Six Dales Trail

Today's walk of the day is the Six Dales Trail. This is one of the most ambitious walks that we have featured during Walkshire. At a mammoth 38 miles, it is more of an expedition than a walk of the day as it could take most experienced walkers two to four days to complete.

Six Dales Trail - Route

This walk starts in Otley, Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, as seen in the image up above, and heads north through the Dales. The Six Dales Trail winds across the entire length of the superb Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Along its way it crosses the five watersheds that separate the dales and give the trail its name. From Wharfedale, it passes over into Washburndale, then into Nidderdale, Colsterdale, Coverdale and finally Wensleydale.

Along its length is everything from steep pastures to high heather moorland, stretches alongside fast-flowing rivers to paths through 18th century parkland. There are a few points of interest to take a look at along the route including The Druid's Temple.

The trail finishes in Middleham, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, where you will have more than earned that pint and meal in The Black Bull Inn.

Conditions

This walk is difficult, it is not for everyone and would be tough for young families and dogs. The record for completing the walk is five hours and forty five minutes but we recommend stopping off along the way to get some rest and refreshments.

Useful Links

For more Walkshire Walks of the Day follow this link or read more of the blogs here.

Find out more about the Six Dales Trail here.

A full route guide is available to purchase at local outlets and from the Otley Walkers are Welcome.