The Dales Way is an 84-mile long distance path passing through the heart
of the Yorkshire Dales and culminating in the Lake District. The route
starts at Ilkley in Yorkshire and ends at Bowness-on-Windermere in
Cumbria. The idea of following rivers through the Dales results in a
well-defined route, namely the near straight line through Wharfdale and
Dentdale. The rivers Lune and Kent then chip in with a few miles during
the crossing of undulating hills to the heart of Lakeland.
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.
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 and sketch maps 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 many colour photographs showing the beauty of the
journey. Although there are sketch maps we would recommend also carrying
the appropriate OS maps when walking the route.
The stages are as follows:
Ilkley to Burnsall - 12 miles
Burnsall to Buckden - 14 miles
Buckden to Gearstones - 13 miles
Gearstones to Sedbergh - 14.5 miles
Sedbergh to Burneside - 16.5 miles
Burneside to Bowness - 9.5 miles
