3 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Guided Walking Holiday
A superb introduction to the Western Yorkshire Dales, this guided walking holiday rewards with sweeping views, countryside walks, and comfortable accommodation in Sedbergh – the Cumbrian market town treasured for its cobbled streets, public school, artisan shops, and bookshops. You’ll have the Yorkshire Dales National Park on your doorstep as well as Howgill Fells - the small group of hills adored by legendary fellwalker, illustrator, and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the landscape of the Western Yorkshire Dales on foot
- Discovering high peaks, rugged dales, and quaint market towns
- Hunting for second-hand books in Sedbergh’s shops and cafés
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
- Staying at Thorns Hall, our Grade II-listed manor house
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Option 1 - Rawthey Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 750 feet (220m)
In summary: Explore the green valleys around Sedbergh on this circular walk. We'll head through the fields into Garsdale and then return beside the Clough River and River Rawthey.
Highlight: Towards the end of the walk we'll pass Farfield Mill. This lovingly restored Victorian woollen mill that now hosts a heritage centre.
Option 2 - Over the Howgills
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,850 feet (580m)
In summary: This circular walk from Sedbergh ascends to the summit of Arant Haw in the Howgill Fells. We then descend over the Nab to join the Dales Way and return to Sedbergh passing the Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House and the River Rawthey.
Highlight: An opportunity to get high onto the Howgill Fells; a beautiful upland area of rolling grassy hills.
Option 3 - The Calf
Distance: 10.5miles (17km)
Ascent: 2750 feet (840m)
In summary: After a valley walk along the Rawthey Valley we'll ascend steeply past the Cautley Spout waterfall onto the Howgill Fells. We'll head to The Calf, the highest point of the Howgills, before a glorious descent along the ridge to Sedbergh.
Highlight: The classic Howgills walk where you'll get to experience this stunning landscape and soak up the views of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
Option 1 - Keld and Muker
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: Discover the delightful upper reaches of Swaledale. We'll follow the valley from Thwaite to Keld, returning past the waterfall of East Gill Force and the centuries-old lead mine at Crackpot Hall.
Highlight: The small villages of Keld and Muker have a timeless quality with their traditional farms and historic churches.
Option 2 - Upper Swaledale
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)
In summary: Walk over Black Hill between Thwaite and Keld, then follow the upper Swale valley to Muker, finishing along a spectacular terrace above the river.
Highlight: The upper reaches of Swaledale are particularly attractive with tranquil scenery and charming sleepy villages.
Option 3 - Great Shunner Fell
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 1,800 feet (560m)
In summary: Cross the hills from Wensleydale to Swaledale. Our highest point is the summit of Great Shunner Fell, from where we descend following the Pennine Way to the village of Muker.
Highlight: Choose a clear day and you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view over the Yorkshire Dales to the Lake District fells in the distance.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Option 1 - Dales Way
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
In summary: A delightful walk alongside the River Lune following the Dales Way. We'll then cross the fields to Brigflatts church and Sedbergh.
Highlight: Discover the attractive and tranquil scenery of the Lune Valley. Our walk ends back in Sedbergh where you might like to visit one of the historic pubs or explore the town's celebrated bookshops.
Option 2 - Above the Lune Valley
Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Walk above the Lune Valley and visit Fox's Pulpit. Having descended to the River Lune we'll return to Sedbergh along the Dales Way beside the River Rawthey.
Highlight: Fox's Pulpit is a rocky outcrop where George Fox, the founder of the Quakers preached. From here there's a beautiful view across the valley to the Howgill Fells.
Option 3 - Howgill Traverse
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 2,150 feet (660m)
In summary: A fantastic north to south traverse across the Howgill Fells. Walking high in the hills for most of the day we'll follow the undulating ridge over Hazelgill Knott to the summit of The Calf, then continue onwards along the ridge to Sedbergh.
Highlight: The Calf is the highest point in the Howgills and enjoys a great view over the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District mountains.
Option 1 - Rawthey Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 750 feet (220m)
In summary: Explore the green valleys around Sedbergh on this circular walk. We'll head through the fields into Garsdale and then return beside the Clough River and River Rawthey.
Highlight: Towards the end of the walk we'll pass Farfield Mill. This lovingly restored Victorian woollen mill that now hosts a heritage centre.
Option 2 - Crook and Winder
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In summary: Ascending Settlebeck Gill behind Thorns Hall we take a contouring route to the subsidiary top of Crook. We then continue to the summit of Winder, followed by a well tracked descent and return to the House.
Highlight: Capped with a trig point Winder is iconic from a Sedbergh perspective, and is included in Sedbergh School cross country runs.
Option 3 - Middleton Fell
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 2100 feet (640m)
In summary: The Dales Way takes us into Dentdale before ascending to Combe Top on the long ridge of Middleton Fell. Looking across to the nearby summits we return by good paths over the open fell to reach Sedbergh.
Highlight: The climb up to Combe Top should offer dramatic views of Combe Scar.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Option 1 - Smardale Gill
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: Head over Smardale Fell to Smardale Hall, then along the valley side and across the viaduct back to Ravenstonedale.
Highlight: The valley of Smardale Gill is an unexpected delight crowned by the majestic viaduct of the old Darlington to Tebay railway.
Option 2 - Potts Valley & Smardale
Distance: 9½ miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (400m)
In summary: From Newbiggin-on-Lune we head into Potts valley to Crosby Garrett returning via Smardale Gill and crossing the impressive grade 2 listed viaduct.
Highlight: Smardale Gill is a National Nature Reserve; a classic limestone habitat that is rich with butterflies, wild flowers and birds.
Option 3 - Wild Boar Fell
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)
In summary: Ascend to the high moorland summits of Swarth Fell and Wild Boar Fell, before crossing a patchwork of fields to the village of Ravenstonedale.
Highlight: This is a real 'away from it all' walk through beautiful upland scenery.
Option 1 - Dowbiggin and Hebblethwaite
Distance: 6.5 miles (11km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In summary: We start by walking on the banks of the Rivers Rawthey & Clough, and on to Hebblethwaite Hall. Then it is back to Straight Bridge and over the fields to Thorns Hall.
Highlight: Great riverside walking and a descent into Hebblethwaite Hall Gill.
Option 2 - River Rawthey (North)
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
In summary: The walk heads NE up the Rawthey Valley, before crossing the river and the wilder lower slopes of West Baugh Fell. The return is across Hebblethwaite Hall Gill and Straight Bridge to Thorns Hall.
Highlight: Great views of Baugh Fell and The Howgills.
Option 3 - White Fell Head and the Calf
Distance: 10.5 miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 2900 feet (880m)
In summary: The west side of the Howgills are accessed in part along the Lune Valley Roman Road. A steep ascent follows to White Fell Head & The Calf, with an interesting return via Crook.
Highlight: A day which should heighten the appreciation of the Howgills.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Thorns Hall
Delivering on all fronts for countryside lovers, this cosy Grade II-listed manor house is just a skip away from Sedbergh – the Cumbrian market town treasured for its cobbled streets, public school, artisan shops, and bookshops (it’s known as England’s official book town for good reason). You’ll also have the Yorkshire Dales National Park on your doorstep as well as the Howgill Fells - the small group of hills adored by legendary fellwalker, illustrator, and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright. The walking opportunities here are outstanding, but if you fancy travelling further afield there’s Kendal (home of the mint cake), Hawes, Wensleydale, Appleby-in-Westmorland, and Lake Windemere all within easy driving distance.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Thorns Hall has 25 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The spacious Room 25 for its ground floor setting, brick fireplace, comfy seating, large bed, and gorgeous views of the gardens. Room 4 is large and airy while the cosier Room 13 has an exposed wood ceiling and courtyard view.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Thorns Hall
Getting to Thorns Hall
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Thorns Hall
Cautley Road
Sedbergh
Cumbria LA10 5LE
Tel: +44 (0)1539 620973
By train
The nearest station is Oxenholme, Lake District, on the main line between London and Glasgow.
Check National Rail for routes and journey times.
By shared transfer
If you’re travelling to or from Thorns Hall on Mondays or Fridays or over the festive period, you can join our group transfer from Oxenholme Railway Station.
2024 prices are £40 per person for a return transfer or £20 per person for a single transfer. 2025 prices are £50 per person for a return transfer or £25 per person for a single transfer.
Outward journey: Depart Oxenholme Railway Station at 16:30; arrive at Thorns Hall at 17:10.
Return journey: Depart Thorns Hall at 09:30; arrive at Oxenholme Railway Station at 10:10.
Places are limited so booking is essential. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance by contacting:
HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Tel: +44 (0)203 974 8865
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk
By taxi
The journey from Oxenholme station to Thorns Hall is 10 miles and will take about 20 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Woofs of Sedbergh directly.
Woofs of Sedbergh
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Woofs of Sedbergh*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1539 620414
Email: woofs.sedbergh@outlook.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Thorns Hall.
*Woofs of Sedbergh is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By car
There’s a car park available at Thorns Hall if you decide to drive.
Leave the M6 at junction 37 and follow the A684 eastbound for five miles to Sedbergh. At Sedbergh follow the road into Finkle Street (avoiding the main street), then almost immediately turn left at a small roundabout into Back Lane. At the next mini roundabout turn onto the A683 following signs to Kirkby Stephen. Thorns Hall is 100 yards on the left.
By air
The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.
There are direct trains every hour to Oxenholme with the journey taking around 90 minutes. From Oxenholme station you can complete the journey to Sedbergh by taxi.
National Rail have up-to-date information on train times and routes.
Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option, but it'll take you at least four hours to reach Oxenholme. Catch the train to London Paddington station, then the London Underground to London Euston where you can connect to the main line train to Oxenholme. The journey from here is 2.5 hours.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Thorns Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
28 Feb - 03 Mar 2025 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £459 Double from £459 pp |
from £459 pp |
from £459 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
21 Mar - 24 Mar 2025 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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|
28 Mar - 31 Mar 2025 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £459 pp |
from £459 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
04 Apr - 07 Apr 2025 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 pp |
from £515 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
25 Apr - 28 Apr 2025 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £440 Double from £515 pp |
from £515 pp |
from £440 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
09 May - 12 May 2025 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £470 Double from £545 pp |
from £545 pp |
from £470 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
30 May - 02 Jun 2025 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £545 Double from £545 pp |
from £545 pp |
from £545 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
27 Jun - 30 Jun 2025 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £545 pp |
from £545 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
04 Jul - 07 Jul 2025 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £605 Double from £545 pp |
from £545 pp |
from £605 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
01 Aug - 04 Aug 2025 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £605 Double from £545 pp |
from £545 pp |
from £605 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
15 Aug - 18 Aug 2025 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £605 Double from £545 pp |
from £545 pp |
from £605 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
03 Oct - 06 Oct 2025 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 pp |
from £515 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
96Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
