The Dales Way
About this trip.
From Ilkley to the shores of Windermere
The walk starts at the Old Bridge in Ilkley, threads north along the River Wharfe through limestone country, climbs into Dentdale, and finishes at Lake Windermere. The seven-night itinerary breaks the path into manageable stages, with the first three days each asking between 280 and 410 metres of ascent. The landscape shifts character throughout, from the broad meadowlands of lower Wharfedale to the rugged gills above Dent.
Bolton Priory's ruins appear early, set above a bend in the river, and Bardon Tower follows soon after. The middle stages take in Grassington, a cobbled Dales village with proper character, and Hubberholme, a hamlet of a few cottages. By the time you reach Cowgill you're looking out at the three peaks of Whernside, Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough, with the Dent Head Viaduct carrying the Settle to Carlisle railway across the dale.
Wharfedale, then Dentdale
Day one runs from Ilkley to Burnsall through meadowland and past the priory ruins, finishing in a small village with a couple of tea rooms and a shop. From Burnsall the path climbs above limestone crags up to Grassington, then through woodland and along a riverside to Hubberholme. The ascents are modest, the views across Wharfedale are not. The third leg is the most demanding: 410 metres of climbing as you leave Wharfedale, pass Deepdale Gill, and drop down towards Dent Head Viaduct.
Accommodation leans on traditional Dales inns with flagged floors, cask beer from Black Sheep and Yorkshire Dales Breweries, and log fires, alongside family-run B&Bs and a working organic sheep farm. The food side is genuinely good: full English breakfasts, Yorkshire puddings, locally sourced cooking and real ale that hasn't travelled far.
Booking and logistics
This is a self-guided trip rather than a group walk. You set off when you want each morning, with route notes provided and your luggage moved ahead between stops. Where a single inn can't take you — Cowgill's Sportsman Inn, for example, has limited rooms — Macs Adventure will book you into Dent and lay on return taxi transfers at no extra cost.
It suits walkers who want a long-distance English path with character but without punishing daily mileage. Anyone used to a full day on the hill will be fine with the terrain. The mix of riverside paths, climbs to viewpoints, and evenings in villages with a decent pub gives the trip a rhythm that builds rather than wears you down.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for walking holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every walking day
- ✓Detailed route notes with maps and GPX files
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches — typically a village picnic or café stop
- ×Some evening meals — depends on the specific itinerary
- ×Alcohol beyond any wine included with set dinners
- ×Optional room or transfer upgrades
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
Other walking holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
