7 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Guided Walking for Solos

Thorns Hall, Sedbergh

7 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Oct 2026

One itinerary available

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Grades 2 & 4 details

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Exclusively for solo travellers, this holiday is the perfect way to explore the high peaks and sweeping panoramas of the Yorkshire Dales whilst meeting new people and making lasting friendships. Enjoy the freedom of holidaying solo but with the bonus of friendly company as you set out on guided walks around highlights such as the picturesque Rawthey Valley and Howgill Fells — a favourite of legendary fellwalker and author Alfred Wainwright.

Accommodation

HF Country House
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.
Sedbergh - External_Front.jpg

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

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star 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 two guided walks (on walking days)
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Dedicated Solos host
  • Welcome drinks reception
  • Farewell dinner with drinks included
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

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Itinerary

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.

Version 1

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - 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 2 - 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 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 - 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.

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

Option 1 - Along Dentdale

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 500 feet (140m) 

In summary: Follow the Dales Way along Dentdale, through the village of Dent to Sedbergh. Our route follows the River Dee for most of the day before a gentle ascent over the hill to Sedbergh. 

Highlight: We'll explore the small village of Dent, peacefully situated at the head of the valley, and discover the story of its 'terrible knitters.'

 
Option 2 - Whernside

Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km) 

Ascent: 1950 feet (600m) 

In summary: Ascend from Dentdale onto the lofty summit of Whernside. We descend by Deepdale and follow the River Dee into Dent.  

Highlight: Whernside is the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks with excellent views of the Pennines, the Lake District and the Ribblehead Viaduct.

Option 1 - Eden Valley

Distance: 7.5 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 650 feet (200m) 

In summary: Walk through the rich green pastures of Cumbria's Eden Valley on this walk from Dufton to Appleby. Our route includes the magical wooded valley of Dufton Ghyll. 

Highlight: Our walk connects the charming fell side village of Dufton, with the historic market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.

Option 2 - High Cup Nick

Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m) 

In summary: Follow the Pennine Way from Dufton to the magnificent High Cup Nick. Our route takes us around the rim of this deep cut valley before a descending back to Dufton. 

Highlight: High Cup Nick is an immense 'U-shaped' valley carved into the slopes of the North Pennines - a dramatic natural feature.

Option 1 - Bram Rigg Top and Great Dummacks

Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)

Ascent: 2,700 feet (820m)

In summary: An unusual West-East traverse of the Howgills, which includes s steep ascent to Bram Rigg Top. The descent is via the attractive Fawcett Bank Rigg, where the gradient steepens shortly before reaching the Rawthey Valley en route to Thorns Hall.

Highlight: The descent offers wonderful views south towards Sedbergh and beyond.

Option 2 - River Dee and Briggflatts

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 600 feet (200m)

In summary: Via the village of Millthrop we head into Dentdale to walk beside the River Dee. We then cross the River Rawthey to visit the Quaker Meeting House at Brigflatts and the return to Sedbergh.

Highlight: The Quaker Meeting House is not only of historic interest, but coupled with its garden, is a place for quiet reflection.

 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 4

Medium Walks

Long distances in remote countryside and on rough terrain. You can expect some sustained ascents and descents; there may be occasional sections of scree and steep ground.

Accommodation

Thorns Hall, Sedbergh

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.

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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

  •  25 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 32 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm  •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & high chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounges  •  Garden  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point  Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

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.

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.

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. 

 

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 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Thorns Hall

Getting here

Address

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.

2026 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. 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. 

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Code: SDB07-BOS01

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Dates & availability

7 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Guided Walking for Solos

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

16 Oct - 23 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

Call to Enquire

Call to Enquire

Single rooms

£1,199

pp

£1,169

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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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