Dales Way Map and Itinerary

Stage 1 | Ilkley to Burnsall | 13 Miles

Starting at the Old Bridge in Ilkley you make your way north on your walk up to Burnsall. After passing through lush meadowlands and Bolton Priory, you will come to Cavendish Pavillion. After some quick refreshments you will pass through Strid Wood where the river becomes feisty and the scenery more dramatic. The highlights continue endlessly with more stunning bridges and medieval settlements. Weary not from the length of the path but the constant surprises of more and more splendour finally you will reach a stone stile and Burnsall Bridge comes into view marking the end of the stage.  The Red Lion in Burnsall provides great pub grub and the Burnsall Manor Hotel provides some great accommodation. There is little else in this quaint little town apart from a few tea rooms and a local shop.

Stage 2 | Burnsall to Hubberholme | 15 miles

As you leave Burnsall by a stony path behind the church, the river roars dramatically beneath limestone crags. You will begin to climb and the amazing views over Wharfedale will astound. One of the highglights of this section is Grassington - a fabulous Dale’s village with everything you would expect to find - friendly pubs, a tea shop, post office and a convenience store not to mention oodles of charm. The high land produces more stunning views later on the path as you head up to Conistone Pie which provides the best views of the Dales Way, from here you can see the renowned Kilnsey Crag and typical dales farm land spreads out like a patchwork quilt around you. After some gentle downhill woodland walking and some delightful riverside walking you will come to your destination for this evening. Hubberholme is a pretty little village and a one pub town. The George Inn serves good food and offers a welcome refreshment.

Stage 3 | Hubberholme to Dent Head (Cowgill) | 17 miles

As you leave Hubberholme you will also leave Wharfedale and enter Dentdale.This path takes you past the river cascading over several ledges which is reduced to a trickle in the dry season. After Deepdale Gill which is a splendidly rugged area the path begins to climb and this area can be a little muddy from the springs and streams that cascade down the hillside. Later on you can take in the views of the three peaks Whernside, Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough as well as the Dent Head Viaduct. Evidence of the impending Lake District is now visible as you head towards the Viaduct which is very impressive once reached. Food is served at most B&B’s by prior arrangement; however you can take a taxi into Dent just 3 miles away for more choice.

Stage 4 | Dent Head (Cowgill) to Sedbergh | 10 Miles

After passing Scar Force and Dent Station (England's highest railway station), you will wind through meadow and forest to a clearing where the Dentdale landscape proves its diversity from Wharfedale now left behind. The steep hills rise on both sides and the ominous Whernside looms some 2414ft above you. A short while after Dent, the river which had become more of a stream earlier today is back to its crashing glory and the bird life is in full flow again. On this section, you will get the sense of leaving Yorkshire and entering the Lake District however this border is some way of yet. Sedbergh is well stocked with pubs and restaurants - there is a post office a few cash machines and some good shops here so stock up with what you will need before you get to the next big town in Windermere.

Stage 5 | Sedbergh to Burneside/Overnight Kendal | 13 Miles

The views and landscape are delightful today. More evidence of the impending lakes forms up ahead as you pass through slat roofed villages and amble across a beck romantically crammed full of fallen rocks and falls. A short trip from Burneside will bring you to Kendal where there are a variety of eateries and pubs. Kendal is a large town with lots of shops, post office, pubs, restaurants and cash machines.

Stage 6 | Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere | 10 Miles

You have reached the climax as you leave Kendal and head off to the River Kent. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Kingfishers on this section and there are plenty of interesting mills to see including an entire village of them at Cowen Head. The scenery is more and more rocky as you progress to the end of the Dales Way and the river really comes into its own as it crashes and gurgles over the rocks. As you see the majestic lake ahead you can choose the long or short way to your final destination, however on a nice hot day I would suggest running to the lake for a swim. There is no shortage of fine places to eat and drink in Windermere making it a great place to celebrate. There is every thing you may need in Windermere from new walking boots to trinkets for those at home, a post office, cash machines and of course the whole of the Lake District at your finger tips.

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