Britain's first National Trail is back in our programme by popular request. From the limestone architecture of Malham Cove and the distinctive peak of Pen y ghent a wilderness journey unfolds across an exhilarating, rugged landscape interspersed with traditional villages of the Yorkshire Dales.

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Dates and prices
	Average temperatures
	Travel Information

Detailed itinerary

69 miles, 12 -14 miles and up to 2,800ft of ascent per day.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Malham to Horton in Ribblesdale
Distance: 23km (14 miles), 850m (2,800ft) of ascent
The popular Dales village of Malham marks the beginning of our holiday and the start of this unique karst landscape. Leaving the village its not long before our eyes are drawn to Malham Cove, a towering arc of sheer limestone rising up to 80 metres. At the top of the Cove we are rewarded with a wonderful panorama. Walking across a beautiful example of limestone pavement we reach Malham Tarn where a long climb awaits us to the top of Founatins Fell. After a short, sharp descent, the steep flanks of Pen-y-ghent rise above us. We ascend via the steep southern approach to the trig point and summit. The descent to Horton in Ribblesdale follows an attractive walled lane.

Day 3: Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes 
Distance: 22km (14 miles), 560m (1,850ft) of ascent
A gradual ascent out of Horton in Ribblesdale gives views of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and the striking Ribblehead viaduct. The route across Cam Fell is a well trodden path, certainly used by the Romans and later by wool traders. Dodd Fell looms to our right as we reach the highest point of the day at Ten End. From here the views northwards appear more gentle as Wensleydale comes into view. The bustling town of Hawes, the capital of Wensleydale, is our destination for the evening.

Day 4: Hawes to Keld
Distance: 19.5km (12 miles), 700m (2,300ft) of ascent
Walking through barn filled meadows we arrive at Hardraw, and the famous Hardraw Force. Out on the open fell the landscape begins to open up and we can see Ingleborough in all its glory. Upland birds are our soul companions as we make the long ascent to the summit of Great Shunner Fell (2350ft/716metres). From this isolated location the views are simply stunning. Descending along a drove road we arrive at the small Swaledale village of Thwaite. Leaving the village we have a wonderful views of the limestone scars and screes of the Swale Valley as we walk to the small village of Keld.

Day 5: Keld to Bowes
Distance: 22km (14 miles), 370m, (1,220ft) of ascent
This morning we walk through our final few miles of Dales scenery via an old packhorse trail on Stonesdale Moor. This brings us to England’s highest hostelry, the isolated Tan Hill Inn. Just east of the inn we enter County Durham and cross lonely Sleightholme Moor. The busy A66 reinforces our comparative isolation throughout the day and as we approach the town of Bowes, its 12th century castle dominating the skyline.

Day 6: Bowes to Middleton in Teesdale
Distance: 22km (14 miles), 450m, (1485ft) of ascent
We cross the busy A66 and follow a tarmac road uphill. Climbing to Cotherstone Moor we are rewarded with excellent views of the Baldersdale. Dropping down into the Lune Valley we encounter a second set of reservoirs, Selset to the left and Grassholme to the right. Here we come across Hannah’s Meadow’ named after Hannah Hauxwell, who lived alone at isolated Low Birk Hat Farm, very close to our route. Hannah Hauxwell was the feature of TV documentary ‘Too Long a Winter’. The end of our journey is through meadows and fertile pastures, to the traditional market town of Middleton in Teesdale.

Day 7: Departure Day

Fitness
We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of this walk and get the most out of your holiday.  The walkind day is normally 6-8 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests, that you can maintain the pace.

Luggage Transport
Transport of your luggage will be arranged by us through local operators and is of course, included in your holiday price. It would be appreciated if you limited your luggage to one medium sized bag, rucksack or suitcase. Daily arrangements will be finalised by your leader at each hotel.

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Dates and prices

Single room supplement: £10 per person, per night (3nts) at Kirkby Stephen
Premium rooms: £5 per person, per night (3nts) at Malhamdale

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Travel Information

Travel by rail: Travelling by train is a convenient method of travel. For further information and train times visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 48 49 50 (from overseas call ++44 020 7278 5240).

Holiday Start:  Skipton railstation is midway on the Settle to Carlisle line, 7 miles from Newfield Hall. Take the local train either north from Leeds or south from Carlisle, from where there are mainline connections to the rest of the UK.
The taxi journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs approximately £13/taxi.

Holiday Finish: The last 3 nights are spent at Kirkby Stephen, where the station is approximately 1 mile away. Staff at the final accommodation will be happy to assist you with taxis as required.
Kirkby Stephen station is midway on the Settle to Carlisle line; Take the local train either south to Leeds or north to Carlisle, from where there are mainline connections to the rest of the UK.

Travel by Car: It is possible to leave your car in the hotel car park at the first hotel, Newfield Hall- Kirkby Malham, for the duration of the holiday. Directions are as follows;

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Average temperatures

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