Dales Way

A self-guided walking holiday through the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Park.

3 to 10 nights
21-77 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding

From £260 per person

About The Trail

The Dales Way meanders through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales to the shores of Windermere in the Lake District. Along the way, the trail enjoys a vast range of beautiful Yorkshire landscapes, including colourful moorland, tranquil riversides, rugged fells and quiet valleys.

The walk explores a range of pretty towns and villages and offers glimpses into the region’s past, including the ruins of Bolton Priory and Barden Tower. The trail then leaves the Yorkshire Dales and heads towards Windermere, passing through rolling farmland framed by the impressive mountains of the Lake District, providing a satisfying end to a remarkable trail.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to walk the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

Trail running available

We also organise trail running holidays along this trail. Visit Contours Trail Running Holidays.

Routes on this trail

Dales Way

7 to 10 nights
77 miles
Easy / Moderate+
Dog friendly
From £565 per person
A self-guided walking holiday from Ilkley to Windermere through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.Find Out More

Dales Way Short Break

3 nights
21 miles
Moderate
From £260 per person
A short walking break from Ilkley to Kettlewell along the Lake District section of the Dales Way.Find Out More

Dales Way Highlights

4 to 5 nights
40 miles
Moderate+
Dog friendly
From £345 per person
A short walking holiday from Burnsall to Sedbergh through the Yorkshire Dales National Park.Find Out More

Customer reviews from the Dales Way

“Beautiful countryside, great people and places to stay.”
Mr Lent, USA
“The walk was outstanding. We couldn’t believe the extraordinary variations in the landscape over such a short distance. We loved every section of the walk.”
Mr Duggan, Canada
“The Yorkshire Dales are beautiful.”
Dr Werner, USA
“The scenery was great. The organisation was excellent. We are very pleased to have completed the walk. But it was hard going on some days! Everything went very smoothly.”
Mrs Rosser, UK
“Very attractive walk. The variety of accommodation added to the enjoyment of the holiday. Apart from the weekend we met few other walkers. Small villages & towns along the way added variety.”
Mrs Badger, UK
“Absolutely great - loved it! Everything was well organised.”
Dr Nash, UK
“Very impressed with Contours, will definitely use again. This was my first trip with you. Walk was lovely, particularly first 5 days.”
Mr Griffiths, UK
“Excellent week. Great landscape to walk through, excellent weather as well as very good accommodation and everything running smoothly.”
Mr Chilvers, UK
“Yes, we had a great time! We loved the woods beyond Bolton Abbey and all of the riverside walking. I enjoyed the last few miles into Bowness very much.”
Mrs Lawrie, UK