Guided Walking for Solos at Sedbergh
Yorkshire Dales
Code: SDBOS
Print pageActivity types:
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Central location
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Hills & moorland
Level
Difficulty indicator
Difficulty is measured on many factors such as distance, ascent/descent, terrain, weather and more. There's no magic formula, but from our experience we use yellow for easy, orange for medium and red for hard. Challenger holidays require a high level of fitness and stamina.
Holiday overview
Country walking is a great way to meet new friends, and the convivial atmosphere of our Country Houses will make sure you have an enjoyable time.
Holiday highlights
- Sedbergh is a small Cumbrian market town, now England’s ‘book town’
- Easy access by road and rail; an ideal location for a short break or longer holiday
- Settle-to-Carlisle railway with Ribblehead Viaduct and Dent, the highest mainline station in England
- Wensleydale and Swaledale made famous by the James Herriot books and TV series
- Countryside criss-crossed with dry stone walls and dotted with quaint villages of sturdy stone
Great reasons to join us
- For Solos: no single room charge and double rooms are available at no extra cost. Twin rooms are also available for sole occupancy at a special reduced price of £10 per night
- Exclusivity: we welcome individual travellers on all of our holidays, but on Guided Walking for Solos the entire holiday is especially for single guests
- Great value: all prices include Full Board en-suite accommodation, a full programme of walks with all transport to and from the walks, and light-hearted evening activities
- Choice: choose from up to 3 guided walks each walking day, with expert guides
- Accommodation: small and friendly manor house at the foot of the Howgill Fells
- Sociability: we pride ourselves on the social atmosphere of our holidays - walk together, eat together and relax together
In pictures...
Accommodation
Thorns Hall established a foundation in Sedbergh in 1535 and it still retains its historic charm with wood-panelled rooms, fireplaces and a cobbled courtyard outside. It's an amazing house to visit all year round with a lush garden and magnificent hills nearby.
Choose your room
| Classic Rooms • Check in from 2:30pm • Comfortable accommodation • En-suite bathroom with bath or shower • 23 inch TV • Hairdryer • Tea and coffee-making facilities • Double or two single beds • Toiletries • Single rooms are available at no extra charge |
Premium Rooms • Same facilities as our classic rooms plus... • Check in from 1pm • Enjoy extra space or exceptional views • Larger beds • Toweling robe, complimentary slippers • Ultradown pillows • Smalls drying rack • Small welcome gift • Luxury tea tray • Enhanced toiletries • Available from an extra £15 per person per night |
Family Rooms • Check-in from 2:30pm • 3 or 4 beds • Same facilities as our classic rooms • Full sized twin or double beds for adults and bunk or occasional beds for children |
Facilities
| • Full board, including an evening meal on arrival to breakfast on departure • Reception hall • Two lounges, with wood panelling and open fires • Bar |
• Free WiFi in public rooms • Range of board games and books • Upstairs dining room • Formal gardens at the front and side of the house |
Dining
| All holidays at our Country Houses are full board accommodation including evening meal on arrival to breakfast on the day of your departure. All of our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.
√ Start your day with our extensive breakfast. |
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Your evenings
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All of our bars are stocked with locally sourced drinks so you can really soak up your surroundings. |
Accessibility
Due to the layout and the age of Thorns Hall, it is not recommended for wheelchair users and guests with restricted mobility.
More details on Sedbergh accessibility
Additional information
- Fire procedure is displayed in each room and explained to guests on arrival. Guests requiring assistance at an evacuation are identified at this time and door hanger cards are issued
- Mobile phone reception is generally good from the main building
- Assistance dogs accompanying visually or hearing impaired guests are welcome; dogs must be kept on a lead or harness at all times
- Information can be provided in large print
- Staff have received disability awareness training
- Special diets can be catered for. Specialist food can be obtained with prior notice
- Fridge for medication can be supplied
Itinerary
Discover the Yorkshire Dales & Howgills on Foot
Explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and Howgill Fells on our guided walks. We offer a great range of walks to suit everyone - including gentle walks along the green valleys, as well as opportunities to climb to the summits of Ingleborough, Whernside and the Howgill Fells. Join our friendly and knowledgeable guides who will bring this stunning national park to life.
- Our experienced guides offer the choice of up to three different walks each day
- Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness
- We provide flexible holidays. Join our guided walks, explore independently, or relax at Thorns Hall
April 2018 holiday
Tuesday: Wensleydale and Wild Boar Fell
Option 1: Wensleydale highlights
Distance: 7 miles (11km) Total ascent: 500 feet (160m) The walk in a nutshell: 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). Don’t miss: Akrigg is a quintessential Dales village that found fame as the location of TV’s All Creatures Great and Small. |
Option 2: Semer Water
Distance: 8 miles (13km) Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m) The walk in a nutshell: 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 Don’t miss: The walk ends in Hawes where you can sample the valley's most famous product - delicious Wensleydale cheese. |
Option 3: Wild Boar Fell
Distance: 11 miles (18km) Total ascent: 1,850 feet (560m) The walk in a nutshell: Ascend to the high moorland summits of Swarth Fell and Wild Boar Fell, before crossing a patchwork of fields to the village of Ravenstonedale. Don’t miss: This is a real 'away from it all' walk through beautiful upland scenery. |
Wednesday: Upper Swaledale
Option 1: Keld and Muker
Distance: 7 miles (11½km Total ascent: 950 feet (300m) The walk in a nutshell: 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. Don’t miss: The small villages of Keld and Muker have a timeless quality with their traditional farms and historic churches. |
Option 2: Upper Swaledale
Distance: 7½ miles (12½km) Total ascent: 1,500 feet (460m) The walk in a nutshell: Walk over Black Hill between Thwaite and Keld, then follow the upper Swale valley to Muker, finishing along a spectacular terrace above the river. Don’t miss: The upper reaches of Swaledale are particularly attractive with tranquil scenery and charming sleepy villages. |
Option 3: Great Shunner Fell
Distance: 11 miles (17½km) Total ascent: 1,800 feet (560m) The walk in a nutshell: 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. Don’t miss: 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. |
Thursday: Dentdale
Option 1: Along Dentdale
Distance: 7 miles (11km) Total ascent: 500 feet (160m) The walk in a nutshell: 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. Don’t miss: 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: Aye Gill Pike
Distance: 9 miles (14½km) Total ascent: 1,250 feet (380m) The walk in a nutshell: 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. Don’t miss: Enjoy the panoramic views over Sedbergh and the Howgill Fells as you descend from Aye Gill Pike. |
Option 3: Whernside
Distance: 10½ miles (16½km) Total ascent: 2,100 feet (640m) The walk in a nutshell: Ascend from Dentdale onto the lofty summit of Whernside. We descend by Deepdale and follow the River Dee into Dent. Don’t miss: Whernside is the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks with excellent views of the Pennines, the Lake District and the Ribblehead Viaduct. |
Images 1&2: credit VisitBritain/Lee Beel
June 2018 holiday
Sunday: The Howgill Fells and the Lune Valley
Option 1: Dales Way
Distance: 7 miles (11km) Total ascent: 500 feet (160m) The walk in a nutshell: A delightful walk alongside the River Lune following the Dales Way. We'll then cross the fields to Brigflatts church and Sedbergh. Don’t miss: 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 (10½km) Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) The walk in a nutshell: Walk above the Lune Valley, visiting Fox's Pulpit and Lily Mere lake. Having descended to the River Lune we'll return along the Dales Way through the fields to Sedbergh. Don’t miss: 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 (14½km) Total ascent: 2,150 feet (660m) The walk in a nutshell: 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. Don’t miss: The Calf is the highest point in the Howgills and enjoys a great view over the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District mountains. |
Monday: Mallerstang - myths and legends
Option 1: Pendragon Castle
Distance: 7 miles (11½km) Total ascent: 500 feet (140m) The walk in a nutshell: 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. Don’t miss: The Mallerstang Valley is home to a colony of red squirels. If you're lucky you may get to spot these illusive creatures. |
Option 2: Lady Anne's Way
Distance: 10 miles (16½km) Total ascent: 750 feet (240m) The walk in a nutshell: Descend through the Mallerstang Valley from Aisgill to Kirkby Stephen. We'll Lady Anne's Way along the valley side, then alongside the River Eden to Pendragon Castle and Stenkrith Falls. Don’t miss: Our walk follows the Settle to Carlisle Railway; England's most scenic line. |
Option 3: Mallerstang Edge
Distance: 10 miles (16½km) Total ascent: 1,4000 feet (420m) The walk in a nutshell: A high-level traverse along Mallerstang Edge including the tops of High Seat and High Pike Hill. Our walk takes us from Aisgill to Kirkby Stephen. Don’t miss: Expect some wild and track-less terrain, but also great views over the green Eden Valley. |
Wednesday: Dufton, High Cup Nick and Appleby
Option 1: Eden Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11½km) Total ascent: 650 feet (200m) The walk in a nutshell: 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. Don’t miss: Our walk connects the charming fellside village of Dufton, with the historic market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland. |
Option 2: Around Dufton Pike
Distance: 10 miles (16½km) Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) The walk in a nutshell: Head onto the lower slopes of the North Pennines on our walk around the shapely summit of Dufton Pike. We then head through the fields of the Eden Valley to Appleby. Don’t miss: Enjoy great views back to High Cup Nick, then celebrate the completion of your walk with a pint in one of Appleby's historic pubs. |
Option 3: High Cup Nick
Distance: 9½ miles (15½km) Total ascent: 1,850 feet (560m) The walk in a nutshell: 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 descent back to Dufton via Dufton Ghyll. Don’t miss: High Cup Nick is an immense 'U-shaped' valley carved into the slopes of the North Pennines - a dramatic natural feature. |
Thursday: Smardale, Green Bell and Ravenstonedale
Option 1: Smardale Gill
Distance: 7 miles (11½km) Total ascent: 900 feet (280m) The walk in a nutshell: Head over Smardale Fell to Smardale Hall, then along the valley side and across the viaduct back to Ravenstonedale. Don’t miss: The valley of Smardale Gill is an unexpected delight crowned by the majestic viaduct of the old Darlington to Tebay railway. |
Option 2: Smardale Circuit
Distance: 9 miles (15km) Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) The walk in a nutshell: A circuit of the hills above Smardale. Our outward route takes us over Nettle Hill to the village of Crosby Garrett, before crossing the river and returning over Smardale Fell to Ravenstonedale. Don’t miss: Smardale Gill is a National Nature Reserve; a classic limestone habitat that is rich with butterflies, wild flowers and birds. |
Option 3: Across the Howgills
Distance: 9½ miles (15km) Total ascent: 2,550 feet (780m) The walk in a nutshell: A south to north traverse of the Howgill Fells. After a steep ascent to the summit of Yarlside we'll take in the summits of Green Bell and Randy Gill Top before a lovely ridgetop descent to Ravenstonedale. Don’t miss: A classic walk over the long grassy ridge of the Howgill Fells. |
Friday: Ingleborough, limestone scars and waterfalls
Option 1: Ingleton Waterfalls
Distance: 6 miles (10km) Total ascent: 600 feet (180m) The walk in a nutshell: Take a short stroll to view the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct then travel on to Ingleton for a circular woodland walk alongside the Rivers Twiss and Doe. We use a trail which, although steep in places, benefits from steps and walkways past spectacular waterfalls. Don’t miss: Pass a number of stunning waterfalls, the most impressive of which is Thornton Force (pictured). |
Option 2: Slopes of Ingleborough
Distance: 8 miles (13km) Total ascent: 550 feet (180m) The walk in a nutshell: Walk from the Ribblehead Viaduct to Ingleton along the lower slopes of Whernside. We'll traverse the magnificent limestone pavements of Twisleton Scars, then descend past the waterfalls into Ingleton. Don’t miss: Marvel at the 24 arch Ribblehead Viaduct then walk through the classic limestone scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. |
Option 3: Ingleborough
Distance: 7½ miles (12½km) Total ascent: 1,650 feet (500m) The walk in a nutshell: Ascend from Ribblehead onto Simon Fell and the magnificent summit of Ingleborough. We'll descend, steeply at first, to Ingleton. Don’t miss: The distinctive shape of Ingleborough, one of the Three Peaks, dominates the landscape. There's a great view from the top over the Yorkshire Dales towards the Lake District. |
Terrain and transport
Easier Walks follow good riverside and field paths. Medium Walks are on moorland and valley paths. Harder Walks head over high moorland.
On some days the walks start or finish at Thorns Hall; on other days we use hired transport at the start and/or end of the walks. The cost of all transport to and from the walks is included in the price of your holiday.
Free day
Each seven night holiday has a day without any organised walks, so you can explore the Yorkshire Dales independently.
Our guests
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. There is normally a good mix of ages, of new guests and 'regulars' from Britain and overseas. On our Guided Walking for Solos holidays, the holiday is especially for single guests.
In the evenings
Your leaders will inform you about the choice of walks for the next day and answer any questions you may have. After a sociable evening meal you could join in an organised activity such as a quiz or a talk about the local area, relax in the bar or use the Country House facilities.
Local area
Discover the Lakes and Dales
Sedbergh sits at the foot of the Howgill Fells, a peaceful corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The centre of Sedbergh is just a few minutes walk from Thorns Hall. The town has a range of facilities including a small supermarket, post office, newsagent, pubs and a bank. Now famed as England’s ‘book town’, Sedbergh has many second-hand book shops and a good range of pubs and cafés. A wider range of facilities are available in the larger town of Kendal, about 10 miles away.
During your visit to Thorns Hall you may enjoy visiting the following places of interest:
Sizergh Castle
Situated near Kendal, about 25 minutes' drive from Sedbergh. Sizergh Castle is a fine medieval house, surrounded by beautiful gardens. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh
Levens Hall
Visit this stately home, famous for its magnificent formal garden and its topiary displays. Levens Hall is south of Kendal, about 30 minutes' drive from Sedbergh. www.levenshall.co.uk
Settle to Carlisle Railway
Ride England’s most scenic railway through the Yorkshire Dales from Garsdale station, about 10 miles from Sedbergh. Heading south you could cross the famous Ribblehead viaduct and visit Settle, Skipton and Saltaire. Heading north you could head to the small market town of Appleby, or the border city of Carlisle. www.settle-carlisle.co.uk
Hawes & Wensleydale
A 30 minute drive through the Yorkshire Dales will take you to the small town of Hawes. Visit the famous creamery that produces Wensleydale Cheese. You may want to continue through the valley of Wensleydale, well known as the setting for All Creatures Great & Small. www.wensleydale.co.uk
Kendal
The market town of Kendal, about 20 minutes' drive from Thorns Hall has a good range of specialist shops.The excellent Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry is also worth a visit. www.lakelandmuseum.org.uk
Lake District
A 40 minute drive will take you to Lake Windermere, gateway to exploring the beautiful scenery of the Lake District National Park. Here you could take a steamer trip on the lake, or visit the visitors centre at Brockhole. www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk or www.brockhole.co.uk
Travel
Travel to Sedbergh
Our address is: Thorns Hall, Cautley Road, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LE
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By train:The nearest train station is Oxenholme, the Lake District, on the main line between London and Glasgow. For train times and general rail enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950 (from outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240). |
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HF station transfer - great value!Our station transfer operates between Oxenholme railway station and Thorns Hall every Saturday and Tuesday (Friday and Monday in the low season). The pickup is at 4.30pm from Oxenholme station. On departure day the transfer will get you back to Oxenholme station by 10.00am. The transfer is £15 return, but a place must be reserved at least 7 days in advance by calling our Reservations team on 0345 470 7558. |
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By taxi:If you can’t meet our station transfer, the 10 mile journey from Oxenholme station to Thorns Hall can be made by taxi. Pre-booked taxis cost approx £23 per journey. Details of our current recommended taxi company and rates will be sent to you with your booking. The taxi company will arrange shared taxis wherever possible. The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Thorns Hall Manager. |
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By car:Leave the M6 at junction 37 and follow the A684 for 5 miles to Sedbergh. On reaching Sedbergh follow the road to the right into Finkle Street (avoiding the main street), then almost immediately turn left at a small roundabout into Back Lane. At the next mini-roundabout bear left onto the A683 following signs to Kirkby Stephen. Thorns Hall is a further 100 yards along the road on the left. Look out for our sign. A large car park is available in the grounds with free parking. |
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Travelling from overseasFor most guests the most convenient option is to book a flight to Manchester Airport. There are direct trains every hour from Manchester Airport to Oxenholme - this is straightforward journey - allow 1½ hours to Oxenholme. See www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times. From Oxenholme station you can complete the journey to Sedbergh using our transfer or by taxi (see above). Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option, but has a longer onward train journey - allow at least 4 hours to reach Oxenholme. From Heathrow first take the train to London Paddington station. Next take the Underground train to London Euston. Finally the main line train from London Euston to Oxenholme takes 2½ hours. See www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times. |
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Dates & Prices
We're sorry, there are no dates available for this holiday at the moment. Please check out our other tours and breaks or call our team on 0345 470 8558 to be notified of new dates as soon as they become available.
Prices are per person
Information
- Premium single room: £15 per night
- Premium twin/double room: £15 per person per night
- Non-member associate fee: £10 per person
We like to reward early bookers with our best rooms so book early to avoid disappointment.
Please note that we aren't able to take room number requests as we are unable to guarantee them.
