The Dales Way is a delightful 78 mile walk through the Yorkshire Dales from the moors of Ilkley through the wonderful limestone country of Wharfedale and Dentdale and then skirting the Howgill Fells as you head west into south Lakeland to finish at the charming town of Bowness-on-Windermere, the largest lake in England's premier National Park.
Prices are per person based on twin share and include all accommodation in twin share rooms on bed & breakfast basis, luggage transfer, information pack including map & guidebook and our emergency contact.
Route Options
This itinerary is for fit individuals who are experienced long-distance trail walkers looking to complete the Dales Way in a minimum time. This itinerary has a couple of long days around 20 miles in length. The final day into Bowness is shorter and this gives the option to return home on this day (deduct £50pp if no overnight in Bowness is required).
Arrive at Ilkley and check in.Walking the Dales Way in 6 stages is an option for anyone used to long distance trail walking. Our itinerary gives an average day of around 12 - 14 miles with one longer day from Buckden to Dentdale. We have kept the last day shorter to give time to enjoy the lakeside at Bowness or for the option to return home on this day (deduct £50pp if no overnight in Bowness).
Arrive at Ilkley and check in.Walking the Dales Way in 7 stages is our recommended option with a daily mileage of around 10 - 12 miles. Given the nature of the walking which is mostly along rivers and canals and through low valleys, this is quite a pleasant pace with time to enjoy and look around the places you are passing through. Our price for this option includes a night in Bowness / Windermere but if you wish to return home on the same day you end the Dales Way, this is also possible (deduct £50pp if no overnight in Bowness).
Arrive at Ilkley and check in.For anyone with more than just a week to devote to this beautiful walk, it is well worth taking your time over the Dales Way. This itinerary will allow plenty of time to get the best out of the sightseeing possibilities along the route and enjoy a relaxed pace on a trail with ample opportunity to sample village pubs and quirky cafes.
Arrive at Ilkley and check in.The price includes:
Not included:
Our Accommodation:
As keen walkers ourselves we appreciate the importance of the place you put your feet up and rest your head in at the end of each day. We very carefully select our accommodations whether they be a cosy pub, family run guest house, or established town centre hotel. We choose places directly on the route or within easy walking distance of it and if we ever have to transfer you because of limited availability, we will always contact you to discuss this and never just leave you to find out later. We provide comfortable, clean and warm twin or double rooms, with private bathroom wherever available. Single occupancy of rooms is also available for a supplementary cost.
Meals:
Breakfast at your accommodation is included in the holiday price. In most cases your accommodation will serve dinner and will be able to prepare a packed lunch for you. Sometimes this will have to be arranged in advance and we will let you know if this is the case. Alternatively you can use our detailed notes to make your own dining and lunch arrangements using local restaurants, cafes and supermarkets.
ILKLEY: There are frequent trains to Ilkley from London (Kings Cross) taking approximately 3 hours, from Manchester (1½ hours) and from Glasgow (5 hours).
RETURN from WINDERMERE: There are frequent trains from Windermere to London (3½ - 4 hours), Manchester (1½ - 2 hours) and Glasgow (2½ - 3 hours). We do not recommend driving to the start of the Dales Way as the return journey by train from Windermere will take 3 - 4 hours and involves several changes of train.
