Guided Trail on the Herriot Way

47 miles. 11 - 13 miles and up to 2,050 feet of ascent in a day

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Hawes to Aysgarth - Starting in Hawes, we leave the town and head north, crossing the River Ure, to reach the village of Sedbusk. From here we walk on field paths along the lower edge of Low Abbotside until we join Skellgill Lane. We follow the lane and take field paths along the banks of Mill Gill, toarrive in Askrigg. Our walk leaves Askrigg heading for the banks of the River Ure. We follow the river eastwards, sometimes taking the route of the dismantled Wensleydale railway line, until Aysgarth Falls are reached. Distance: 11 miles with 325 feet of ascent

Day 3: Aysgarth to Reeth - Leaving the river bearing north-east, we head towards Castle Bolton. Heading north from Castle Bolton we begin the ascent out of Wensleydale on an old lead miners’ track over East Bolton Moor. We then join a track leading us north-west through lonely Apedale, at the top of which we reach the highest point (1,833 feet / 550 metres) of today’s walk. From here we turn eastward, taking a rough track over Harkerside Moor, and begin our descent into Swaledale. Crossing the River Swale, our route continues to Reeth − today’s destination. Distance: 13 miles with 1,800 feet of ascent

Day 4: Reeth to Keld - We leave Reeth on a low-level field path and head west to reach the village of Healaugh. From here we again follow in the footsteps of the former lead miners by taking a track which ascends narrow Mill Gill. From here there is a steep descent into Gunnerside Gill and a further steep ascent out of the Gill crossing rough ground until we pick up a good path to Swinner Gill, where there is a long descent. Having descended Swinner Gill, we return to the banks of the Swale near Kisdon Force and soon afterwards cross the river to head for Keld. Distance: 11½ miles with 2,000 feet of ascent

Day 5: Keld to Hawes - It is from Keld that the ascent of Kisdon Side is made. We continue above North Gang Scar  until we descend into the quaint village of Thwaite. On leaving Thwaite we begin our ascent of Great Shunner Fell. From the summit and with weather permitting we will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views. Our route now takes us gently downhill to the village of Hardraw. Leaving Hardraw we head south-east along a field path until it meets Brunt Acres road which we follow for the short distance back into the centre of Hawes. Distance: 12 miles with 2,035 feet of ascent

Day 6: Departure day