4 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Guided Walking for Solos Holiday
A solo holiday is less about going it alone and more about embracing adventure and forging new friendships. Discover the limestone scenery, geological wonders, and rich wildlife, that make the Southern Yorkshire Dales so appealing and enjoy a choice of three walks a day led by experienced HF Holidays Leaders. Best of all, you’ll be in a group with other solo guests. So even if you start off alone, you’ll find that people are easily brought together by a shared love of the great outdoors.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the varied landscape of the Southern Yorkshire Dales on foot
- Admiring green valleys and waterfalls on riverside strolls
- Passing through charming villages
- 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.
Gallery
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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - The Pennine Way
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 750 feet (220m)
In summary: This 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 2 - 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 3 - Gargrave & Pennine Way
Distance: 12½ miles (20km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: We head southeast down lanes and over fields via Eshton village and the hamlet of Flasby to reach the Leeds - Liverpool Canal. The towpath leas us into Gargrave village. There is an option (2 miles) of taking a lane west to Priest Holme Bridge to complete a loop back to Gargrave along the canal. The return is by the Pennine Way over field paths past the rocky outcrop Haw Crag.
Highlight: A pleasant stroll through the countryside around Flasby village and along the canal towpath where we will see several Locks.
Option 1 - Linton and Grassington
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 700 feet (200m)
In summary: Enjoy great views of Wharfedale as you walk from Linton through the charming villages of Thorpe and Burnsall. 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 2 - Linton and Hebden
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (320m)
Descent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: The walk starts with a visit to Linton Falls before heading along paths and lanes to the delightful village of Linton. We continue onto the villages of Thorpe and Burnsall and then cross the River Wharfe to follow Lady Anne Way through Hebden to Grassington.
Highlight: Lovely views across Wharfedale and down to 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 - Malham Highlights
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,250 feet (400m)
In summary: See the key sights of Malham including Janet’s Foss waterfall and Gordale Scar. We ascend gradually up the Watlowes dry river valley and return to Malham via the Cove.
Highlight: Explore the geological wonders of Malhamdale and its textbook collection of limestone pavements, dry valleys and sinkholes.
Option 2 - Malham Tarn
Distance: 10 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
In summary: Walk via Janet’s Foss waterfall to view Gordale Scar before heading onto Malham Lings. We continue over the moor to Malham Tarn before returning to Malham village via the Cove.
Highlight: The huge natural amphitheatre of Malham Cove is always an impressive sight. Discover the river emerging from the base of the cliff, and watch rock climbers scaling the sheer face.
Option 3 - Limestone above Malham
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)
In summary: Walk via Janet’s Foss waterfall and then ascend up onto Malham Moor. We skirt Malham Tarn before gradually ascending to our high point of the day, Nappa Cross. Descending via the limestone tops of Malham Cove we reach the village of Malham where we end our walk.
Highlight: Step onto the limestone pavement atop Malham Cove and soak up the panoramic view ahead over Malhamdale.
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
Getting to Newfield Hall
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
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 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | ||||||||
09 Dec - 13 Dec 2024 4 nights |
Solos Walking Single from £559 Double from £559 pp |
from £559 pp |
from £559 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now |