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Skipton Moor, Bolton Abbey and Barden Moor Trail Running Route: 28km Yorkshire Dales Edge Loop

A demanding 28.3km circular trail run from Skipton High Street Car Park linking Skipton Moor, Embsay-side tracks, Bolton Abbey and the open ground of Barden Moor, with sustained climbing and classic Dales-edge views.
28.3km

Distance

729m

Elevation Gain

3.5 to 5 hours running / 7 to 8.5 hours walking

Estimated Time

Difficulty

Distance Band

Route Map

Details
Skipton Moor, Bolton Abbey and Barden Moor

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About this route

This Skipton Moor, Bolton Abbey and Barden Moor trail running route is a challenging long loop from Skipton High Street Car Park. The GPX measures approximately 28.3km with around 729m of climbing, making it a serious day out rather than a casual local jog.

The route leaves Skipton and climbs towards Skipton Moor before linking across Dales-edge tracks, estate paths and open moorland towards Bolton Abbey and Barden Moor. It combines runnable sections with rougher, slower ground and exposed high points, so it suits confident trail runners who are comfortable with navigation and changeable conditions.

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 long mixed-terrain route from Skipton with urban start/finish sections, steady climbs onto Skipton Moor, rougher moorland tracks, reservoir-side running, estate paths around Bolton Abbey and exposed sections over Barden Moor. Expect slower going after rain.

Best Seasons

All year

Navigation Difficulty

Moderate
Skipton High Street Car Park, Jerry Croft, Skipton

Weather Notes

The high moorland sections are exposed to wind, rain and low cloud. Barden Moor and Skipton Moor can feel remote in poor visibility, while estate and canal sections are more sheltered. Avoid in ice unless properly equipped.

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 enough water for the route. Reliable refill options are mainly in Skipton at the start/finish and potentially at Bolton Abbey businesses if open; do not rely on water on the moor.

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 back in Skipton for coffee, food or a pint. Bean Loved, The Clubhouse Coffee & Cycles, Kibble Bakery and the High Street pubs are convenient post-run options.

How to run it

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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 high moorland sections are exposed to wind, rain and low cloud. Barden Moor and Skipton Moor can feel remote in poor visibility, while estate and canal sections are more sheltered. Avoid in ice unless properly equipped.

Local knowledge

💡 Local Tip

🧭 Navigation Difficulty

Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

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More routes nearby

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.

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