7-day Dales Way itinerary

1. Day 1

   Ilkley to Burnsall

   5–6 h 13.0 mi (21.0 km) ↑ 270 m (900 ft) ↓ 200 m (650 ft)

   An easy first day up the Wharfe. Past Barden Bridge the path crosses green fields of sheep, with drystone walls zigzagging up the hills on both sides, and Strid Wood's oaks are a lovely, easy stretch. Burnsall has only a few places to stay, among them the Red Lion by the river, so it is worth booking well ahead.

   Example stay The Red Lion, Burnsall (opens in a new tab)

2. Day 2

   Burnsall to Kettlewell

   4–5 h 9.3 mi (15.0 km) ↑ 260 m (850 ft) ↓ 190 m (600 ft)

   A shorter day with some of the superb views of the walk. Past Grassington the path climbs onto limestone pavement, with Kilnsey Crag across the dale, a rock face popular with climbers. Kettlewell is the night, with three pubs, a café and a village store, so stock up there for the quiet days ahead.

   Example stay Racehorses Hotel (opens in a new tab)

3. Day 3

   Kettlewell to Oughtershaw

   4–5 h 10.2 mi (16.4 km) ↑ 210 m (700 ft) ↓ 70 m (250 ft)

   The dale empties as you go. Buckden has the last shop and café, so stop there. Above Hubberholme, Langstrothdale narrows into sheep fields and quiet lanes, and the young Wharfe stays at your side. The climb to Oughtershaw is slow and gentle. Nethergill Farm is the bed, and there is no reliable phone signal, so sort plans in Buckden.

   Example stay Nethergill Farm (opens in a new tab)

4. Day 4

   Oughtershaw to Cowgill

   4–5 h 10.7 mi (17.2 km) ↑ 350 m (1,150 ft) ↓ 450 m (1,500 ft)

   The crossing gets a day of its own, from a high start. Above Oughtershaw you pass the source of the Wharfe. On Cam Fell you cross the watershed between the North Sea and the Irish Sea, and the Pennine Way. Carry lunch, because Cam Houses has nothing. A steep descent drops you into Dentdale at the Sportsman's Inn.

   Example stay The Sportsman's Inn (opens in a new tab)

5. Day 5

   Cowgill to Sedbergh

   4–5 h 9.9 mi (15.9 km) ↑ 130 m (450 ft) ↓ 250 m (800 ft)

   An easy walk after the moor. The River Dee winds down Dentdale through hay meadows dotted with field barns. In Dentdale you cross the Pennine Fault, and the rock changes from limestone to slate. The village makes a long lunch easy, and the evening is in Sedbergh, a market town under the Howgill Fells.

   Example stay The Dalesman Country Inn (opens in a new tab)

6. Day 6

   Sedbergh to Patton Bridge

   5–6 h 11.6 mi (18.6 km) ↑ 380 m (1,250 ft) ↓ 360 m (1,200 ft)

   This is where the Dales end. The path follows the Lune to the historic Crook of Lune Bridge, then crosses the Lune Gorge, which carries three major transport routes. Beyond it lie drumlins and hedged farmland with almost nowhere to buy food. Shaw End Mansion, near Patton Bridge, is one of very few beds on this stretch.

   Example stay Shaw End Mansion (opens in a new tab)

7. Day 7 Longest

   Patton Bridge to Bowness-on-Windermere

   6–7 h 13.5 mi (21.8 km) ↑ 430 m (1,400 ft) ↓ 530 m (1,750 ft)

   The longest day, and it ends at the lake. Fields lead to Burneside's bakery, then the River Kent runs to Staveley and its café. Beyond the village the country turns craggy, low fells and rock that feel like the Lake District at last. Windermere opens below, and the Dales Way Bench above Bowness marks the end of the walk.

   Finish Dales Way Finish

Cross-check: Dales Way Association FAQ . The Association gives 80 miles (128 km) and about 5 to 7 days. Distances on the cards are measured along the trail. A walk off the path to a bed is extra.

7-day itinerary FAQ