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  • Western Yorkshire Dales Members’ Guided Walking Break

Western Yorkshire Dales Members’ Guided Walking Break

Thorns Hall, Sedbergh

■ 3 nights at an HF Country House

■ One itinerary available

■ Grades 2 & 3 details

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Members Save: on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. You can become a member during the booking flow. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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This exclusive Members’ Break combines a choice of fantastic walks with a sneak peek into exciting new holidays starting later this year. Over the weekend, you will have the opportunity to experience elements from our all-new Garden Tours and Craft Breaks. In addition, a dedicated member of the HF Holidays team will be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have. We always love to hear from our members, so please come along and join us on this exclusive members-only holiday.

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.
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Walking grades and options

This trip is graded Activity Levels 2 and 3.

Explore the beautiful Western Yorkshire Dales on a choice of guided walks and experience a taste of our new and upcoming holidays, all in one short break. Our experienced guides offer the choice of up to three different walks each day; simply choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness.

 

What You’ll Love

  • An exclusive taster of new Gardens & Craft holidays
  • A fabulous choice of guided walks & activities
  • A chance to chat with fellow members and the HF Holidays Team
  • Relaxing in the comfort of our country house

What's Included

  • 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 or visits on each activity day
  • 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

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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.

Itinerary

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 - Crafting Workshop at Farfield Mill

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5km) 

Ascent: Minimal 

To start the day, we’ll make the short riverside walk to Farfield Mill, where our workshop awaits. Join studio artist Wendy Ann Stanger for a beautiful textile art hoop workshop inspired by the natural world. Using pressed flowers and plant fibres such as bamboo, participants will create a miniature landscape composition within an embroidery hoop. The session explores arranging natural materials to build texture and depth before embellishing the piece with hand embroidery, adding detail, colour and personal touches to bring the artwork to life. 

This is a relaxed, hands-on half-day workshop suitable for beginners as well as those with some creative experience, and everyone will leave with a finished textile art hoop to take home and enjoy. Enjoy looking around the historic mill, with its multiple levels of exhibition space and resident artists, before returning on foot to Thorns Hall.  

Option 2 - Walking with Sightseeing: Farfield Mill & Views of Cautley Spout

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km) 

Ascent: 450 feet (140m) 

From the Cross Keys Temperance House, we've the opportunity to view England's highest single-drop waterfall - Cautley Spout. For those with extra energy, there's the option to follow the path up alongside the fall, before returning to begin our walk, along the fellside, to the arts and heritage centre - Farfield Mill. From here we take a short walk along the River Rawthey, to Sedbergh. 

Option 3 - Guided Walk in the Rawthey Valley

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 750 feet (220m) 

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. Towards the end of the walk, we'll pass Farfield Mill. This lovingly restored Victorian woollen mill that now hosts a heritage centre. 

Option 1 - Lake District Gardens Tour

Today’s journey takes us to Sizergh Castle & Levens Hall, both near Kendal. At Sizergh, the limestone rock garden, reflective lake and colourful border planting create a garden full of interest. In the afternoon, we explore Levens Hall, home to the world’s oldest topiary garden. Here, the clipped shapes stand among roses and flowering borders.   

Please Note: Entry to Sizergh Castle is not included in the price of this holiday. It is a National Trust property and NT members can take advantage of free entry.

Option 2 - Guided Walk along The Dales Way

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 500 feet (160m) 

A delightful walk alongside the River Lune following the Dales Way. We'll then cross the fields to Brigflatts church and Sedbergh, enjoying the attractive and tranquil scenery of the Lune Valley as we go. 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 3 - Guided Walk above the Lune Valley

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)  

Ascent: 650 feet (200m) 

This walk takes us above the Lune Valley, visiting Fox's Pulpit along the way - 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. Later, having descended to the River Lune we'll return to Sedbergh along the Dales Way beside the River Rawthey. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

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 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

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: SDB03-MOB01

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Dates & availability

Western Yorkshire Dales Members’ Guided Walking Break

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
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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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