The Dales Way runs for 82 miles from Ilkley to Bowness on Windermere. This popular walk is an ideal introduction if this is your first long distance walk . We completed the route in 6 days , two long days of 16 plus miles the remainder between 11 and 14 miles . The final day was an easy 9 miles from Burneside to Bowness.
Much of the route follows the river Wharfe as it meanders through the Yorkshire Dales. With the babbling sound of the river and picturesque paths this was most scenic stage of the walk. The bluebells were still in full bloom and wild garlic scented the air.
We climbed from the river at Grassington to moorland , crossing fields bordered by dry stone walls. At the George Inn in Hubberholme where we stayed for our third night we met fellow Dales Way walkers , Ian and Thomas . They were a father and son who were excellent company and by coincidence were staying in the the same b&b the following night.
Again the landscape changed as we left Hubberholme climbing across rough moorland to where the Dales Way shared a rocky path with the Pennine Way for some distance. This was the highest point of the trip. From Winshaw we passed under the arches of the spectacular Dent Head viaduct and once again found the river and walked through several small hamlets. On the way to Sedburgh we followed the river Dee and stopped in the beautiful town of Dent for lunch. With it's cobbled streets and closely packed houses it is lovely spot to rest a while.
The walk into Sedburgh and the Howgills is spectacular with rich green pastures to walk through and in the distance the rugged profile of the Lake District. From Sedburgh we followed the River Lune and the Lonsdale country passing under another viaduct and crossing the busy M6 motorway. Our journey from Sedburgh to Kendal was the longest day nearly 18 miles. Up to this point we had had good weather and some sunny days. This long day was done in persistent rain but it never spoiled the views or our resolve!
On arriving at our b&b our host provided us with much appreciated tea and homemade cake and of course a hot bath! Our final day was a short 9 miles but felt so much longer as it was the final push! We felt a mixture of relief and elation as we trudged those final miles. The route took us through green pastures and pretty hedgerows with signposts tantalizing us with our final destination,Bowness. Suddenly as we descended through trees we could see the lake through the trees. We had arrived!
What a great time we had. The scenery was spectacular and the walks were challenging at times but never too strenuous. The highlight however were the people we met a long the way. Whether we chatted for a few minutes or longer there was a real kindred spirit with all those e walking the Dales Way. We enjoyed it so much we are planning another walk next year!
