MARK The Dales Way
The Dales Way is a gentle, scenic long-distance trail running 125 km from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere. It follows rivers, valleys, farmland, and quiet moorland, making it one of the UK's most accessible multi-day walks.
The full trail guide — stats, the route day by day, what it really feels like, and the planning detail you need to walk it.
At a Glance
- Best Season: April–October
- Terrain: Valleys, riverside paths, farmland, gentle moorland
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
The Dales Way runs from Wharfedale through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and over into the Lake District — riverside paths, quiet valleys, and one short moorland crossing, finishing on the shore of Windermere at Bowness.
It's extremely popular with beginners, families, and walkers wanting a relaxed introduction to long-distance walking.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- Day 1 — Ilkley → Burnsall — Wharfedale riverside paths and classic Dales scenery — a gentle introduction.
- Day 2 — Burnsall → Buckden — Through Grassington and Kettlewell in Upper Wharfedale — one of the best days on the trail.
- Day 3 — Buckden → Dent — A moorland crossing into the remote, atmospheric valley of Dentdale.
- Day 4 — Dent → Sedbergh — Riverside walking and rolling hills — relaxed pacing.
- Day 5 — Sedbergh → Burneside — The Lune Valley and gentle farmland terrain.
- Day 6 — Burneside → Bowness — Woodland, lakeshore, and a finish on Windermere.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Navigation: Easy — well-waymarked; still carry a map and GPX.
- Terrain: Gentle valleys and moorland with one short crossing.
- Fitness: Beginner-friendly daily mileage.
- Weather: The Dales can be wet and windy; check MWIS and the Met Office.
- Accommodation: Frequent B&Bs and pubs in the Dales villages.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Beginners
- Families
- Intermediate walkers
- Anyone wanting a gentle, scenic multi-day introduction
Not ideal for
- Walkers wanting mountain terrain — this is a gentle, valley route
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Getting there: Start at Ilkley, served by mainline rail from Leeds.
- Finish: Bowness-on-Windermere connects to the Windermere rail branch.
- Resupply: Regular Dales villages along the route.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer maps 297, OL2, OL19, OL7 and OL1. Well-waymarked; a GPX helps with the moorland crossing.
⭐ MX Summary: One of Britain's most accessible long-distance trails — gentle valleys and riverside paths from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere. Beginner-friendly and scenic.