Skipton 6 Peaks

The Skipton 6 Peaks route is a much more demanding trail run that starts and finishes at Skipton High Street Car Park before heading out onto the surrounding hills and high ground. It is designed for runners who want a bigger challenge from Skipton, combining climbs, open terrain, varied surfaces and rewarding views across the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Unlike the gentler woodland and canal routes around town, this route has a more adventurous feel. The “6 Peaks” format gives the run a clear objective and makes it ideal for runners who enjoy linking summits, high points or prominent local hills into one continuous route. Expect a mix of steady climbs, faster descents, rougher tracks, field paths and exposed sections depending on the weather and ground conditions.

Starting from Skipton High Street Car Park makes the route easy to access, but once you leave the town behind it quickly becomes more rural and physically demanding. The climbs are likely to break up the pace, so this is a route where effort management matters. It is better treated as a proper trail outing rather than a fast road-style run. In wet or windy conditions, the higher and more open sections may feel significantly tougher, so appropriate kit is important.

Trail shoes are recommended, especially after rain, as the route may include mud, grass, uneven tracks and slippery descents. Carrying water and some food is sensible, particularly if running the route in full, as facilities will be limited once away from central Skipton. The GPX should be used throughout, as hill and field sections can be harder to follow than obvious town or canal paths.

This route is best suited to confident trail runners, runners building towards longer hill races, or anyone wanting a proper local challenge from Skipton. It offers a strong sense of journey without needing to drive out into the Dales. With varied terrain, repeated climbs and a town-centre start and finish, Skipton 6 Peaks is a rewarding route for those wanting a tougher trail running experience close to home.