Littondale: Halton Gill to Horsehead Pass
North Yorkshire
Halton Gill to Horsehead Pass is an atmospheric dog friendly walk on an ancient packhorse trail linking the sleepy hamlets of Littondale and Langstrothdale. Starting at the stone bridge in Halton Gill you climb steadily up Horse Head Moor on a clear old track, crossing open fell to the pass at around 580 metres before dropping to Yockenthwaite in Langstrothdale, then returning the same way or looping back via Hubberholme for a longer day.
This is remote, quiet country with hardly any other walkers, but it is sheep moorland throughout with stock grazing both sides of the pass all year, so leads are essential. The path is stony and can be boggy near the col, weather comes in fast from the west and there are no water sources once you leave the valley. Halton Gill is a tiny settlement with no facilities at all; the nearest pub and village shop are at Arncliffe a few miles down the dale, so plan refreshments before you set off.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- No facilities in Halton Gill itself; the Falcon Inn at Arncliffe and the George Inn at Hubberholme are the nearest for food and drink.
- Parking
- Limited roadside verge parking in Halton Gill hamlet; keep clear of farm gates and passing places as this is a working farming community.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Littondale: Halton Gill to Horsehead Pass dog friendly?
Yes, this is a dog friendly walk and scores 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. It's a quiet, remote moorland route on an old packhorse trail with very little traffic from other walkers, making it a pleasantly peaceful outing for you and your dog.
Can dogs be off lead at Littondale: Halton Gill to Horsehead Pass?
Dogs need to be kept on leads throughout this walk. The entire route crosses sheep moorland with stock grazing on both sides of the pass all year round, so leads are essential from start to finish.
What should I know before visiting Littondale: Halton Gill to Horsehead Pass with my dog?
This is genuinely remote country, so a bit of preparation goes a long way. The path is stony and can be boggy near the col, weather can roll in quickly from the west, and there are no water sources once you leave the valley — so bring enough water for both of you. Halton Gill itself has no facilities at all, so stock up on food and drink beforehand; the nearest options are the Falcon Inn at Arncliffe or the George Inn at Hubberholme. Parking is limited to roadside verge space in the hamlet, so be mindful to keep farm gates and passing places clear.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk3.2 mi awayHubberholme and Yockenthwaite Circular
North Yorkshire
A short easy to moderate riverside circular between two of the prettiest hamlets in Upper Wharfedale, with the George Inn at Hubberholme as the perfect end.
Walk3.9 mi awayLangstrothdale Chase Walk from Buckden
North Yorkshire
A moderate Upper Wharfedale circuit linking Buckden with Cray, Yockenthwaite and Hubberholme through the ancient hunting forest of Langstrothdale Chase.
Walk5 mi awayThree Peaks Challenge (Yorkshire)
North Yorkshire
An epic 24 mile circuit taking in Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, only suitable for very fit dogs prepared for long moorland miles on lead.
Walk5 mi awayPen-y-ghent from Horton-in-Ribblesdale
North Yorkshire
One of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Pen-y-ghent offers a challenging but rewarding ridge walk with a distinctive stepped profile and exceptional views across the limestone uplands.
Walk6.4 mi awayMalham Tarn and Fountains Fell
North Yorkshire
A serious day walk across the high limestone moors above Malham, taking in England's highest natural freshwater lake before climbing to the summit of Fountains Fell on a remote and demanding fell route.
Walk7.2 mi awayRibblehead Viaduct and Whernside
North Yorkshire
A magnificent high-level circuit that combines one of England's most iconic Victorian structures with a challenging fell walk to the summit of Whernside, the highest peak in the Dales.
