Detailed Description

This walking route is based upon Mark Reid's walking guidebook 'The Inn Way... to the Yorkshire Dales'.

Starting/Finishing Point: Grassington

The charming town of Grassington is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s cobbled market square, charming country inns, craft shops and good selection of restaurants make it the perfect place to start and end your holiday.
Grassington is easily reached by bus from Skipton. To get to Skipton you can get the train from London (3h), Manchester (2h) or Leeds (45m).

Grassington to Buckden - 13 miles

Leaving pretty Grassington behind, you have a delightful’s day walking ahead through grassy meadows, open moorlands and along riverside paths.  Pass through rolling fields before the path opens up onto limestone moorland and the fantastic example of an Iron Age settlement at Lea Green. Dip Beck ravine will have you feeling well exercised with its steep slopes before reaching the sleepy village of Conistone. From here follow tranquil riverside paths through Littondale and explore the Nature Reserve of Scoska Wood.  The final invigorating stretch will take you over the exposed moorland ridge of Birks Fell before you arrive in the attractive Wharfedale village of Buckden.
Buckden is a small village with a focal point of the Buck Inn, a great pub with open fires and serving a selection of real ales and delicious meals.

Buckden to Askrigg - 13 miles

An initial steep climb out of Buckden will reward you with spectacular views over Upper Wharfedale. This is followed by a walk over the wild and isolated moorland, Stake Moss. You follow an old Roman road towards Bainbridge which is a spectacular part of  the walk. Consider a rest stop at the 15th Century Inn, the Rose and Crown in Bainbridge before some further peaceful woodland and riverside walking will bring you to Askrigg.
Askrigg is a delightful Wensleydale village complete with cobbled marketplace and a selection of traditional inns.

Askrigg to Reeth - 13 miles

A beautiful day’s walk awaits you today starting off with some of the finest views across Wensleydale and finishing with the arrival into the valley of Swaledale which is renowned as one of the prettiest valleys in the country. The first part of the walk will take you through moorland tracks and Oxnop Ghyll. On a clear day you will see some of the beautiful views in the country including Great Whernside, Buckden Pike and Semerwater.  It is worth exploring the old mining town of Gunnerside before heather moorlands and meadowlands give way to the Swaledale.
Reeth is a picturesque Swaledale village with several options for eating and drinking.

Reeth to West Burton - 11 miles

An initial couple of climbs on this section are rewarded with some great views  and the fascinating Castle Bolton, where Mary Queen of Scots was once held prisoner.  Rest your feet in Carperby at the delightful Wheatsheaf Hotel and enjoy taking in the breathtaking Aysgarth Falls before arriving in the pretty village of West Burton.
West Burton is a delightful Wensleydale village. The Fox and Hounds is a lovely small inn offering  local ales and delicious home cooked meals.

West Burton to Kettlewell - 14 miles

You will walk through two very beautiful valleys today including the Valley of Walden - the last retreat of Celtic tribes fleeing from invading Norse and Anglo-Saxons - and the wild Coverdale, dominated by the impressive Great Whernside which is Wharfedale’s highest fell. Finish by walking down the pretty Top Mere Road into Kettlewell.
Kettlewell is a bustling and charming Yorkshire village with several traditional inns to tempt you.

Kettlewell to Grassington - 12 miles

Today is a fine finish to a wonderful walk. Begin with some fantastic high level moorland walking across Conistone Moor, with some great views of Upper Wharfedale before discovering the ruins of old lead mines at Yarnbury. Information boards help you to discover the history of this area. From Yarnbury, clear paths will lead you across meadowland and alongside Hebden Beck. Finally, the stunning Linton Falls make a beautiful end to your walk, before arriving back in Grassington for your final night’s accommodation.

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