Dales Way Self-Guided Trail

84 miles. 9-12½ miles and up to 1,300ft of ascent in a day.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Ilkley to Burnsall - The walk follows the river, passing through the attractive village of Addingham and onto the ruins of Bolton Abbey, before following the nature trail to The Strid - a spectacular complex of rocky falls. The last section of today’s walk traverses grassy fields, along the River Wharfe, to Burnsall. 13 miles, with 500 feet of ascent 

Day 3: Burnsall to Kettlewell - Today’s trail is one of contrasting landscapes, starting with a relaxed riverside path, passing Linton Falls enroute to the charming village of Grassington. Look out for wildlife, including dippers and kingfishers. The trail climbs steadily onto the limestone pavements of Conistone, for spectacular panoramas and the perfect picnic spot, before descending gently to the valley floor and the delightful village of Kettlewell. 10 miles, with 800 feet of ascent

Day 4: Kettlewell to Oughtershaw - Accompany the river as it meanders to its source. At the head of the Wharfedale valley the trail passes farming hamlets, and gains height as the hillside closes in. The final stage of today’s walk is along country roads to the small steading of Oughtershaw. 10 miles, with 750 feet of ascent

Day 5: Oughtershaw to Dent Head - Today is the most difficult section of the trail. Having said this, the scenery along the trail is visually stunning, and provides spectacular views of the Three Peaks of Yorkshire, Whernside, Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough. 9¼ miles, with 1,150 feet of ascent

Day 6: Dent Head to Sedbergh - A pleasant and relatively easy day’s walk. From Dent Head Viaduct along the banks of the River Dee and down into the Dentdale valley. Make the short detour to visit the charming village of Dent for a cup of tea and piece of cake, before following the Dee once more to Burton Hill, for distant views of the Lake District. End today’s trail in the pretty market town of Sedbergh. 11½ miles, with 575 feet of ascent

Day 7: Sedbergh to Skelmsmergh Tarn - The trail crosses from Yorkshire into the Lake District today, joining the course of the River Lune, and passes the magnificent Lune and Lowgill viaducts. Skelmsmergh Tarn is our final destination of the day. 14 miles, with 1,150 feet of ascent

Day 8: Skelmsmergh Tarn to Bowness-on-Windermere - The penultimate day’s walk heads into the heart of the Lake District. The path gently undulates to Burneside and the River Kent. A short climb up and over Brackenthwaite, for fantastic views of the surrounding fells, before your first glimpse of Lake Windermere as you descend through woodland to Bowness. 12¼ miles, with 1,300 feet of ascent

Day 9: Free day in Bowness-on-Windermere - Spend the day exploring in the heart of the Lake District national park.

Day 10: Departure day