Arrive Skipton

You can reach Skipton easily by public transport. There is a train station in Skipton and all trains go via Leeds. From London it takes around 4 hours and from Newcastle just over 2 and a half hours. The town is largely dominated by Skipton castle and there are many attractive cobbled streets and markets to explore.

Stage 1: Skipton to Grassington

The first section of the walk takes you through the villages of Embsay and Eastby and then heads over Halton Edge to reach the historical site of Barden Tower. You then follow the banks of the river Wharfe through fields where dry stone walls are still visible up into Grassington with its pretty cobbled streets. The walking is easy and the scenery is fantastic.

Stage 2: Grassington to Buckden

On this stage you head to the fellsides and get a glimpse of limestone country almost immediately. You pass remains of Iron Age settlements before climbing at a steady incline to Capplestones Gate at 1600ft. From here the views all around are magnificent, the trail drops gradually through many fields to the lovely village of Kettlewell. From here you hug the river Wharfe again until you reach Starbottom where you cross the river and head up to Buckden.

Stage 3: Buckden to Hawes

The route from Buckden climbs steeply up to Stake Moss and then a lovely walk follows along great tracks with fabulous views all the way down to Carpley Green. The ancient tracks will take you out of Wharfedale into Wensleydale where you pass Nappa Hall with its assosiations with Lady Anne. As you head up to Askrigg you follow the valley and then through fields to reach the market town of Hawes.

Stage 4: Hawes to Kirkby Stephen

This stage of the walk follows what is known as Lady Anne’s Highway, it is a walk of great beauty high up in the fells to Mallerstang. You start by walking through delightful meadowland and then a stiff climb up to Cotter End brings you out on the ‘highway’ with its magnificent views to the start of the Eden Valley. This stage finishes in Kirkby Stephen where you will find many places geared towards walkers.

Stage 5: Kirkby Stephen to Appleby

The route on this section follows riverside valleys and the views on this section again are wonderful. You leave Mallerstang with its wild and dramatic scenery for the lush green pastures of the Eden Valley as you head towards the Lake District. The walk on this section visits the Brough Castle, Ormside ‘Cross’ and church, and finishes at Appleby with its castle and churches so many places of history to visit today.

Stage 6: Appleby to Penrith

This section is a low level walk with superb views of the North Pennine Hills. Little unspoilt villages are passed which have remained unchanged for years. A short stretch of riverside walking follows into the outskirts of Penrith and to Brougham Castle which was Lady Anne’s favourite place and it was here that her father was born and her mother died.

Onward Travel

There are frequent trains from Penrith to Carlisle (15 mins) and from here you can connect to many other destinations north and south of the border. If you need to get back to Skipton you can get the train via Carlisle (2 and a half hours). Please find our individual itineraries below, Im sure you will find one that suits your requirements.

Accommodation

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the Hotels, Inns, Guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.

Solo Walkers

This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs their is a solo walker supplement payable.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your guide book will have details.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.

 

 

 

Guesthouse

Visit the website

Bongate House - Appleby

A very warm and friendly welcome awaits you from Mary & John Geary at Bongate House, where you will find quality bed and breakfast accommodation in a fine Georgian House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guesthouse

Visit the website

Glendale Guesthouse - Penrith

Moira and Allan welcome you for a relaxing stay in Penrith, the historical market town central for visiting the Lake District and Eden Valley

 

 

Guesthouse

Visit the website

Littlebeck - Kettlewell

Your bags have barely touched the floor and you are welcomed with tea or coffee and home made patisserie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guesthouse

Visit the website

Manorhouse - Burnsall

Located 150 yards from the Red Lion, Where you are welcome to Eat and drink. The bedrooms are modern and simple in this old Victorian ‘Manor House, most having lovely views of the River Wharfe and village.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guesthouse

Visit the website

Old Croft House - Kirkby Stephen

Dating from 1750 The Old Croft House has retained much of its original charm and character with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guesthouse

Visit the website

River View - Brough

River view is a converted stone barn near the centre of the historic village of Brough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guesthouse

Visit the website

West Winds - Buckden

West Winds offers homely bed and breakfast with a distinct Yorkshire Dales flavour.

 

 

 

 

Getting to Skipton

Skipton has a train station and can easily be reached from the North and the South via Leeds. The train takes 4 hrs from London and 2 and a half hours from Newcastle. Parking is available on street but is limited.

Getting back from Penrith

There are frequent trains from Penrith to Carlisle (15 mins) and from here you can connect to many other destinations north and south of the border.  If you need to get back to Skipton you can get the train via Carlisle ( 2 and a half hours).

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice from our team.

How fit do I need to be?

We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance so hopefully you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Lady Anne's Way is extremely popular especially over April/May and July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.

When is the best time of year?

Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.

Which direction should I walk?

We only offer this holiday from Skipton to Penrith as the baggage handlers only operate in one way.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. 

You can start your Lady Anne's Way walking holiday from the 4th April until the 15th October, subject to availability. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.  Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.