Starting in Ilkley and finishing on the shores of Lake Windermere, the Dales Way is a 78 mile walk through the Yorkshire Dales and into the Lake District.
The Route
- Start Point: Ilkley
- Finish Point: Windermere
- Distance: 78 Miles
Getting there
Ilkley is easily accessed by bus, train, car and is only a short taxi ride from Leeds-Bradford Airport.
GPX Route Map
Walk Description
This walk was initially devised by the West Riding Ramblers' Association with the 'leading lights' being Colin Speakman and Tom Wilcock (Footpath Secretary). The route was announced to the public in 1968 and the first recorded crossing was by a group of Bradford Grammar School Venture Scouts in 1969.
The first half of the walk follows the River Wharfe upstream to the main watershed of Northern England at Ribblehead. The second half follows several river valleys (Dentdale, River Mint, River Kent) to descend to the shores of Windermere.
Most walkers tackling this route take about a week, in sections of 10 to 15 miles per day and taking a rest day or two.
Accommodation
Staying the night near the Buckden to Gearstones section is possible at:
Luggage help
If you would like help with planning or transporting luggage on this route, the Dales Way Association has a list here: http://www.dalesway.org/services.htm
Places on This Route
Ilkley
Primary Location
Middleton
On Route
Nesfield
On Route
Denton, North Yorkshire
On Route
Addingham
On Route
Beamsley
On Route
Bolton Abbey (village)
On Route
Appletreewick
On Route
Burnsall
On Route
Hartlington
On Route
Thorpe
On Route
Thorpe, North Yorkshire
On Route
Hebden
On Route
Hebden, North Yorkshire
On Route
Grassington
On Route
Threshfield
On Route
Kettlewell
On Route
Starbotton
On Route
Buckden
On Route
Hubberholme
On Route
Deepdale, North Yorkshire
On Route
Beckermonds
On Route
Oughtershaw
On Route
Gearstones
On Route
On the Route
Darrowby Barn
Accommodation
Riverside
Accommodation
The Reading Rooms
Accommodation
Ashfield House
Accommodation
Olicana Park – Mobile Homes
Accommodation
Retreat Tearoom & Bistro
Food & Drink
Langcliffe House B&B
Accommodation
Ashfield House
Accommodation
Red Lion Hotel and Manor House
Accommodation
Lane Fold Cottage
Accommodation
Rose Cottage
Accommodation
Scar Croft
Accommodation
Raines Close Guest House
Accommodation