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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. Celebratory drinks at the Angel Inn recommended.