Dales Way – 7 nights / 6 days walking

About this trail

You start your journey in bustling Ikley, before walking up through Wharfedale with its rugged limestone scenery and plenty to see, including Bolton Abbey and a series of quintessentially Yorkshire villages.  At the head of Wharfedale, your route briefly climbs to the wilder country of the Pennines before you begin your descent into gentler Dentdale. Passing through towns and villages, below the Howgill Fells and by the River Lune your route brings you into the Lake District where your journey ends on the shores of Lake Windermere. Along this route you are never far from features of historical, geological or ecological interest.

Terrain and navigation

The Dales Way is well signposted and follows established paths and, occasionally, minor roads. The route takes a relatively low line along valleys, often closely hugging the course of rivers and streams. Inclines are never severe, terrain underfoot is generally well worn footpaths or grassy fields. Proximity to water courses means you should be be prepared for the occasional very boggy section of path.

Elevation profile

Highest point: 512 metres
Total ascent / descent: 1963 metres / 1960 metres

Included as standard in the price

The price quoted is per person and is based on two people sharing a room. It includes:

• Carefully selected, en-suite bed and breakfast accommodation*
• Daily luggage transfers to your accommodation**
• All the necessary maps and guidebooks for your walk
• Route notes and maps detailing how to find your B&B at the end of each day
• The cost of any transfers that are required from the route to your accommodation if we are unable to book you into a B&B within easy walking distance of the trail
• Information about any special facilities offered by your hosts (eg hot tub or licensed bar)
• Suggestions and contact details for places for an evening meal each day
• Telephone support if required
• Advice from our team on travel to and from the start and end of the trail.

*En-suite is always chosen unless all options are booked out, in which case private bathrooms are sought. Customers are always consulted about non-en-suite options before details are finalised.

**Standard package includes one piece of baggage per walker, up to a maximum weight of 20kg. Additional bags can be transferred but incur an additional cost. Please enquire if you need this service.

Packed lunches and evening meals

The cost of these is not included in our standard package. All the accommodation providers we use offer packed lunches to keep you well fed during your walk. Payment is made directly to your hosts. Similarly, if you have an evening meal either at your accommodation or another local establishment, you pay them directly for it.

Optional extras that can be provided by Discovery Travel

Discovery Travel specialises in providing completely tailor-made services to our clients. This means that if our standard published itineraries do not suit our customers’ needs, we are always happy to discuss ways in which we can adjust accommodation, shorten or lengthen itineraries and distances to make for the perfect trip.

We also offer the following services to make for a seamless holiday:

• Transport to and from the start and finish of a trail
• Airport transfers
• Minibus and driver service, in particular for large groups where multiple accommodations are required each night and transfers are frequently required at the end of the day’s walk

If you are interested in any of the above or have any particular requirements, please do contact us to discuss your needs.

Make more of your break

If you would like to pause during your walk and explore one of the overnight locations for longer, you are free to select and add extra days to your holiday at any of your overnight stops. Prices for extra days are quoted above and will be added to the total cost of the holiday. If the itineraries on our website do not quite meet your requirements please do get in touch to arrange a bespoke trip.

Below are some suggestions for good places to spend an extra day or so.

Ilkley

The start of your journey is the charming Yorkshire town of Ilkley famed for its local pubs and folk festival and home to its own heritage centre and toy museum.

Sedburgh 

The attractive old market town of Sedbergh lies in the shadow of the Howgill Fells. Dating from Saxon times, there is plenty to do in Sedbergh today from a visit to a local working Dales farm to an afternoon at Fairfield Mill art gallery and craft centre. End the day with a pint at the Dalesman pub at the heart of the town.

Bowness on Windermere 

Add an extra day in the Lake District at the end of your walk and reflect on the terrains that you have passed through while enjoying a boat trip on the biggest of the area’s lakes. 

When to go

The weather in the UK can vary hugely so be prepared for all weathers whatever time of the year. 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. September is 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 can be much more changeable.

Getting to and from the trail

By Air: Leeds Bradford is the closest airport at the start of your journey while Manchester has a greater number of intercontinental flights.

By Rail: There are mainline train stations at Ilkley and Windermere, which connect with services from all parts of the UK. For train times and fares visit National Rail Enquiries.

By Bus: Ilkley is served by buses. You can find details on getting to Ilkley using Google Map. Click on “directions” in the left hand tab and enter your starting point.

Got a question about travel? If you need any advice about travel to and from your walk please get in touch with Discovery Travel and we will be happy to help.