August 13, 2025
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Destination: The North
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A Guide to Walking The Dales Way in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales are situated in the Pennines, a mountain range in northern England, characterised by rolling hills and limestone formations. Known for their series of valleys or ‘dales’, carved by rivers like the Wharfe and Swale, the Yorkshire Dales offer hikes for all abilities, whether you want a short ramble or a multi-day adventure.
Hikers often descend to Yorkshire to complete routes such as Yorkshire Three Peaks, a 24-mile route crossing the three highest peaks in Yorkshire, or to simply explore the National Park.
One of the most famous routes in Yorkshire is the Dales Way, an 80 mile (130 km) hiking route through the National Park. A challenging but beautiful route, this is a great way to soak up everything the Dales has to offer, from high peaks to historic monuments and picturesque villages.
In this Guide to Walking The Dales Way in Yorkshire, we’ll cover everything from how and when to tackle the 80 mile route to where to stay.
Where is the Dales Way and where does it start and finish?
Offa’s Dyke is located in the borderlands of England and Wales. It stretches from the south of England to Prestatyn on the north coast of Wales. The historic trail passes through eight different counties and crosses the border between England and Wales over 20 times.
From the Brecon Beacons National Park to the Wye Valley and the Shropshire Hills, Offa’s Dyke takes in some of the UK’s most iconic Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Dales Way Map
How long is the Dales Way?
The Dales Way is 80 miles (130 km) long.
How fit do you need to be to walk the Dales Way?
As long-distance walking routes go in England, the Dales Way is one of the easier trails. With around 1,950 meters (6,398 feet) of elevation over 80 miles (130km), most people with a good level of general fitness will be able to comfortably tackle this hike. Consider splitting the route up into more or less days, depending on your fitness.
How long does it take to walk the Dales Way?
Most people complete the Dales Way in six to eight days, although this is based greatly on your daily mileage and how many days of rest you wish to take. Most people walk around 10–15 miles a day and tackle the route in a series of stages, either over a week or returning throughout the year to complete different sections.
Is the Dales Way well signposted?
Although not officially a National Trail, the path is well way‑marked, with the Dales Way logo on signposts. That said, we recommend carrying a guidebook and map or having the GPS route downloaded to a watch or phone.
When is the best time to walk the Dales Way?
You can walk the Dales Way all year around, although the weather will certainly play a factor in the difficulty and perhaps the enjoyment – especially if you decide to tackle it during the winter months, when it can get a little boggy in places.
We recommend walking the Dales Way between late spring and autumn – May to October. During these months, you’ll get the best combination of longer daylight hours, milder weather, and drier ground underfoot – it’s also when the wildflowers bloom!
Outside of these months, especially in winter and early spring, parts of the trail can become muddy, boggy, or slippery, and shorter days make it harder to cover longer distances.
Stages of the Dales Way?
You can hike the Dales Way in as little as three days but most people opt for six to seven days.
Here’s a walking route for the Dales Way, split into six stages.
Stage 1: Ilkley – Burnsall
Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
Highlights: The trail starts in the charming town of Ilkley, nestled at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The route follows the River Wharfe through the countryside, passing ancient stone bridges and pretty villages. End the day in the idyllic village of Burnsall, with its iconic arched bridge and riverside green.
Stage 2: Burnsall – Hubberholme
Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
Highlights: Today’s walk offers peaceful riverside paths, classic Dales dry-stone walls, and stunning limestone scenery. Pass through the lively village of Grassington, with its cobbled streets and cafés, then continue past the remains of the 12th-century Bolton Priory. The route ends at Hubberholme, home to a beautiful Norman church and traditional Dales pub, The George Inn.
Stage 3: Hubberholme – Ribblehead
Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
Highlights: This stage takes you into more remote moorland terrain. Ascend gently through Langstrothdale before crossing into Oughtershaw and over Cam Fell. Look out for views of Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside – two of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks. Your day finishes near Ribblehead, where you can catch sight of passing steam trains on the Settle-Carlisle Railway.
Stage 4: Ribblehead – Dent
Distance: 11 miles (17.5 km)
Highlights: A rugged but rewarding section, this stretch features wild, open landscapes and a descent into Dentdale. Enjoy fantastic views back to the viaduct and across the rolling fells.
Stage 5: Dent – Burneside
Distance: 16 miles (25.5 km)
Highlights: Follow the River Dee out of Dentdale, before skirting the edge of the Howgill Fells. Today’s walk crosses into Cumbria, where you can enjoy glimpses of Lakeland peaks as you walk. If you like books, stop in the town of Sedbergh, known for its bookshops and schools, before resting up in the village of Burneside, near Kendal.
Stage 6: Burneside – Bowness-on-Windermere
Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Highlights: The final stage is a little shorter, offering gentle ascents over rolling farmland, with the Lake District hills growing ever nearer – the finish line is in sight! Enjoy panoramic views as you descend into the Windermere valley, before finishing in Bowness-on-Windermere. Celebrate with a boat ride on Lake Windermere – England’s largest lake – or a well-earned meal.
Best Accommodation on the Dales Way
There are plenty of places to stay on the Dales Way, from camp sites and hostels to Air B&Bs and hotels. We recommend booking in advance, especially in peak season.
The Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley
A refined 3‑star hotel with elegant rooms, spa and restaurant – the perfect place to stay the night before your hike, so you can ensure you’re well-rested and ready to tackle the miles!
The Red Lion Manor House, Burnsall
The Manor House is a historic 16th‑century riverside inn with cosy lounges, restaurant and en‑suite rooms.
Wharf View B&B Burnsall
A friendly riverside B&B just off the path, serving an excellent breakfast to fuel you up for the day.
The George Inn, Hubberholme
This is the only place to stay in the village. The traditional pub offers home-cooked food and comfortable rooms for a restful night. Book early to avoid disappointment.
The Station Inn, Ribblehead
The Station Inn offers clean and comfortable rooms as well as a ‘bunkhouse’ option. Ideal for groups on a budget, they’re basic but excellent value.
The Old Craft Barn, Dent
This family-run B&B offers luxury accommodation and an award-winning breakfast to fuel you up for the penultimate leg of your walk!
Jolly Anglers Inn, Burnside
The Jolly Anglers Inn is a classic family-run, countryside pub in the Lake District. It’s mostly frequented by cyclists and walkers, so you’ll be in good company during your stay. Expect basic but clean and comfortable rooms and a very good meal.
Blenheim Lodge, Bowness-on-Windermere
A wonderful B&B to spend the night at after your 80-mile walk, Blenheim Lodge is a 4-star B&B with beautiful views of Lake Windermere and the fells. It’s peaceful, tranquil, and will offer the restful night you deserve.
If you’ve completed the Dales Way and are now looking for something a little longer, and perhaps more demanding, then take a look at our other hiking routes. We have guides on everything from Hiking the Pennine Way – a 200 mile route traversing the spine of England – to Long Distance Hiking Trails in the UK and our Definitive Guide to the Best Hikes and Paths.
