’s adventures while soaking up the village’s warm atmosphere.
Walking the Pennine Way from Gargrave as a circular day route is a wonderful way to experience the Yorkshire Dales’ natural beauty and rural charm. With its mix of scenic trails and welcoming villages, this walk promises a memorable day out for all who tread its paths. It’s also a great way to combine canal cruising with hiking.
Your Pennine Way, the Blue Otter Way
If you’re looking to combine the serenity of nature with the charm of a canal holiday, a journey aboard a Blue Otter Skipton narrowboat is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Pennines. Glide along peaceful waterways, soak in the spectacular scenery, and explore picturesque villages from the comfort of your boat. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape or a chance to walk the Pennine Way at your own pace, Blue Otter Boats offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Book your adventure today with our trusted agent, Hoseasons, and discover the beauty of canal cruising!
Top UK Canal Boat Routes for Nature Lovers on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal from Skipton
EXPLORING THE LEEDS-LIVERPOOL CANAL IS A MAGICAL WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE A NATURE LOVER. STARTING FROM SKIPTON, THE “GATEWAY TO THE DALES,” THE CANAL WINDS ITS WAY THROUGH SOME OF THE MOST PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES IN THE UK.
A Day in the Life: What to Expect on Your First Canal Boat Adventure
AHOY THERE, ADVENTUROUS SOULS! IF YOU’RE PONDERING A GETAWAY THAT COMBINES RELAXATION, EXPLORATION, AND A SPRINKLE OF WHIMSY, THEN A CANAL BOAT HOLIDAY WITH BLUE OTTER BOATS IS CALLING YOUR NAME.
But what does a typical day on the water look like? Buckle up (or should I say, “boat up”?), because we’re about to embark on a comical journey through a day in the life of a canal boater!
Morning: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
The day starts when the sun peeks over the horizon and the birds serenade you with their best (or most cacophonous) morning songs. You’re nestled in your cosy cabin, snuggled in blankets, when suddenly, you realise you’re not on a regular holiday; you’re on a canal boat! Time to rise and shine, or as we say, time to rise and float!
Step 1: Coffee, Please!
The first order of business? Coffee, of course! Head up to the deck, still in your pyjamas (it’s encouraged!), and soak in the fresh morning air. The aroma of brewing coffee wafts through the air as you watch the water gently lap against the boat. It’s serene, it’s beautiful, and you might just convince yourself that this is the best decision you’ve ever made—until you realise you forgot to pack snacks for the day.
Step 2: Breakfast Aboard the Blue Otter Café
Time to whip up a breakfast fit for a canal captain! Whether it’s buttery toast, crunchy cereal, or a full English breakfast (because why not go big?), you’ll be dining with a view. Just be cautious of the toast popping up unexpectedly—it’s a good way to see how high you can jump before 9 AM.
Mid-Morning: Time to Explore!
With coffee in hand and a full belly, it’s time to explore! Grab your life jackets, and head out for a stroll along the towpath, where you’ll encounter fellow boaters and possibly a friendly duck or two. After all, nothing says “adventure” like trying to make friends with a bird that clearly has other plans.
Step 1: Navigating the Locks
You’ve got a date with a lock! (And no, I’m not talking about a romantic evening, though you can certainly bring the romance if you like!) Locks are the canals’ version of elevators. They raise and lower boats between different water levels, and you get to take part in the action! Nothing screams teamwork like the struggle to open a heavy lock gate while trying to avoid a mishap that could leave you wet from head to toe.
Afternoon: Lunch and Leisure
After conquering the locks like a pro (or at least not falling in), it’s time to refuel! Gather your crew and prepare a delightful lunch on the boat. Whether it’s a DIY sandwich assembly or a picnic of pre-prepared goodies, remember that calories consumed on a boat don’t count… right?
Step 1: Naptime!
After lunch, embrace the canal lifestyle and take a nap! Feel free to nestle in the sun on the deck and soak up some rays. (Sunscreen is your friend, so don’t forget it!) Just be warned: if you hear the sound of a quacking duck, it might be too late to save your lunch leftovers.
Evening: Sunset Serenade
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, it’s time to prepare for the grand finale of the day: sunset on the water! Picture this: you’re gliding along the canal, surrounded by nature’s beauty, sipping a drink of your choice while a friend plays the ukulele badly (or beautifully—depends on who you ask). It’s all part of the charm!
Step 1: Dinner on the Deck
This is the moment where you can shine as the chef extraordinaire! Whip up a dinner that would impress even Gordon Ramsay (or at least make him raise an eyebrow). BBQ under the sunset sky is an absolute must, and don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs on social media—because if it’s not on Instagram, did it even happen?
Step 2: Star Gazing
As night falls, settle in with your favourite drink and gaze at the stars. The lack of city lights means the cosmos reveals itself in all its glory. Share stories, laugh until your sides hurt, and don’t be surprised if a passing boat hears your joyful banter and decides to join in on the fun. You might even recruit a new crew member or two!
Conclusion: Return to Reality
As you crawl into your cosy cabin, exhausted but happy, you’ll drift off to sleep to the gentle rocking of the boat. You’ve had an incredible day filled with laughter, exploration, and maybe a little duck drama.
So, there you have it—a day in the life aboard Blue Otter Boats. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time sailor, a canal boat holiday promises memories that will last a lifetime (and plenty of stories to tell at parties). Book your adventure today, and remember: life is better when you’re floating along the canals!
Fall in love with the heritage and tradition of English Canals
RELAX AND ENJOY RURAL VIEWS, INDUSTRIAL-ERA HERITAGE, SUNLIGHT SPARKLING ON CALM WATERS AND BIRD LIFE CHORUSING YOUR CRUISE
With more than 2,000 miles of inland waterways across Great Britain, here are a few highlights that made us curious to explore the beauty of England’s canals. Taking a break from fast-paced office environment, life slows to a walking pace when cruising these beautiful flowing highways that were once packed with cargo vessels. If you’ve ever harboured a dream of a life afloat, a narrowboat is one of the sweetest spots to spend British summertime.
A Ring of Two Roses
A three week canal journey from Skipton can take you through the North and South Peninne’s breathtaking scenery. Drift through Yorkshire and Lancashire cities, open meadows, market towns, dramatic hillsides for a taster of this region’s diverse surroundings. On Blue Otter Skipton narrowboat you can take two of three trans-Pennine canals: the Leeds and Liverpool, and the Rochdale, in a journey of 220 locks over 175 miles.
Traversing the canals are a great way to experience the “backbone of England” and give a unique insight into contrasting urban settlements that reside around Leeds, Huddersfield, Manchester, Blackburn and Burnley. Time your cruising right, and you can take in some premier football league matches along the way.
A Bard Aboard
Explore centuries of English history along the Avon Ring, a circuit of 109 miles and 131 locks. Moor opposite the Swan Theatre in Stratford upon Avon, near picturesque mills on the River Avon, visit Tewkesbury, cruise the majestic River Severn to Worcester, then ascend the longest flight of locks in Britain on the Worcester & Birmingham canal. Blue Otter Wootton Wawen is perfectly positioned to take you on all of these canal routes.
Shakespeare’s presence lures narrowboaters along the waters with a mile-long tunnel leading to the Stratford upon Avon canal. Here a real treat awaits along the longest aqueduct on the English canals, Edstone. If you time it for when the Shakespeare’s Express steam train is passing, a cloak of smoky steam will magically surround you, while passengers wave from cream and brown-liveried carriages.
Gloucester Docks
Home to the best-preserved 19th-century docks in Britain, Gloucester is surrounded by listed warehouses. This inland harbour was once busy with ships carrying timber and corn from around the world. Cargo was transhipped on to the Severn and then the canals.
Cruise on your narrowboat from the historic docks and stop where the mood takes you, but be sure to take in Worcester Cathedral and the Norman abbey at Tewkesbury as you mosey down the water highway.
Cruise the Canals
Blue Otter narrowboats are available for week-long or month-long rental, enabling you to journey far and wide along the English canal network. Just contact us with your request with when and how you envisage your time on board relaxing and enjoying rural views, industrial-era heritage, sunlight sparkling on calm waters and bird life chorusing your cruise. Take turns piloting the boat, operating locks and swing bridges – rewarded with a refreshment or brew on board after each busy section! Locks are a great opportunity for sharing tips from fellow boaters and canal banter. Either way, lazy afternoons with a tipple of choice in hand are always a good idea!
Book your Blue Otter escape on the canals here
