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

Whether you are familiar with James Herriot or not, you cannot but be captivated by these beautiful Dales, steeped in history and tradition and still unspoiled in spite of the world-wide fame they have now achieved. In four days you will visit the small town of Hawes, home of Wensleydale cheese, and typical Dales villages such as Reeth and Askrigg ('Darrowby' in the Herriot series). Natural attractions include Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force, the highest single drop waterfall in England, and the magnificent views from spots such as Great Shunner Fell. The people of the Dales will offer you a traditional welcome and warm hospitality.

Grade: 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/Rail: The most convenient airports are Manchester or Leeds-Bradford. From there take a train to Gardale Head then short taxi ride to Aysgarth.
Return Journey: taxi to Gardale Head then train to Leeds to connect with the rest of the rail network

Day 1 Arrive in Aysgarth.

Day 2 Aysgarth to Reeth.
Crossing the River Ure and passing Aysgarth Falls, the route leads to Castle Bolton, a well-preserved medieval castle where Mary Queen of Scots was once held captive. Joining an old lead miners track, the route now heads over East Bolton Moor to Apedale and down into Swaledale, giving beautiful views across the Dale, with its typical drystone walls and stone barns. Crossing the River Swale brings you into the charming village of Reeth with its lovely village green. ~ 13 miles

Day 3 Reeth to Keld.
Heading up Swaledale along the valley side today through the village of Healaugh and past the remains of eccentrically named Crackpot Hall to the tiny village of Keld, crossing point of the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast Walk. ~ 13 miles

Day 4 Keld to Hawes.
Following the Pennine Way for much of the day, you pass through the village of Thwaite and cross back into Wensleydale via Great Shunner Fell with wonderful views of both Dales. Tonight is spent in the charming and interesting market town of Hawes. ~ 13 miles

Day 5 Hawes to Aysgarth.
Walking up to Hardraw Force waterfall, the route then leads down Wensleydale to the village of Askrigg, before joining the River Ure to journey's end back in Aysgarth. ~ 13 miles

Day 6 Departure.

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