Dales Way Walking Holiday | Walking Holiday in Britain | Self Guided Walking Holiday

The Dales Way walk is the perfect holiday as it comfortably fits into a seven day period. It also passes through many lovely and interesting places in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales from its start in the delightful town of Ilkley to its end in the Lake District on the shores of Lake Windermere at Bowness.

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Meals:
You will normally be staying in a town or village where there is at least one place to buy an evening meal. On the rare occasion that this is not possible, we will book you into an accommodation which provides an evening meal (this is not included in the holiday price). Lunches can usually be bought on route and we can advise you of the days when this is not possible. On these days you can book a packed lunch from your accommodation by letting them know the night before or we can book it for you. These usually cost about £5. Alternatively, most of the towns and villages in which you stay have shops where you can buy items to make up your own packed lunch.

When to Go:
April, May and June are when everything comes to life so it is very green, wild flowers are abundant and blossom abounds. July and August tend to be the warmest months, but it is rarely so warm as to be uncomfortable for walking or cycling. September tends to be one of the most pleasant times in the countryside and is quieter as most people with children have finished their holidays. By October the days are getting shorter and the weather is much more changeable.

Getting There:
By Car: Detailed route plans can be provided on request.
By Air: The most convenient airports are Manchester and Leeds-Bradford from where there are regular train services, via Leeds, to Ilkley.
By Rail: There is a regular train service from London Kings Cross, via Leeds, to Ilkley.

Departure:
There is a regular train service from nearby Windermere to London Euston, with one change at Oxenholme Lake District.

Day 1 Arrive in Ilkley (has railway station).

Day 2 Ilkley to Burnsall.
A pleasant introduction to Wharfedale with steady walking and plenty to see including Bolton Abbey and the Strid. ~ 14 miles

Day 3 Burnsall to Upper Wharfedale.
Passing lovely Dales villages including Grassington and Kettlewell as you continue up Wharfedale with its rugged limestone scenery. ~ 16 miles

Day 4 Upper Wharfedale to Cowgill.
Reaching the head of Wharfedale, the route now climbs to the wilder country of the Pennines before you begin your descent into gentler Dentdale. ~ 15 miles

Day 5 Cowgill to Sedbergh.
Continuing down Dentdale past the village of Dent and following the River Dee, to arrive in the pleasant town of Sedbergh. ~ 12 miles

Day 6 Sedbergh to Skelsmergh.
Gentle countryside greets you today as you walk below the Howgill Fells, by the River Lune and approach the Lake District. ~ 15 miles

Day 7 Skelsmergh to Bowness - 12 miles.
A pleasant day's walking brings you finally into the Lake District and the end of the walk on the shores of Lake Windermere. (railway station in nearby Windermere). ~ 12 miles

Day 8 Departure

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