Best attractions and places to see around Carleton include a variety of natural and historical sites within or near the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This region features rolling hills, valleys, and traditional villages, characteristic of the English countryside. Visitors can explore significant natural landmarks and historical structures that reflect the area's heritage. The landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities amidst diverse terrain.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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amazing how a cross can mean so much to people visiting it each year
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This is a strenuous route with long climbs, a stream crossing, and open moorland that will be boggy if wet. Stunning views from Embsay Crag across to Pendle Hill and from Rylston Cross. Nice place to stop for lunch
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Run round the reservoir on decent tracks or better still head up onto the moor behind to Crookrise or Embsay Crag - both great routes with amazing views
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There's a good trail on the ground either from Flasby (the more interesting route) or Skipton side, and a rocky summit with a trig point - the perfect destination for a fell run
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The region around Carleton is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the expansive Yorkshire Dales National Park, which features thousands of square miles of moors, valleys, and hills, known for its spectacular scenery and lakes. Another great spot is Embsay Reservoir, offering easy walks and views of the surrounding hills, popular for sailing in summer months.
Yes, Carleton offers several historical sites. The prominent Rylstone Cross is a massive stone cross with an interesting history, offering fabulous views. You can also explore the ruins of Barden Tower, a 15th-century fortified house that was once a hunting lodge for the Clifford family and is an important waymarker on the Lady Anne's Way long-distance trail.
For stunning panoramic views, head to Rylstone Cross, which provides extensive vistas including the village of Rylstone. Another excellent viewpoint is Sharp Haw Summit, a 357m hill along the Dales High Way, where a well-placed bench just below the summit allows you to enjoy the surrounding area.
The area around Carleton is perfect for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on routes like the 'Canal Path – Polish Airmen Memorial loop from Skipton' or 'River Aire loop from Carleton-in-Craven'. Cycling enthusiasts can explore routes such as the 'Gargrave Bridge – Higherland Lock loop from Skipton'. For mountain biking, options include the 'Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop from Cononley'. For more details on these and other routes, visit the Running Trails around Carleton, Cycling around Carleton, and MTB Trails around Carleton guide pages.
Yes, Embsay Reservoir is a family-friendly spot where you can enjoy easy walks around the water and observe sailing boats during the summer months. The wider Yorkshire Dales National Park also offers numerous opportunities for family outings, from gentle strolls to exploring charming villages.
For walking and hiking, Sharp Haw Summit is a great destination, sitting along the Dales High Way long-distance hiking trail. You can also enjoy easy walks around Embsay Reservoir. The Yorkshire Dales National Park itself provides countless trails through its diverse landscape of moors, valleys, and hills.
Visitors particularly appreciate the extensive and fabulous views from sites like Rylstone Cross and Sharp Haw Summit. The natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with its rolling green hills and tranquil countryside, is also highly valued. Many enjoy the well-maintained tracks and paths for running and walking, especially around places like Embsay Reservoir.
Yes, the Dales High Way long-distance hiking trail passes by Sharp Haw Summit. Additionally, Barden Tower is an important waymarker on the Lady Anne's Way long-distance trail, which runs between Skipton and Penrith.
Near Barden Tower, the Priest House has been converted into a restaurant, offering a convenient spot for refreshments after exploring the ruins. The wider Yorkshire Dales region is also known for its quintessential English villages, which often feature pubs and cafes.
The terrain around Carleton varies. For instance, Sharp Haw Summit involves a 357m ascent, offering a moderate challenge with a rocky summit. Walks around Embsay Reservoir are generally easier, utilizing tracks and paths. The Yorkshire Dales National Park encompasses a wide range of terrain, from rolling hills and valleys to more rugged moors, catering to various difficulty levels.
Absolutely. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is renowned for its beautiful roads and is a popular destination for cycling. You can find various cycling routes, including the 'Gargrave Bridge – Higherland Lock loop from Skipton' for an easy ride, or more challenging options like the 'Skipton Castle Gatehouse – Polish Airmen Memorial loop from Broughton'. More routes are detailed on the Cycling around Carleton guide page.


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