Dales Way Walking Country

by: Paul Hannon
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

ISBN 9781907626104 Pages 96 (2012) 117mm x 174mm