dossier

The Dales Way

General Information

Welcome to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, the purest form of Englishhighland landscape, with traditions and views, which have remained virtuallyuntouched for centuries. Soft rolling hills, limestone edges, green valleys,waterfalls and an abbey all feature here as well as the villages proud of theirheritage. This tour includes the whole length of this much loved long distancepath, which runs right across the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Gradients andterrain are easy, but the going may be muddy underfoot in wet weather. Thereare also a large number of "stiles" and "kissing gates" tonegotiate. The itinerary follows Wharfedale (where there is time to admire theruins of Bolton Abbey) and then Hubberholme, gradually gaining height upstreamto reach the Pennine watershed at Cam Fell (1700 feet). The way then runs downDentdale to the market town of Sedbergh and across sheep pastures to Bowness onWindermere.

Duration of tour: 8 days (7 nights)

Season: April to mid October.

Starting point: Ilkley, Yorkshire

End of tour:Windermere, Cumbria.

Most convenient major city and internationalairport: Manchester Airport. 2 hours toIlkley via Leeds.

Getting to the Start

Outward journey from London to starting point: Train from London King's Cross to Leeds, then change trainsfor Ilkley (3 - 3 1/2 hours). The first night's hotel is a short taxi ride/walkfrom the station.

Inward journey to London at end of tour: Taxi/walk to Windermere rail station. Then train to LondonEuston (change trains at Oxenholme).

Your Accommodation

Night 1:We stay overnight at a Victorian riverside hotel. All facilities are en suite,and rooms come equipped with satellite TV. The picturesque setting, with riverviews and rowing in the summer months, make this an ideal place to start ourtour.

Night 2: Asmall family run guesthouse, which has been converted from the village smith'sworkshop. Extremely comfortable accommodation is provided, with en suitefacilities, television and tea & coffee making facilities available in allrooms.

Night 3: Formerly a Drovers Hostelry and dating back to theearly 17^th Century, our Inn at Cray near to Hubberholme is atraditional Yorkshire pub, open all year round to provide warm inviting andfriendly accommodation throughout the ever changing seasons.  In fine, warm weather, food & drink canbe enjoyed in the beer garden or beside the cascading Cray Gill, which frontsthe Inn.  This place has been likened byWainwright as a “tiny oasis”.  Enjoyfine home cooked food, traditional hand pulled real ales and a variety of winessurrounded by original oak beams, a cozy log fire and stone flaggedfloors.  Stunning surroundings combineto create a true gem, in the very heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Night 4: A17th Century listed building, offering authentic rustic charm, is ouraccommodation for the night. All front rooms have river views, and the buildinghas retained much of its original charm, with open fires, oak beams, and afriendly welcome. There is a bathroom, tea /coffee making facilities in all rooms.

Night 5:Overnight accommodation is provided at a very comfortable Inn. The Inn has atraditional English country feel to it, offering local beers, and home cookedmeals in the attractively decorated bar and dining area. All rooms have tea andcoffee making facilities, a TV and some are en suite.

Night 6:  This small, quiet guesthouse is situated inBowston.

Night 7:Our final accommodation is of a 3 crown standard, 18th Century country househotel. All facilities are en suite, and rooms are very comfortable with a TVand tea and coffee making facilities. The picturesque village of Bowness is only200 yds. away, the lake (Windermere) only 400 yds. Its a perfect place torelax, having completed the tour of the Dales Way.

PLEASE NOTE: It is generally normal practice when staying in hotels that you check-inon or after 2  pm and checkout by 10 amthe following morning.  Guesthouses/bed& breakfast establishments are normally check-in on or after 4 pm andcheckout by 10 am.

Included

Bed and breakfast with en suite facilities where available. Luggage transfers from Inn to Inn. Fullroute notes and map package.

Extend your stay

Extra nights: In Ilkley from $61 per person per night, Windermere from $76per person per night, or at other points along the route.