The Dales Way

Location: North Yorkshire; West Yorkshire; Cumbria

OS Maps: Explorer™ OL2, OL7, OL19, OL30, 297

The Dales Way is a delightful long distance path through the Yorkshire Dales, the Howgill Fells and the eastern fringes of the Lake District from Ilkley to Bowness on Windermere. The route follows the valleys of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, crossing the English Pennine watershed as it makes its way north westward towards Lakeland. One of the many attractions of this well loved route is the abundance of features of architectural, historical, social and ecological interest along the way. Churches, manor houses, shooting lodges, Roman roads, ancient stone circles, packhorse bridges, suspension bridges, viaducts, nature trails - The Dales Way has them all. It is also unbelievable rich in flora and fauna; in fact the interest never stops from first step to last. The contrast of the landscapes also make this one of the most interesting long distance paths; from the dark brooding gritstone of the start on Ilkley Moor to the green and fertile Wharfedale valley. From the amazing limestone pavements with hawthorn trees clinging tenaciously in crevices, to the wide wild expanse of Oughtershaw Moss, desolate wilderness or spacious freedom, depending upon your point of view. There is peacefulness walking down the beautiful Dentdale, and the piece de resistance, the glorious Howgill Fells and the view of Lakeland's mountains ahead.

The terrain of Dales Way country makes for a less demanding walk than many long distance paths and this has no doubt boosted its popularity, together with its lovely riverside scenery. Discover delightful villages such as Burnsall, Grassington, Kettlewell, Dent and Sedbergh; savour the majesty of Bolton Abbey; and walk by the engaging rivers of Wharfe, Dee, Rawthey, Lune, Sprint and Kent. Within the Yorkshire Dales the route is largely a riverside walk, but there are opportunities to gain height along the valley sides of both Wharfedale and Dentdale providing variety and extensive views. The scenery is of the highest order for virtually the entire route.

There are linking routes connecting with The Dales Way from Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate. The route is very much an all season route with spring and autumn being good times to walk it. In summer it's popularity require booking accommodation well ahead.

	Guide Books: [Click for further information or to purchase]
	The Dales Way by Terry Marsh. An excellent and comprehensive guide providing not only route directions, but a wealth of background information about the history, architecture and many other features of interest along the way. This is a fully updated second edition of an established and reliable guide providing clear route instructions in both directions. This edition also has Ordnance Survey Landranger mapping with the route highlighted and includes numerous colour photographs.
	The Dales Way by Anthony Burton. Whether you are walking from end to end, or exploring a part of the route, this easy-to-use guide is packed with indispensable information. There are detailed descriptions, including points of interest, for each stage of the path together with 1:25000 Ordnance Survey maps specially prepared to accompany the text. There are colour photographs throughout. Key sites are numbered in the text and on the maps for easy identification. Off the path circular walks are included to let you see more of the area. An introductory section gives the historical and geological background to the area. A distance checklist helps you to plan overnight stays and check your progress, and a reference section provides useful addresses and advice on accommodation and transport.
	The Dales Way by Paul Hannon. The guide divides the route into six well arranged sections to ensure this undemanding walk can easily be tackled by most walkers within the space of a week's holiday. Clear and concise route directions are supported by additional background information and practical details including a wide range of accommodation and many welcoming pubs and teashops. The guide is illustrated with line drawings and has sketch maps, although the appropriate OS maps will be required. It also provides information about many of the features of interest encountered on the route. This guide also includes the three link routes from Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate.