Routes offered on this trail
Celebrating 50 years of the Dales Way path in 2019, the Dales Way is a picturesque trail which starts in the small spa town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire and follows mostly riverside paths, passing through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the beautiful southern Lakeland to the famous lake of Windermere. Only offered in one direction, the route can be walked as a whole or there are short break options.
Due to this trail following mostly riverside paths, it is classed as easy to moderate. Recommended for novice and experienced walkers alike.
On route you will have the opportunity to visit Bolton Abbey, Linton Falls, various water falls, Dent Head Viaduct and Lake Windermere.
The mileage shown below is from where the Dales Way path starts and finishes each day and is for your guidance only. A large part of this walk includes along rural areas, so you will find that sometimes the accommodations are very close to the path and other times you will need to walk a little further to reach your accommodation. You will not be asked to walk any further than one and a half miles from the path to your accommodation. Please see the Itinerary pages for more details.
Walk the whole of the 80 miles of the Dales Way. Over 7 to 10 nights. From £845.00 per person
Walking a short section of the Dales Way, starting at 23 miles. Over 4 or 5 nights. From £515.00 per person
A rest day is a great way to break up your walking Holiday. You could explore the area or just take it easy for the day.
A fabulous way to make your holiday more bespoke.
We give you some ideas below on choice places to stop for that extra day.
Taking an additional day at the start of your Dales Way walking holiday will allow you to have more time to explore the spa town of Ilkley. There are a lovely selection of independently owned shops, cafes and restaurants. You will also find a toy museum, displaying exhibits dating from 350bc to the present day and a micro-brewery for Wharfdale Beers located in the Town.
Whether you are visiting Sedbergh as a finishing point or half way through your Dales Way walking holiday, this is a great location for a rest day. Known as England’s official book town, you will find a wide range of book sellers in shops and cafes. Not far out of the town centre is Brigflatts Quaker meeting house, one of the most famous in Britain and to the south of the town Farfield Textile Mill, which has been converted into an arts and craft gallery.
Grassington is a popular choice for a rest day, a delightful village with ancient cottages, Inns, and shops. A cobbled Market Square and the Wharfedale Folk Museum. Just outside the village is Stump Cross Caverns, one of Britain’s premier show caves and home to some amazing natural underground formations.
Located on the shores of Lake Windermere and the end point to your walking holiday. Bowness-on-Windermere is ideally suited as a location for a rest day. The town boasts hundreds of independent shops, eating and drinking establishments as well as historical attractions. The world of Beatrix Potter is a very popular visit, which includes Peter Rabbit’s Garden. Another popular activity is to take a boat cruise on Windermere Lake- the largest natural lake in England.
Please see listed below information for this walk. If you have any questions, please contact us- we will be happy to help.
Rest Days
If you would like to spend additional days in an area, a rest day can be included in your itinerary. This is great for exploring the area At £70.00 per person per night. Please let us know at the time of booking so this can be included.
Solo Walkers
Solo walker supplement is charged at £70 per night. All our walks are based on two people sharing a room. The Solo Walker supplement is applied per night for anyone holidaying on their own. It is charged to cover the extra costs passed on from the accommodations and luggage transfers.
Single Supplement
Single supplement applies if you are booking as part of a group but require a room of your own. Charged at £60 per person per night. Again, it is charged to cover the extra costs passed on from the accommodations and luggage transfers.
Postage Costs
Postage is calculated dependant on location, as listed below:
UK - £6.99 per pack
Europe - £17.99 per pack
Rest of World - £26.99 per pack
Railway stations: Can be found at Ilkley, Kendal and Windermere.
Car Parking: There is very limited parking, please call the office to discuss Parking charges will apply.
If you would like any help with your arrival or departure arrangements, please contact us at the office where we will be happy to give advice. info@embarkwalkingholidays.com call us on +44 (0)1873 379100.
When would you like to start
We want to arrange your holiday to suit you. So you get to choose the start date and we will work from there.
Our walks are only offered between April and September, giving better daylight hours and safer walking conditions for you.
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