7-Night Western Yorkshire Dales Gentle Walking Holiday
Snuggled between the much-loved Lake District and the charming Yorkshire Dales lies the hidden beauty of the Howgills Fells. This corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers high peaks, rugged dales, quaint market towns and sweeping panoramas.
Holiday Highlights
- Explore the charming Western Yorkshire Dales and the hidden beauty of the Howgills Fells
- Discover the high peaks, rugged dales, quaint market towns and sweeping panoramas
- Let your leader bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life
- Enjoy the evenings in our country house where you can relax and re-live the days adventures
What’s included
- High quality en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day
- 5 days guided walking; 1 free day
- Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point
- Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day
- The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Option 1 - Along the river Rawthey
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (80m)
In Summary: A Gentle stroll along the rivery Rawthey to Brigflatts before returning to Thorns Hall via field paths.
Highlights: The sea of colours abundant in the gently grazed meadows surrounding Sedbergh in the summer months.
Option 2 - 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 onto the lower slopes, then return beside the River Rawthey.
Highlights: Towards the end of the walk we'll stop at Farfield Mill. This lovingly restored Victorian woollen mill that now hosts a cafe and heritage centre.
Option 3 - Over the Howgills
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,900 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 along the River Rawthey.
Highlights: An opportunity to get high onto the Howgill Fells; a beautiful upland area of rolling grassy hills.
Option 1 - Cotter Force to Hawes
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 250 feet (80m)
In Summary: A wander around the dales taking in two beautiful and contrasting waterfalls before finishing in the market town of Hawes.
Highlights: The single spout of Hardraw Force pouring out of a fissure in the Limestone is an impressive sight.
Option 2 - Wensleydale Highlights
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
In Summary: Follow the green valley of Wensleydale from Askrigg to Hawes. We'll pass Hardraw Force, the highest single drop in England at 100ft (small cost to view).
Highlights: Akrigg is a quintessential Dales village that found fame as the location of TV’s All Creatures Great and Small.
Option 3 - Semer Water
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In Summary: Explore the rolling hills to the south of Wensleydale. Our route visits Semer Water, Yorkshire’s only true natural lake, then climbs over the ridge to Hawes.
Highlights: The walk ends in Hawes where you can sample the valley's most famous product - delicious Wensleydale cheese.
Discover more about Thorns Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.
Option 1 - Wain Wath Force
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Total ascent: 350 feet (120m)
In Summary: From wain wath force, we follow the River Swale below the summit of Kisdon to Muker, a small village on the site of a settlement dating back to Viking times.
Highlights: Exploring the quaint village of Muker with an art gallery, craft shop as well as a pub and tea rooms.
Option 2 - 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.
Highlights: The small villages of Keld and Muker have a timeless quality with their traditional farms and historic churches.
Option 3 - Upper Swaledale
Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)
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.
Highlights: The upper reaches of Swaledale are particularly attractive with tranquil scenery and charming sleepy villages.
Option 1 - Beside the River Rawthey
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 250 feet (80m)
Descent: 500 feet (160m)
In Summary: A circular walk along the river Rawthey and around field paths with great views and past the arts and heritage craft centre at Farfield Mill.
Highlights: The big views easily obtained across to the Howgills from the hills we skirt above the river Rawthey basin.
Option 2 - Along Dentdale
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 500 feet (140m)
In Summary: Follow the Dales Way along Dentdale from the village of Dent to Sedbergh. Our route follows the River Dee for most of the day before a gentle asecnt over the hill to Sedbergh.
Highlights: 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 3 - Aye Gill Pike
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)
In Summary: Walk high on the moors above above Dentdale to Rise Hill and Aye Gill Pike. Our route then descends gradually along the grassy ridge to Sedbergh.
Highlights: Enjoy the panoramic views over Sedbergh and the Howgill Fells as you descend from Aye Gill Pike.
Option 1 - Kirkby Stephen & the Viaducts
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In Summary: An exploration of this Cumbrian Market town and the viaducts that surround.
Highlights: The impressive Podgill viaduct, an impressive Victorian engineering feat.
Option 2 - The Upper Eden Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (140m)
In Summary: Follow the Upper Eden valley to the market town of Kirkby Stephen. We'll pass the ruins of Pendragon Castle, which according to legend was built by Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's father.
Highlights: The Mallerstang Valley is home to a colony of red squirels. If you're lucky you may get to spot these illusive creatures.
Option 3 - Lady Anne's Way
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
In Summary: Descend through the Mallerstang Valley from Aisgill to Kirkby Stephen. We'll follow Lady Anne's Way along the valley side, then alongside the River Eden to Pendragon Castle and Stenkrith Falls.
Highlights: Our walk follows the Settle to Carlisle Railway; England's most scenic line.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Thorns Hall
Situated in Sedbergh, in West Yorkshire’s portion of the famous Dales, at the foot of the Howgill Fells, Thorns Hall offers cosy, country-pile atmosphere amid beautiful rural surroundings. Dating from 1535, the small manor house is home to 25 bedrooms as well as wood-panelled public rooms, open fireplaces and a cobbled courtyard that ooze historic charm. From every aspect the hills can be seen rising around the house and a short hop takes you from the house to the fells and upland scenery. Marvel at the 24 arch Ribblehead Viaduct, climb the distinctive summit of Ingleborough, one of the Three Peaks, explore classic limestone scenery and stop in at one of Appleby’s historic pubs for a well-earned toast.
Need to know
Important Covid-19 steps we have taken for guest safety: Please Read
As we slowly reopen in the wake of the Coronavirus lockdown, our country house stays are set to be organised a little differently; extra steps have been taken to keep our guests, house teams and leaders safe while we return to action. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place.
Initially the overall capacity of the houses has been reduced. Guests must wear face coverings in public spaces. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, we have taken the necessary steps to space out furniture and seating in public areas. In addition, a one-way system will be in place around the house. Adequate signage will be displayed to support the direction of travel to be followed by guests and house teams.
As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We have removed all non-essential and reusable items from our rooms for the meantime including cushions, hairdryers, bathrobes, bed throws, and printed materials to reduce the number of items that need to be disinfected. Hairdryers will be available on request. Clean towels will be available on request. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails.
For now, there is no cream tea on arrival day. We have also adapted our food offering to remove all buffets and open food items. Different sittings may be required for breakfast and dinner due to the occupancy and size of the house. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. The bar in each country house will be open, and we will be offering a table service for drinks. At this time there is no, or only a very limited, evening social programme available. Outdoor swimming pools at those houses that have them will re-open throughout May to September. Indoor swimming pools will remain closed.
For more information and to see all the steps taken, visit our page on how house stays will be adapted.
Rooms
Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the Hall’s smartly presented rooms in the main house or cottages across the courtyard. With 25 rooms, Thorns Hall has plenty of space and there’s a range of Good, Better and Best Rooms to choose from. Our pick is Room 25, a very spacious escape on the ground floor with a great brick fireplace, comfy seats to sit in and big bed as well as gorgeous views of the gardens. Look out too for large and airy Room 4 and the more intimate Room 13 with its exposed wood ceiling and courtyard view.
All ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ and ‘Best’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress and larger television – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-25 per person per night. You can choose a specific room for an extra £30 per room, subject to availability. Upgrade supplements still apply.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, formal garden, large reception hall, two lounges, library and board games to borrow
After a day exploring the Dales, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. At the front of the house there’s a pretty, formal garden that makes a pleasant spot to relax in. Take up residence in the lounge below the exposed wood beams or seek refuge in the small, dark wood-panelled bar with its over-sized fireplace and log burner for an atmospheric corner to kick back in and catch up with fellow guests over a local ale or two.
Food & Drink
As at all our country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening’s meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Lunch is a chance to stock up on our famous picnic snacks. Food at Thorns Hall is varied and tasty and has a strong emphasis on ingredients from the area and seasonal produce. Once a week the dining room in the converted barn hosts a Local Food Night, when, over a sociable evening, you might try a five-course feast of regional flavours, from twice baked Wensleydale Cheese Souffle to Lancashire black pudding and Cumbrian rump of lamb.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865
Getting to Thorns Hall
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationGuest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £20 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | |||||||
|
11 Sep -
18 Sep
|
7 | Gentle Walk | £945 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |