Day 1: Arrive 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).
Day 2: 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.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: 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.
Day 5: 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.
Day 6: 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.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: Onward travel
After breakfast you depart Grassington.
This walking route is based upon Mark Reid's walking guidebook 'The Inn Way... to the Yorkshire Dales'.
Navigation
The Inn Way to the Yorkshire Dales is a relatively easy path to follow. Most footpaths and bridleways in the Yorkshire Dales are cleary signposted, and a comprehensive guidebook and map are also supplied.
Grade
The way is on well maintained footpaths, bridleways, across fields and open moorlands. It does involve some steep ascent and descent in sections but in general the walking is fairly easy.
Accommodation
Being an Inn Way we will always try to book you in traditional Country Inn accommodation wherever possible on this walk. When the standard would be higher or availablity is an issue we may also book you into B&B's, guesthouses or country hotels. We will book ensuite rooms whenever possible. A delicious breakfast is always included.
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. Most of your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs or restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 17kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Dogs
We can try and accommodate dogs wherever possible on this walk. In order to accommodate you, you may need to stay in pub style accommodation rather than B&B's and guesthouses.
Copyright
“The Inn Way” is a Registered Trademark of Mark Reid, author of 'The Inn Way' guidebooks. Some of the images used in the publication of this walk are reproduced with the kind permission of Mark Reid.
The BlueBell inn - Kettlewell
A warm welcome awaits you at the Blue Bell Inn, Kettlewell’s oldest and best-loved hostelry, with its log fire, excellent local-brewed ales and substantial Yorkshire style meals, everything the walker looks forward to after a long day on the hills and riverside paths of lovely Upper Wharfedale.
The Fox & Hound - West Burton
A good night's sleep is assured with no need to worry about being above a busy bar and in the morning a freshly cooked breakfast will set you up for another day.
Hazel's Roost - Bainbridge
Formerly the Blacksmith's workshop on the ground floor with Cobbler's shop above, this building has been converted into a home offering very comfortable accommodation.
Rowleth End - Gunnerside
Now a well appointed and comfortable five-bedroomed guest house, it is also the current owner's home. Guests are welcomed into both.
Stoney End - Worton
The accent is on quality, and our standards of comfort and service ensure a level of luxury you may not have expected of "B and B" or self catering!
The Black Horse Hotel - Grassington
Enjoy the 'quirkiness' of the undulating corridors and the individuality of each room.
The White Lion- Buckden
Described by Wainwright as a ‘tiny oasis’ our family run traditional Dales inn offers a warm and friendly welcome.
Thornsgill House - Askrigg
Thornsgill House is our unique and family run Edwardian house which commands a peaceful position in the village next to Askrigg Beck.
Getting to Grassington
By Air - The closest international airport to Grassington is Manchester (approx 3h).
By Rail/Bus - Regular trains run from Leeds (45m) or Manchester to Skipton (2 hours). From Skipton, regular bus services run to Grassington (approx 30 minutes).
By Car - If you do need to drive you can park your car at the National Park Car Park on Hebden Road in Grassington.
For public transport information we would recommend you consult the Traveline Journey planner.
We are often asked the following questions by walkers planning The Inn Way to the Yorkshire Dales and I hope that you will find the following information useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
How fit do I need to be?
This walk is graded as moderate as the path is generally on good surfaces with some occasional steep sections and boggy foot underground. 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 Yorkshire Dales are extremely popular. If booking at short notice 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?
The Inn Way to the Yorkshire Dales is a lovely walk at any time between the beginning of April and beginning of October.
Am I able to take my dog?
We can try and accommodate dogs wherever possible on this walk. In order to accommodate you, you may need to stay in pub style accommodation rather than B&B's and guesthouses.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use local bus services or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
You can start the Inn Way to the Yorkshire Dales on any date from April to October. 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 walk 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.
Available
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
| Code |
Tour Name |
Duration |
Grade |
From |
Book |
| WESIWY |
Inn Way to the Yorkshire Dales |
8 Days & 7 Nights |
|
£475 |
Book |
Included
- 7 Nights hand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation in en-suite rooms wherever possible.
- Door to door baggage transfer.
- A detailed pre-departure information pack, guide book and maps for your party.
- Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem.
Excluded
- Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Equipment.
Options
- Single room supplement - If you require a single room in your party there is a single room supplement payable for each single room required.
- Solo walker supplement - If you are walking solo there is a solo walker supplement payable to cover the additional baggage transfer costs. This is in addition to the single room supplement.
