Herriot Way – 6 nights / 5 days walking

About this trail

Being a circular walk you can start at any of the locations on the route, though most people choose to start and finish at Aysgarth and walk the route clockwise. Your route begins by heading west along the banks of the River Ure, passing through Wensleydale and the towns of Askrigg and Hawes. After Hawes the trail turns north and climbs onto the route of the Pennine Way towards Keld via the lofty Great Shunner Fell, from where great views of the surrounding hills and dales can be had.

Between Keld and Reeth, two routes are available; a lower one following the Swale valley and the high route that climbs out of Keld and across Melbecks Moor. From Reeth, you turn south and ascend out of Swaledale across Whitaside Moor, before following Apedale down towards Castle Bolton and past the magnificent castle where Mary Queen of Scots was once held captive. Beyond that lie the impressive Aysgarth Falls and the final stretches of the route.

Terrain and navigation

The Herriot Way uses a mixture of public rights of way (footpaths, bridleways), small country lanes, parts of a disused railway and shooting tracks across moorland. You will walk through meadows and across farmland, and use rough tracks and paths. There are some substantial climbs, such as up to the top of Great Shunner Fell, but nothing that a reasonably fit walker cannot manage.  In terms of navigation, you will be supplied with an Ordnance Survey map with the route marked on it, plus a guide book with daily route descriptions and sketches of the route. Although the route is never that far from a town or village, it is not always well-marked so the ability to map read is important.

Route elevation

Highest point: 710 metres
Total ascent / descent: 1979 metres / 1980 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.

Hawes

Hawes is a great centre for walking, lying as it does on the Pennine Way and Lady Anne’s Way, as well as the Herriot Way. It’s a handsome town, with good pubs, shops and eateries and is also home to the world famous Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese – which has its own festival held in September.

Reeth

Reeth is a pretty village arranged in traditional fashion around its green. Despite being just a village, there are a number of pubs and places to eat. It’s a good base from which to explore local places of interest such as Bolton Castle or the Wensleydale Heritage Railway.

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 and August is the best time to see the purple heather. 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: The most convenient airports are Manchester or Leeds-Bradford.

By Rail: The nearest rail station to the route is Garsdale Head. For train times and fares visit National Rail Enquiries.

By Bus:  You can find details on getting to Aysgarth using Google Maps. 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.