7 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

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Duration: 7 nights
Type: Gentle guided walking
Walking Grade: 1, 2 & 3
from £1,099pp

Ideal for those wanting to discover the awe-inspiring Southern Yorkshire Dales at a more relaxed pace, this gentle guided walking holiday rewards with magnificent trails, rich wildlife and geology, plus comfortable accommodation in our characterful country house. You’ll also enjoy a choice of up to three different-grade daily walks, including a gentle walk of three to four miles.

What you’ll love

  • Marvelling at some of the most impressive peaks in England
  • Discovering the varied landscape of the Southern Yorkshire Dales on foot
  • Admiring green valleys and waterfalls on riverside strolls
  • Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors   
  • Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader   
  • Staying at Newfield Hall, our country house near the village of Malham

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.

Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.


Option 1 - Airton and the Pennine Way

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 330 feet (100m) 

In summary: After following lanes to Calton, we cross fields to the Pennine Way and pick up the old mill leat to Airton.  After exploring the village we return to Newfield Hall via Kirk Syke Lane.

Highlight: Visit the 17th century village of Airton and spend time looking for dippers on the River Aire.

Option 2 - Kirkby Malham Circular

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (200m) 

In summaryThis circular walk takes us through the village of Calton before joining the Pennine Way to take us to the medieval church at Kirkby Malham. We then cross open countryside to reach the 17th century village of Airton before returning by lanes and fields.  

Highlight: Discover plenty of historical interest including an 18th century watermill, the 'Cathedral of the Dales’ at Kirkby Malham and the curious story of a watery grave.

Option 3 - Malham via the Pennine Way

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)

Ascent: 900 feet (280m)

In summaryDiscover the beautiful countryside as we walk north by the River Aire through Malhamdale to reach the village of Malham. We take a circular route to view Malham Cove before returning along the Pennine Way past the villages of Hanlith and Airton.

Highlight: Walk past Aire Head Spring where the river resurges from underground and enjoy close-up views of the dramatic Malham Cove.


Option 1 - Clapham Beck and Ingleborough Cave

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 650 feet (200m) 

In summary: We walk from the traditional Dales village of Clapham, passing through the Ingleborough Estate, to Ingleborough Cave. We then cross the beck and return to the village where there will be time to enjoy coffee and cake in the village.   

Highlight: We'll stop for an optional tour of Ingleborough Cave with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Option 2 - Gaping Gill

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) 

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) 

In summary: Today’s circular walk starts in  the traditional Dales village of Clapham. Pass through the Ingleborough Estate, to Ingleborough Cave,and ascend the limestone gorge of Trow Gill to reach the huge pot hole of Gaping Gill. 

Highlight: Gaping Gill is awe-inspiring in its scale. This huge pot hole drops 100 metres into a cavern large enough to fit York Minster.

Option 3 - Norber

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Starting at Clapham, follow an ancient lane, walk through a boulder field of glacial erratic’s at Norber and take a moorland path onto Thwaite Scars, with views of the Crummack Dale.  Undulating moorland paths lead to Gaping Gill before returning to Clapham via the Ingleborough estate. 

Highlight: Gaping Gill is awe-inspiring in its scale. This huge pot hole drops 100 metres into a cavern large enough to fit York Minster.


Discover more about Newfield Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.


Option 1 - Eshton Moor and River Aire

Distance: 4 miles (7km)

Ascent: 500 feet (140m) 

In summary: This circular walk explores the Pennine Way south before going over Eshton Moor and descending fields to the River Aire, then field paths ascend gently to Haw Crag before the return to Newfield Hall.

Highlight: Good views of the local area, including Newfield Hall, from the top of  Haw Crag (677 feet).

Option 2 - The Pennine Way

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 750 feet (220m)

In summaryThis circular walk follows the Pennine Way south to Gargrave. From here we follow an old green lane to reach Haw Crag.

Highlight: Views from the summit of Haw Crag (677 feet), which you can see from the house.

Option 3 - Gargrave & Haw Crag

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 850 feet (260m)

In summary: Our circular walk takes us south of Newfield Hall through undulating scenery to the village of Gargrave. We follow the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, before returning via an old Green Lane.

Highlight: A pleasant stroll by Eshton Beck and along the canal towpath where we will see Gargrave Locks. 


Option 1 - Along the Wharfe to Grassington

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: We follow the Dales Way along the beautiful River Wharfe first to Linton Falls, then to picturesque Grassington where there will be plenty of time to explore or relax in one of the many tea shops.  

Highlight: Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the River Wharfe.

Option 2 - Linton to Grassington

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: Enjoy great views of Wharfedale as you walk from Linton through the charming village of Thorpe. We'll then follow the Dales Way along the river, past Linton Falls to Grassington.

Highlight: Explore the unique 12th Century church in Linton and look out for Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the River Wharfe.

Option 3 - Conistone Dib

Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: A horseshoe walk around Wharfedale. We first head up the western side of the valley where we will see amazing views of Kilnsey Crag. After crossing the river walk through more rugged scenery with a short scramble up Conistone Dib, then follow the Dales Way to Grassington.

Highlight: Our walk ends in the traditional Yorkshire village of Grassington with its cobbled streets, shops and tea rooms.


Option 1 - Janet's Foss & Malham

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km) 

Ascent: 500 feet (160m) 

In summary: First we leave Malham to cross National Trust land and view Janet's Foss. Then a gentle walk takes us up to the magnificent  Malham Cove, before walking back into Malham village. 

Highlight: Malham Cove is truly spectacular. Look out for peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs, and the river emerging from the base of the cove.

Option 2 - Around Malham

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: We ascend gradually along a green lane and over open moorland up to Malham Tarn and return to Malham past Malham Cove and beautiful Janet's Foss waterfall. 

Highlight: Looking over the limestone pavement of Malham Cove is always an impressive sight.

Option 3 - Gordale and Malham Cove

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m) 

In summary: A classic walk from Malham that leads to the beautiful sights of Janet’s Foss and magnificent Gordale Scar before heading north over moorland, past the top of Malham Cove, to reach Malham Tarn. The return route provides stunning views of limestone countryside before descending by a green lane to reach the bottom of Malham Cove.

Highlight: The pretty woodland waterfall of Janet’s Foss, the collapsed cave system of Gordale Scar from the last Ice Age, and the serene Malham Tarn, that is surrounded by pervious limestone.


Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.


Newfield Hall

Looking every inch the baronial mansion, Newfield Hall sits in two acres of grounds near the village of Malham at the southern base of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Given it was this very landscape which inspired Wordsworth to write a sonnet and Charles Kingsley to pen The Water Babies, the countryside views are as gorgeous as you’d imagine. You’ll also have plenty of sightseeing greats within easy travelling distance, most notably Malham Tarn, Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Cove, and The Dry Valley of the Watlowes. And then, of course, there’s Yorkshire’s famous trio of summits: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, collectively known as the three peaks.

Stay at Newfield Hall and experience the exceptional service of a VisitEngland ROSE award winner. Find out more about the latest accolade awarded to our country house in the Southern Yorkshire Dales by reading our latest blog.

 

Rooms

Designed with your comfort in mind, Newfield Hall has 46 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 guest rooms spread across the main building and the tastefully converted coach house. Rooms 3 and 6 are both corner rooms offering original features and large bay windows overlooking the gardens and beyond (Room 6 has its own telescope). 

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 Newfield Hall

10692_0009 - Newfield Hall - Exterior

Getting to Newfield Hall

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Address

Newfield Hall
Airton
Skipton
North Yorkshire BD23 4AA

Tel: +44 (0)1729 830235

By train

The most convenient station is Skipton. Gargrave station is closer, but there’s no taxi service from here.  

Check National Rail for routes and times. 

By shared transfer

If you’re travelling to or from Newfield Hall on Mondays or Fridays or over the festive period, you can join our group transfer from Skipton Railway Station.  

2024 prices are £22 per person for a return transfer or £11 per person for a single transfer. 2025 prices are £30 per person for a return transfer or £15 per person for a single transfer.

Outward journey: Depart Skipton Railway Station at 16:10; arrive at Newfield Hall at 16:35. Return journey: Depart Newfield Hall at 09:15; arrive at Skipton Railway Station at 09:40.

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

Skipton to Newfield Hall is 8 miles, which takes around 25 minutes. 

For pricing, please contact Station Taxis directly.

Station Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Station Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1756 700777
Email: stationtaxis@hotmail.co.uk

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Newfield Hall.

*Station Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By car

From the south, follow the A65 from Skipton to Gargrave. Leave the A65 by Eshton Road, signposted to Malham and pass Eshton Hall on the right. Newfield Hall is approx. 2½ miles further on, on the right and before the village of Airton. There is a stone pillar and a wooden sign at each side of our driveway.  (Please note: The next right turn has a post box at the bottom of the lane and leads to a private farm access ONLY.)

From the north, exit the M6 at junction 36 and take the A65 towards Skipton. In Coniston Cold village take a sharp left into a narrow road between houses, signposted to St Peters Church and Bell Busk and Malham. Pass under a railway viaduct, then after a mile bear right over a small bridge. After a further mile turn right at the junction, cross the narrow bridge, pass a left turn with a post box at the bottom of the lane (which leads to a private farm) and then shortly after, turn left through the gateway onto the drive of Newfield Hall. There is a stone pillar and a wooden sign at each side of our driveway.

There is free parking with the grounds of Newfield Hall.

By air

The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport. 

From the airport 
Take the bus to Leeds train station from where there are direct trains to Skipton taking about one and a half hours. Check Transdev for bus times and National Rail for train times. 

From Manchester International Airport there are direct trains every hour to Skipton with one change at Leeds. You’ll need to allow 2.5 hours to reach Skipton.  

Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option but you’ll have a longer onward train journey – about 4.5 hours. From Heathrow, first take the Piccadilly line to London Kings Cross station and from here take a train to Skipton (with one change at Leeds). 

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 

Newfield 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

18 Apr - 25 Apr 2025

7 nights

Gentle Walks

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,099 pp

from

£1,099 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

25 Jul - 01 Aug 2025

7 nights

Gentle Walks

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,259 pp

from

£1,259 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

26 Sep - 03 Oct 2025

7 nights

Gentle Walks

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,259 pp

from

£1,259 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now
Duration:
7 nights
Type:
Gentle guided walking
Walking Grade:
1, 2 & 3

7 nights from £1,099pp

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 117Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More