Skipton Moor and Farnhill Pinnacle Trail Running Route: 18km Crag and Canal Loop

A varied 18.1km circular trail run from Skipton High Street Car Park linking Skipton Moor, canal-side running, Farnhill Pinnacle and Craven edge views, with around 412m of climbing.
18.1km

Distance

412m

Elevation Gain

2.25 to 3.25 hours running / 4.5 to 5.5 hours walking

Estimated Time

Difficulty

Distance Band

Route Map

Details
Skipton Moor, Farnhill Beacon and Leeds - Liverpool Canal

About this route

This Skipton Moor and Farnhill Pinnacle trail running route is a varied circular loop from Skipton High Street Car Park. The GPX measures approximately 18.1km with around 412m of ascent, making it a solid local trail run with a mix of runnable sections and hillier ground.

The route links Skipton Moor with the canal corridor and the Farnhill/Kildwick edge, giving a strong mix of town, towpath, fields, moorland and viewpoint running. Farnhill Pinnacle adds a distinctive local landmark and excellent views across Airedale, while Skipton gives an easy start and finish with plenty of post-run options.

Route Features

At a Glance

📍 Start:Skipton High Street Car Park, Jerry Croft, Skipton

Getting there

Start Point

Skipton High Street Car Park, Jerry Croft, Skipton
BD23 1ED

Parking

Start from Skipton High Street Car Park on Jerry Croft, close to Skipton High Street, the canal basin, shops and cafes. Use BD23 1ED for the car park area and check current charges before travelling. It can be busy on market days and weekends.

Public Transport

Skipton has strong public transport links, with Skipton railway station offering rail connections towards Leeds, Bradford, Carlisle and Lancaster, and Skipton bus station serving local Dales routes including Grassington, Malham, Ilkley, Keighley and Settle. The car park is a short walk from the town centre transport hubs.

Toilets

Public toilets are available in Skipton town centre, including facilities around the High Street/Town Hall area. Opening times and charges can change, so check locally before relying on them for early or late starts.

Nearest Town

Skipton

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What's underfoot

A varied Skipton loop with town-centre start, canal towpath, field paths, climbs onto Skipton Moor and the Farnhill/Kildwick edge, plus stony and grassy sections. Expect mud on field paths and slippery stone after rain.

Best Seasons

All year

Navigation Difficulty

Easy
Skipton High Street Car Park, Jerry Croft, Skipton

Weather Notes

The moor and pinnacle sections are exposed in wind and rain. Canal and town sections are easier to follow, but field paths and stone can be muddy or slick after wet weather.

Recommended Equipment

Trail shoes are strongly recommended for this route. Here’s what we’d suggest.

Recommended kit for this route

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Before, during & after

Water

Carry water from the start. Shops and cafes are available in Skipton, and there may be options in Farnhill/Kildwick depending on the exact line and opening times, but do not rely on them.

Shops Nearby

Skipton High Street has supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, outdoor shops and independent retailers. The canal basin and town centre are useful for snacks, water and post-run food.

Post-Run Recommendation

Finish in Skipton and use the High Street or canal basin for coffee, food or a drink. The route works well as a half-day run with a relaxed post-run stop in town.

How to run it

Route Steps (route_steps repeater)
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Follow the well-signed footpath from the car park.
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Before you go

⚠ Safety Notes

🌦 Weather Notes

The moor and pinnacle sections are exposed in wind and rain. Canal and town sections are easier to follow, but field paths and stone can be muddy or slick after wet weather.

Local knowledge

💡 Local Tip

🧭 Navigation Difficulty

Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

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Trail Art · Monetisation · Nice to have

Trail Art

Route Trail Poster

A hand-illustrated trail map poster of this route — perfect for your home or as a gift for a fellow runner. Printed on 300gsm card.