Dales Way
Ilkley → Bowness-on-Windermere
Distance
129km | 80 miles
Ascent
1,670m | 5,479ft
Duration
2–5 days
Best time
May to September
Difficulty
- Yorkshire's finest limestone landscapes
- See historic settlements
- See otters, kingfishers, and dippers
See the Trail
Why people love the Dales Way
The Dales Way spans 129 kilometers (80 miles) through northern England, connecting Ilkley in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria.
This historic route traverses the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park and the eastern fringes of the Lake District, making it one of England's most accessible yet rewarding long-distance paths.
Unlike more challenging trails, the Dales Way follows gentle riverside paths and valley bottoms, with moderate total elevation gain of approximately 1,670m (5,479ft).
The trail's genius lies in its natural progression from the industrial heritage of Yorkshire through increasingly dramatic landscapes to the shores of Lake Windermere. Following ancient drovers' routes and packhorse trails, it offers an intimate glimpse into northern England's pastoral heritage. The path requires no technical climbing or rope work, making it ideal for hikers of moderate fitness levels.
This historic route traverses the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park and the eastern fringes of the Lake District, making it one of England's most accessible yet rewarding long-distance paths.
Unlike more challenging trails, the Dales Way follows gentle riverside paths and valley bottoms, with moderate total elevation gain of approximately 1,670m (5,479ft).
The trail's genius lies in its natural progression from the industrial heritage of Yorkshire through increasingly dramatic landscapes to the shores of Lake Windermere. Following ancient drovers' routes and packhorse trails, it offers an intimate glimpse into northern England's pastoral heritage. The path requires no technical climbing or rope work, making it ideal for hikers of moderate fitness levels.
Build Your Dales Way Adventure
Choose your pace, package and group size — we'll do the rest.
Your Adventure
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Daily Distance
~14 miles/day
Party Size
2 people
Package
Basic Tour
What's Included:
- Hostels & bunkhouses booked
- Breakfast included
- On-trail support
Per person:
£624
Trip total:
£1,248
Deposit today:
£100
Your Adventure
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Daily Distance
~14 miles/day
Party Size
2 people
Package
Basic Tour
What's Included:
- Hostels & bunkhouses booked
- Breakfast included
- On-trail support
Per person:
£624
Trip total:
£1,248
Deposit today:
£100
The Journey in Pictures
Loading map...
Sample Itinerary
Here's what's on the trail. We'll split the stages to each day just right for your pace.
Stage 1: Ilkley to Burnsall
21km
200m
150m
The journey begins in the spa town of Ilkley, following the River Wharfe northwest. Pass the 12th-century Addingham church before entering the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The trail offers easy walking on well-maintained paths through pastoral landscapes. Key features include the medieval Bolton Priory ruins and the Strid, a dramatic river narrows.
Water available at Bolton Abbey and Addingham. Accommodation options in Burnsall include the Red Lion Inn and various B&Bs.
The trail offers easy walking on well-maintained paths through pastoral landscapes. Key features include the medieval Bolton Priory ruins and the Strid, a dramatic river narrows.
Water available at Bolton Abbey and Addingham. Accommodation options in Burnsall include the Red Lion Inn and various B&Bs.
Stage 2: Burnsall to Grassington
14km
150m
100m
A shorter day featuring classic Dales scenery. The path follows the eastern bank of the Wharfe through meadows rich in wildflowers during spring and summer.
Grassington offers full services, including shops, cafes, and accommodation. Notable features include Linton Falls and the remains of medieval field systems. The Grassington Folk Museum provides insights into local history.
Water available throughout. The Devonshire Inn offers traditional accommodation in Grassington.
Grassington offers full services, including shops, cafes, and accommodation. Notable features include Linton Falls and the remains of medieval field systems. The Grassington Folk Museum provides insights into local history.
Water available throughout. The Devonshire Inn offers traditional accommodation in Grassington.
Stage 3: Grassington to Kettlewell
11km
180m
160m
This stage offers dramatic views of limestone scenery. Pass through the hamlets of Conistone and Kilnsey, dominated by the impressive Kilnsey Crag, a magnet for climbers.
The path alternates between riverside and elevated sections offering broader views. Kettlewell provides several accommodation options and a well-stocked village store.
The Kings Head and Blue Bell Inn offer refreshments and rooms.
The path alternates between riverside and elevated sections offering broader views. Kettlewell provides several accommodation options and a well-stocked village store.
The Kings Head and Blue Bell Inn offer refreshments and rooms.
Stage 4: Kettlewell to Buckden
8km
120m
90m
A shorter stage allowing time to explore side valleys. The route follows the young River Wharfe through a narrowing valley. Buckden Pike looms to the east.
Historical points include ancient packhorse bridges and lime kilns.
The Buck Inn at Buckden provides accommodation and meals. Water available at streams and villages throughout.
Historical points include ancient packhorse bridges and lime kilns.
The Buck Inn at Buckden provides accommodation and meals. Water available at streams and villages throughout.
Stage 5: Buckden to Gearstones
13km
280m
120m
The most challenging stage, crossing the watershed between Wharfedale and Dentdale. Pass the remote Cam Houses farm before descending to Gearstones.
Outstanding views of Ingleborough and Whernside. Limited facilities at Gearstones Lodge.
Carry sufficient water as sources are scarce on high ground.
Outstanding views of Ingleborough and Whernside. Limited facilities at Gearstones Lodge.
Carry sufficient water as sources are scarce on high ground.
Stage 6: Gearstones to Sedbergh
15km
100m
250m
Follow the River Dee through picturesque Dentdale. Pass through Dent village with its cobbled streets and heritage center.
The route continues along the Dee to Sedbergh, England's book town.
Full services available in Sedbergh, including numerous bookshops and cafes. The Dalesman Country Inn offers traditional accommodation.
The route continues along the Dee to Sedbergh, England's book town.
Full services available in Sedbergh, including numerous bookshops and cafes. The Dalesman Country Inn offers traditional accommodation.
Stage 7: Sedbergh to Beckfoot
12km
150m
160m
Cross the Howgill Fells' western flanks with views back to the Yorkshire Dales. The landscape transitions toward Lake District characteristics.
Limited facilities en route. The Black Horse Inn at Beckfoot provides accommodation. Water available from streams and villages.
Limited facilities en route. The Black Horse Inn at Beckfoot provides accommodation. Water available from streams and villages.
Stage 8: Beckfoot to Burneside
16km
200m
180m
Enter Cumbria proper, with changing architectural styles reflecting the transition from Dales to Lakes. Cross the River Sprint and Kent.
Burneside offers basic services and accommodation at the Jolly Anglers Inn. The Sprint Mill heritage site offers insights into local industrial history.
Burneside offers basic services and accommodation at the Jolly Anglers Inn. The Sprint Mill heritage site offers insights into local industrial history.
Stage 9: Burneside to Staveley
5km
50m
40m
A short stage following the River Kent. Staveley offers excellent services, including the famous Wilf's Cafe and Hawkshead Brewery.
The Eagle and Child pub provides accommodation. First views of the Lake District fells appear.
The Eagle and Child pub provides accommodation. First views of the Lake District fells appear.
Stage 10: Staveley to Bowness-on-Windermere
14km
240m
320m
The final stage offers increasingly dramatic views of the Lake District fells. Descend through woodland to reach Lake Windermere and Bowness.
Full services available in Bowness, including numerous accommodation options and transport connections.
Full services available in Bowness, including numerous accommodation options and transport connections.
Essential Travel Information
'- Best hiking: May to September
- Spring offers wildflowers, autumn provides clear views
- Winter brings short days and challenging weather
- Accommodation opens year-round in larger towns
- Book ahead during summer holidays (July-August)
- Spring offers wildflowers, autumn provides clear views
- Winter brings short days and challenging weather
- Accommodation opens year-round in larger towns
- Book ahead during summer holidays (July-August)
'- B&Bs: £60-100 per night
- Hotels: £80-150 per night
- Hostels: £20-30 per night
- Camping: Limited sites, £10-15 per night
- Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season
- Hotels: £80-150 per night
- Hostels: £20-30 per night
- Camping: Limited sites, £10-15 per night
- Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season
'- Nearest airports: Leeds-Bradford, Manchester
- Trains to Ilkley via Leeds
- Windermere station connects to main line at Oxenholme
- Regular buses between major towns
- Taxi services available for baggage transfer
- Trains to Ilkley via Leeds
- Windermere station connects to main line at Oxenholme
- Regular buses between major towns
- Taxi services available for baggage transfer
'- Accommodation: £400-600 (6-8 nights)
- Food: £25-40 per day
- Transport: £50-100 total
- No permits required
- Optional baggage transfer: £8-12 per bag per stage
- Food: £25-40 per day
- Transport: £50-100 total
- No permits required
- Optional baggage transfer: £8-12 per bag per stage
'- Moderate traffic June-September
- Quieter March-May and October
- Mixed international and domestic hikers
- Family-friendly trail
- Most crowded near Grassington and Bowness
- Solitude found on mid-week spring/autumn days
- Quieter March-May and October
- Mixed international and domestic hikers
- Family-friendly trail
- Most crowded near Grassington and Bowness
- Solitude found on mid-week spring/autumn days
