After a busy working week and trying to keep on top of everyday life, blowing the cobwebs away and clearing your mind can sound quite appealing, especially at springtime.

Getting out of the house for some fresh air is one way that is bound to make you feel better, as well as taking in all the plants and flowers that are starting to appear ahead of the warmer months.

Whether you want to discover your new favourite picnic spot or find a different pathway to walk the dog with, there is plenty to explore in the Yorkshire Dales.

Here are some of the best walks in the area, according to AllTrails.

@sarah_walking_ Malham Cove Loop via Janets Foss and Gordale Scar. Absolute must if you are in the Yorkshire Dales 🌳 #yorkshire #malhamcove #harrypotter #deathlyhallows #hiking #hiketok #walking #swim #wild #nature #adventure #bestfriend #fyp ♬ Au Revoir - Sweet After Tears

Some of the spring walks in the Yorkshire Dales

Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove

Difficulty: Moderate

Rating: 4.2

Time to complete: 2 hours 29 minutes (8km)

On AllTrails, it is described as “a beautiful, scenic, and very popular trail taking in riverside paths, waterfalls, sweeping views, and fascinating geology as you make your way around.”

However, it does include “very rough, steep, and rocky terrain along cliff edges”, so it’s important to have good footing and “a head for heights are required.”

The Northern Echo: Do you recognise this view in the Yorkshire Dales?Do you recognise this view in the Yorkshire Dales? (Image: Daz Wolf/All Trails)

It starts at the pay and display car park in Malham, before the trail heads over the farm fields and beside Goredale Beck to Janet's Foss, a picturesque pool and waterfall, and the “legendary home of the Fairy Queen.”

The trail then continues along the road and over the campsite along an out-and-back path to Goredale Scar and above Malham Cove.

See the full route here.

Whernside and Ribblehead Circular

Difficulty: Moderate

Rating: 4.7

Time to complete: 4 hours 6 minutes (12.6km)

The AllTrails website explains: “This is a beautiful trail offering views over the surrounding hills, moorland, and the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. With 24 32m arches, this feat of engineering is an iconic sight to behold.

“The trail is straightforward to follow with beautiful scenery all the way up and around Whernside. There is a good spot for a picnic lunch at the summit and the views from the top are well worth the climb.

“Once back, there is a pub at the bottom where you can enjoy some refreshments. Near the trailhead and car park there is a train station where public transport options are available.”

See the full route here.

Aysgarth Woods and Waterfalls Circular

Difficulty: Easy

Rating: 4.5

Time to complete: 1 hour (4.2km)

This route follows woodland paths and rolling farmland as well as “great views of Bolton Castle, plus one of the most spectacular attractions within the Dales, Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure,” according to its AllTrails description.

@leedslist This is your next weekend walk sorted. Aysgarth Falls is one of Yorkshire’s most impressive natural wonders, and this walk takes in two of the falls, in a 1.6 kilometre pootle. It’s a leisurely walk from the car park through the woodlands. You’ll arrive at the middle falls almost immediately. Head down the stairs to get front-row views before you wander on to the lower falls. Don’t be surprised if it looks familiar – it was here that Robin Hood took on Little John in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The path opens up onto a rocky outcrop that can get slippy, so make sure you’ve your walking boots on! #aysgarthfalls #yorkshirewalks #yorkshirewaterfalls ♬ Epic Music(863502) - Draganov89

It adds: “The waterfalls of High Force, Middle Force and Lower Force stretch along the river, and become even more spectacular after rain with the increased water falling over broad limestone slabs. A place of great inspiration, from Wordsworth to Turner and even a Hollywood film director, the falls are a good places to sit and relax.

“The walk includes a few steady gradients but there are no steep sections. You will need to negotiate several kissing gates and flights of steps, but there are no stiles on route. There is a road crossing at the start and end of the walk that needs care.”

See the full route here.

Grimwith

Difficulty: Easy

Rating: 4.6

Time to complete: 1 hour 32 minutes (6.9km)

This “pleasant” circular trail around Grimwith Reservoir, is a “peaceful spot with chances for bird watching.”

AllTrails adds: “The path round starts fairly level with gentle gradients suitable for varied abilities.

"About halfway around the terrain becomes less gentle and the gradients are steeper.

"The woodland at the opposite end of the reservoir can therefore be used as a turning point for a more relaxed trail.”

See the full route here.

Recommended reading:

Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation

Difficulty: Hard

Rating: 4.7

Time to complete: 5 hours 14 minutes (17.9-km)

If you’re looking for a walking trail that is a little harder, you might want to explore this "gorgeous" circular route in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which can be found on the AllTrails page here.

It visits Bolton Abbey, The Valley of Desolation, Simon's Seat, and Barden Bridge with “lovely views and scenic paths.”

All Trails comments: “There is a wonderful mix of sights including historic buildings, waterfalls, forest, and rolling hills as you make your way from the car park (fee required), climb up beside Sheepshaw Beck to Simon's Seat, drop steeply down to Howgill, and return to the start along the River Wharfe.

"Take care on the rougher and steeper sections, especially in wetter conditions. Appropriate footwear is required."