Walking the Dales Way

Discover the Dales Way, one of Britain's gentlest long-distance walks, a picturesque 128km (79-mile) trail from Ilkley through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District. This beginner-friendly route follows riverside paths through Wharfedale, Dentdale and Lakeland fringes, passing Bolton Abbey, Grassington, Hawes, Sedbergh and classic Dales scenery over 6 stages (11-31km), perfect for a 6-8 day introduction to multi-day hiking.

This expertly written Cicerone guidebook provides everything you need to plan and complete the Dales Way with confidence. Authored by experienced long-distance walker Terry Marsh, it combines clear route descriptions, reliable mapping, practical planning tools, and background insights that bring the landscapes and communities of northern England to life.

• All 6 stages are supported by detailed route descriptions alongside elevation profiles, allowing you to anticipate ascents, descents, and terrain before setting out each day
• A separate OS 1:25,000 map booklet is included, showing the full route with a clear route line to provide reliable, easy-to-follow navigation throughout the Dales Way
• The guidebook includes a Watershed alternative, offering an optional higher-level route of rewarding views that utilises the Pennine Bridleway for walkers looking to add variety or challenge to their journey
• A comprehensive trek planner details accommodation, refreshment stops, and facilities at key centres along the route, including Ilkley, Grassington, Hawes, Dent, and Sedbergh, helping you plan each stage with confidence
• Additional historical and cultural background brings the route to life, with highlights such as the dramatic gorge of Strid Wood, the historic church at Hubberholme, and other landmarks along the way

Designed to support walkers from start to finish, this guidebook allows you to enjoy the gentle rhythm of the Dales Way, from riverside paths and limestone villages to the dramatic views of Lake Windermere on the approach to Bowness. Walk with confidence, knowing each stage has been carefully described, while taking time to appreciate the scenery, history, and character that make the Dales Way such a rewarding long-distance route.

Seasons

The walk is scenically at its best in Spring and Autumn (April-June and September-October), but is an all-year round walk for suitably equipped walkers.

Centres

Ilkley, Grassington, Hawes, Sedbergh, Bowness-on-Windermere

Difficulty

This is an ideal route for anyone wanting to attempt multi-day walking for the first time. There are no significant physical difficulties beyond the basic need to walk a certain distance each day.

Must See

Historic buildings, roads, bridges, etc. Landscape, flowers and wildlife. Bolton Abbey, Dent, Dales villages. The scenery is outstanding throughout, and a string of communities line the route but without detracting from the sense of freedom.

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

The Dales Way Trek Planner

Preface

Introduction

About the Dales Way

Planning the walk

Suggested itineraries

When to go

Getting there… and back

Public transport

First and last nights

Accommodation

Facilities en route

Pack-carrying services (baggage transfer)

Cash management

Equipment

Dogs

Planning day-by-day

Using this guide

Maps

Weather

Waymarking and paths

Health, safety and emergencies

Phones and Wi-Fi

All about the region

Geography

Geology

Plants and wildlife

History and culture

The Dales Way: Ilkley to Bowness

Wharfedale

Stage 1Ilkley to Burnsall

Stage 2Burnsall to Buckden

Langstrothdale and Dentdale

Stage 3Buckden to Cowgill (Lea Yeat)

Stage 3A The Watershed Alternative

Stage 4Cowgill (Lea Yeat) to Millthrop (Sedbergh)

Lonsdale and the Lakeland Fringe

Stage 5Millthrop (Sedbergh) to Staveley

Into Lakeland

Stage 6Staveley to Bowness-on-Windermere

Appendix AUseful contacts

Appendix BAccommodation along the route

Appendix CFurther reading