Dales Way Trailblazer Walking Guidebook

by: Henry Stedman
The Dales Way long distance footpath begins in Ilkley, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and runs for 81 miles (130km) to end in the Lake District at Bowness-on-Windermere. It follows the beautiful River Wharfe towards Ribblehead, then meanders along the river valleys of Dentdale, eventually dropping down into the Lake District National Park. It is a relatively easy walk that takes about a week.

One of the strengths of Trailblazer guides is the mapping and this guide includes 38 detailed sketch maps at the large scale of 1:20,000, making route finding easy. The unique mapping features include walking times, directions, tricky junctions, places to stay, places to eat and points of interest. These are not general purpose maps but fully edited maps drawn by walkers for walkers.

The maps are supported by detailed route descriptions. Itineraries cover hiking the entire route or sampling the delights on day walks or short breaks. There is also information about link routes from Harrogate, Bradford and Leeds. Detailed public transport information is provided for all access points.

There is practical information for all budgets, what to see, where to stay and where to eat including pubs, hotels, B&B, camping and hostels. This is provided in detailed guides to 23 towns and villages along the route. The excellent introductory chapters include comprehensive information for planning the walk, the environment and nature. There are also some nice colour plates of wildlife.

The book divides the route into six day stages. These are as follows:
Ilkley to Burnsall
Burnsall to Buckden via Grassington
Buckden to Cowgill
Cowgill to Millthrop (for Sedbergh)
Millthrop (for Sedbergh) to Burneside (for Kendal)
Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere

ISBN 9781912716302 Pages 181 (2022) 120mm x 180mm