Dales Way

A great choice for active first-timers and regular hikers looking for a gentle introduction to long-distance hiking.

The trail follows a mix of riverside trails, field paths, farm tracks and quiet country roads, with plenty of gates and stiles (steps over walls and fences) along the way. Most of the hiking is low-level, following the rivers through the valleys, though you’ll cross some higher, more open ground around Cam Fell. After rain, some trails can get very muddy and boggy, so expect slower progress. In a few places, you’ll need to cross busy highways with fast-moving traffic, so please take extra care.

If you’re not used to hiking regularly, we recommend building up with hilly hikes and some cardio exercise in the months before your trip. It’ll help you get the most out of every day on the trail.

This route is graded moderate. Daily difficulty can vary within the tour, so some days may feel a little easier or tougher than the overall rating suggests.

You’ll stay in a mix of handpicked hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&Bs, each chosen for its warm welcome, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We’ll always try to book the places listed in your itinerary. If availability is limited, we’ll arrange an alternative nearby and let you know in advance. For example, if Cowgill is full, you’ll stay in nearby Dent instead, with round-trip transfers included.

Want to stay longer? We recommend adding an extra night in Bowness-on-Windermere at the end of your hike. Take a cruise on Windermere, explore the lakeside shops and cafés, and toast your achievement by the water.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Breakfast is included each morning, while lunch and dinner are up to you. Many accommodations can provide a packed lunch on request, which you can book and pay for on arrival. Our app also highlights recommended lunch spots along the way. For dinner, you can eat at your accommodations or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

You can hike the Dales Way from early April through mid-October, starting on any day that suits you. April and May are traditionally the most popular months, with lambs in the fields and wildflowers along the riverbanks. That said, anywhere from late March through September makes for a wonderful hike.

We also offer this trip in the quieter shoulder months of March and late October. The towns and trails are more peaceful, but be prepared for cooler temperatures, wind, rain and muddy trails.

If you can, avoid finishing in Bowness-on-Windermere on a weekend, as many B&Bs there only take two-night bookings on weekends. Or why not add an extra night and make a weekend of it?

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved to your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

The route isn't extensively way-marked, so having clear tracks to follow is especially useful here.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading
Map: Harvey Dales Way Map 1:40,000
Guidebook: Dales Way Trailblazer

Getting to the start

The easiest way to reach Ilkley is by train. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Get to Leeds. Leeds is a major rail hub, with direct trains from London King’s Cross (about 2 hours 15 minutes), Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
2. Change for Ilkley. From Leeds, frequent trains run to Ilkley in around 30 minutes. The station is right in the town center, just a short walk from your accommodations.

Arriving by plane?

• London airports: Most travelers from North America fly into London. From there, make your way to London King’s Cross station, then follow the steps above.
• Manchester Airport (MAN): The closest major international airport, with some direct flights from North America. Take the train to Leeds, then change for Ilkley.

Getting home from the end

Bowness-on-Windermere doesn’t have its own train station, so you’ll start with a short bus or taxi ride. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Get to Windermere station. Take the local bus or a taxi from Bowness to Windermere station, about 1.5 miles away.
2. Connect to your onward journey. From Windermere, trains run to Oxenholme, where you can join the West Coast Main Line to London Euston, Manchester, Glasgow and beyond.

Flying home?

• London airports: Take the train to London Euston via Oxenholme, then connect to your departure airport.
• Manchester Airport (MAN): Some trains run direct from Windermere to the airport, or you can change at Oxenholme.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

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

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation

Cross the stepping stones at Bolton Abbey

Near Bolton Abbey, wander over to the ruins of Bolton Priory, one of the most beautiful spots on the trail. If the river’s low and you’re feeling brave, hop across the famous stepping stones over the River Wharfe. A little farther on, the river squeezes through a narrow gorge known as the Strid. It looks small enough to jump, but the water is deep, fast and dangerous, so admire it from the trail.

Look up at Dent Head Viaduct

As you climb out of the Dales toward Dentdale, the trail passes beneath Dent Head Viaduct, part of the famous Settle–Carlisle railway. If you’re lucky, you might see a train rumbling across high above you.

Explore cobbled Dent

Dent is one of the prettiest villages on the route, with cobbled streets and whitewashed cottages. Look out for the granite fountain dedicated to local geologist Adam Sedgwick, and try a pint from Dent Brewery.

Browse the bookstores in Sedbergh

Sedbergh is England’s official Book Town, with independent bookstores tucked into its little streets. It’s a lovely place to wander, and a good excuse to pick up something to read in the evenings.

Step into All Creatures Great and Small in Grassington

Grassington’s cobbled square and stone cottages may look familiar. The village stars as Darrowby in the TV series All Creatures Great and Small, which airs on PBS in the US. Wander around the square, stop for tea in one of its cafés, and don’t miss Linton Falls, a short stroll away, where the River Wharfe tumbles over limestone ledges.