The Dales Way Guided Trail
One of the country’s first unofficial long-distance routes, the Dales Way covers 79 miles from Ilkley in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District. Mostly a tree and river-lined route, the views are highly rewarding as you cross two iconic national parks and spend time in postcard-pretty villages. Highlights include Burnsall, Buckden, Gearstones, and Sedbergh.
What you’ll love
- Walking from the Yorkshire Dales to the Lake District
- Following riverside and moorland paths
- Spending time in picturesque villages and towns
- Soaking up spectacular views of Windermere
- Keeping your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife
- Staying at Newfield Hall, our country house near Malham
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s)
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Commencing its 79-mile journey at the 17th century bridge in Ilkley, the Dales Way follows the Wharfe to skirt the village of Addingham. Beneath Beamsley Beacon the Way reaches Farfield Hall. A stretch of road leads to Bolton Bridge and the Yorkshire Dales National Park is entered as Bolton Priory comes into view. The river becomes a narrow torrent at the Strid, beyond which the path reaches another attractive 17th-century bridge at Barden. It then continues along to Howgill, below Appletreewick and on to the delightful village of Burnsall.
13 miles (20.5km), with 1,100 feet (340m) of ascent.
Passing a limestone escarpment at Loup Scar, the path stays close to the river to reach Grassington, the principal settlement of Upper Wharfedale. The Way then parts company with the river as it ascends above the valley floor. Scenic Wharfedale stretches before us as we continue towards the quaint village of Kettlewell. Keeping close to the floor of the valley once more, the Way continues past Starbotton to Buckden.
14 miles (22.5km), with 1,400 feet (430m) of ascent.
The going gets tougher on today’s walk. The start is easy enough as the river is followed along Langstrothdale to Hubberholme, Yockenthwaite and Deepdale before we join a metalled road for a short distance to Oughtershaw. From here the track changes to a moorland path which climbs to join the Pennine Way for a short stretch beyond Cam Houses. At over 1,600 feet, this wild moorland is the highest point of the walk. However, the Way soon descends to the main road above Gearstones where we meet our coach.
12½ miles (20km), with 1,400 feet (420m) of ascent.
Today we sample the delights of Dentdale, access to which is gained by passing through a viaduct on the Carlisle to Settle railway. Largely following riverside paths by the Dee, the unspoilt village of Dent is reached. The Way continues to Dillicar and joins an ancient bridleway to Millthrop with magnificent views over Sedbergh to the fells beyond.
14 miles (23km), with 1,100 feet (340m) of ascent.
Beyond Sedbergh the Dales Way crosses the A683 and proceeds to join the River Lune which it follows to Crook of Lune. Leaving the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the path then crosses the M6 motorway and the main west coast railway line to meander through pastoral countryside to Patton Bridge, passing Black Moss and Skelsmergh Tarns, and emerging on the A6 just south of Garth Row.
14 miles (22.5km), with 1,400 feet (420m) of ascent.
The final stage is a fitting climax to the walk. Burneside is soon reached and the path follows the River Kent to Cowan Head and Hagg Foot and some craggy embankments must be negotiated before Staveley is reached. Now in the Lake District National Park, the Dales Way makes its way by tracks and lanes to Fell Plain before climbing to Crag House and Outrun Nook. Shortly the panorama of Windermere and the Lakeland Fells comes into view as we head to Bowness.
11 miles (18km), with 1,150 feet (340m) of ascent.
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 surrounds. 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 |
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 InformationEssential information
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, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- 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
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
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 | ||||||||
|
05 Apr - 12 Apr 2024 7 nights |
Guided Trail
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
|
07 Jun - 14 Jun 2024 7 nights |
Guided Trail
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
|
19 Jul - 26 Jul 2024 7 nights |
Guided Trail Single from £1,229 Double from £1,229 pp |
from £1,229 pp |
from £1,229 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
16 Aug - 23 Aug 2024 7 nights |
Guided Trail Single from £1,369 £1,279 Double from £1,229 £1,139 pp |
from £1,229 £1,139 pp |
from £1,369 £1,279 |
Save £90 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
18 Oct - 25 Oct 2024 7 nights |
Guided Trail Single from £1,079 £954 Double from £1,079 £954 pp |
from £1,079 £954 pp |
from £1,079 £954 |
Save £125 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
7 nights
from
£1,079pp
£954pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here
