The Dalesway Walk
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The overall length of the Dalesway Walk stretches for 84 miles between Bowness on Windermere and the town of Ilkley in Yorkshire of which 35 miles is within Cumbria. For those choosing to start from Bowness, the walk follows low level ground and provides some lake and mountain views, riversides and grasslands and passing through and close to Staveley, Ings, Kendal, Burneside, Garth Row and Grayrigg before arriving at Sedbergh. Dent is the next Cumbrian stop. It is a large village community of neat stone cottages, a good range of shops, cafés, tea rooms, Post Office and accommodation with the walker in mind. Now the walk enters the 680 square miles of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This is an area of higher ground, deep valleys, rivers, waterfalls, dramatic views over wide open landscapes of solitude and tranquillity, and scattered remote village communities. The scenic journey through Yorkshire contains several items of architectural interest and among others includes the 24 arch Ribblehead Viaduct of the Settle – Carlisle Railway, the medieval church of Cray, the castle ruins of Barden and the 12th C Bolton Abbey. As with all long distance walks, forward planning is a bonus especially booking accommodation well in advance. Many Bed & Breakfasts are not able to process a payment by credit/debit cards and so it is adviseable to carry cash. Be prepared for changeable weather conditions in this part of the country. Strong footwear and good quality waterproofs are essential. Mobile phone signals may be interrupted during some parts of the route. |
The Dalesway Route
Bowness on Windermere – Staveley – Burneside – Kendal – Garth Row – Grayrigg – Sedbergh – Dent – Cowgill – Ribblehead – Oughtershaw – Raisgill – Hubberholme – Buckden – Cray – Starbotton – Kettlewell – Linton – Grassington – Burnsall – Barden – Bolton Abbey – Ilkley.
| Cumbrian Section Information Bowness – Staveley. 6 miles. Staveley – Burneside. 4 miles. Burneside – Kendal. 1 mile. Kendal – Garth Row. 1 mile. Garth Row – Grayrigg. 3 miles. Grayrigg – Sedbergh. 10 miles. Sedbergh – Dent. 6 miles. Dent – Cowgill. 4 miles. |
Yorkshire Section Information Cowgill – Ribblehead. 6 miles. Ribblehead – Buckden. 13 miles. Buckden – Kettlewell. 4 miles. Kettlewell – Grassington. 8 miles. Grassington – Burnsall. 3 miles. Burnsall – Bolton Abbey. 7 miles. Bolton Abbey – Ilkley. 6 miles. |
Keep up to date with local news and weather reports from Lakeland Radio - 100.1 - 100.8 FM Travel Services |
Dalesway Route Information
| Don't forget your maps - Ordnance Survey Maps OL2, OL7, OL19, OL30, 297. |
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Dent
Arten Gill Beck Viaduct
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Bowness on Windermere Staveley Burneside Kendal Grayrigg Sedbergh Dent Cowgill |
| Dales Bus Discount Scheme Those who travel by public transport can benefit from a variety of discounts. The scheme is simple to use. All you need to do is show a valid bus or rail ticket. Keep a lookout for window stickers in participating cafés, pubs, bed & breakfasts and other attractions. For categories of “Where to Stay”, “Where to Shop & Visit”, “Where to Eat” and full details, go to www.traveldales.org.uk and click on Discount Scheme. |
| Ribblehead Ribblehead is a small village community set in great walking and hiking country. It can experience sudden and dramatic changes in weather conditions as winds swirl around and clouds and mist descend on to the nearby 720 metres high Whernside and the neighbouring Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent fells. It was in this area that workers employed on the construction of the imposing Ribblehead Viaduct set up temporary camps which at times were the home to as many as 2000 souls. There are still clearly visible remains of tramway embankments used during construction phases. The neat well kept unmanned railway station is a stop on the Leeds-Carlisle route and a popular gathering place for photographers and onlookers as giant locomotives hauling excursion trains make an exciting spectacle as they “make smoke” on the long upward gradient. Ribblehead has a comfortable welcoming pub and all the peace and quiet one could wish for in a countryside generous in it's displays of wild unspoiled landscapes. |
| For up to date local news, issues and interests during the Yorkshire section of the walk, tune in to Drystone Radio on 106.9 FM. www.drystoneradio.co.uk |
Buckden Area Hubberholme Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue. www.uwfra.org.uk Kettlewell Linton Grassington Burnsall Appletreewick, Barden, Bolton Bridge, Bolton Abbey and Addingham are truly representative of traditional Yorkshire village communities. Together they present a large selection of holiday and overnight accommodations with choices of hotel, bed and breakfast, self catering, caravan and camping sites, and bunk-houses, all in and close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the ever popular Bronte Country. Ilkley Tourist Information Centre - Tel: 01943-602319. |
Kettlewell
Grassington
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Start of the Dalesway Photographs:
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Yorkshire Dales Photographs:
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Books
See Alfred Wainwright's “Walks in the Howgills” published in 1972. The Dalesway.
The Dalesway Walk En-Route Accommodation |
Li'Le Hullets Bed and Breakfast |
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Li'Le Hullets Bed and Breakfast is situated in the quiet rural village of Staveley, in the Lake District National Park, in between the old market town of Kendal and Windermere, offering easy access to motorways and all major Lake District routes. |
| Address: 3 Seed Howe, Staveley, Nr Kendal, Cumbria, The Lake District LA8 9PP Phone: +44 (0)1539 821148 Website: www.lilehullets.co.uk Email: None (Please call) |
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The Hill, Ings |
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The Hill is an attractive Lakeland home which dates from the mid 1800's. It is set within magnificent topiary gardens which have featured in English Heritage Gardens. Surrounded by the indigenous countryside which attracts a host of wildlife including the popular heron, the house enjoys a rural feel without isolation. All the bedrooms are decorated to a high standard, as comfortable as they are attractive. A wonderful breakfast feast will be served in the delightful dining room with a good selection of quality products, many of them local. After breakfast, a lunch packed in a picnic backpack can be provided so that you are ready to explore the wonderful Lake District scenery. Guests are welcome to relax in the beautiful lounge, as they soothe away the aches of a day walking on the fells. All rooms are well appointed with central heating, colour television, video or DVD player, tea & coffee facilities and hairdryer. All rooms are non smoking. |
| Address: The Hill, Ings, nr. Kendal, Cumbria LA8 9QQ Phone: +44 (0)1539 822217 Website: www.thehillonline.co.uk Email: thehill@ktdinternet.com |
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The Eagle and Child Inn |
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Relax by the log fire with a fine wine or real ale and indulge in one of the tasty dishes from our interesting and varied menu. The Eagle and Child inn is situated on the edge of the quiet Lakeland village of Staveley. It is ideally placed for exploring the rest of the Lake District and is only a few minutes away from the beautiful Kentmere valley, and the tourist meccas of Windermere and Kendal. We offer top quality accommodation and are particularly proud of the excellent food we serve from our interesting and varied menu. We have a good selection of local ales and feature regular guest beers. Other features include the superb beer garden by the river, the tranquil gardens and terrace to the rear, and the Redmond Suite which can be booked for functions. There is also a regular entertainment program, which includes a regular quiz night and live music. Come and stay in one of our cosy newly refurbished bedrooms; all boast en-suite facilities, two with bath and shower. We have twin or double rooms, as well as a family room. All are tastefully decorated to a high standard, and all with great views. All prices include full Cumbrian breakfast or a choice from our menu - why not skip lunch and take a walkers lunch or receive a discount on your evening meal? Please note that all our rooms are non smoking. |
| Address: Eagle and Child Inn, Kendal Road, Staveley, Cumbria LA8 9LP Phone: +44 (0)1539 821320 Website: www.eaglechildinn.co.uk Email: info@eaglechildinn.co.uk |
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Ravenbank Guest House |
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Ravenbank Guest House is an elegant Victorian house built in 1851 as a former vicarage. It lies on Reston Scar, overlooking the village of Staveley. The village of Staveley is situated off the A591 between Kendal and Lake Windermere and is within the National Park. The house itself is just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Staveley with a private driveway leading to ample parking. Bedrooms are equipped with wall mounted flat screen televisions and chair. Tea and coffee making facilities are also provided. A car parking space is provided for each room in our private grounds next to the house. Sorry no pets. Ravenbank is exclusively for non-smokers. |
| Address: Ravenbank Guest House, Off Brow Lane, Staveley, Cumbria LA8 9PH Phone: +44 (0)1539 821258 or 0791 954 3657 Website: www.ravenbank.co.uk Email: heathercoupland@btconnect.com |
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The Gateway Inn |
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If you’re heading to explore the Lake District make sure you leave time to call in and see us at this landmark inn – we really are at the Gateway to the Lakes and on the Dales Way Walk too. |
| Address: The Gateway Inn Kendal, Crook Road, Staveley, Kendal, LA8 9NG Phone: +44 (0)1539 724187 Website: www.gatewayinn-cumbria.co.uk Email: relax@gatewayinn-cumbria.co.uk |
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Newbarn Holiday Cottage |
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Newbarn is beautifully appointed, having recently undergone extensive refurbishment. It is conveniently situated between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, and is only 3 miles from Sedbergh and 8 miles from Kendal . This quiet location offers beautiful views, yet benefits from the proximity of local shops and Pubs. It is a most tranquil retreat for those who want to get away from all the stresses and strains of everyday life. You will also find nearby some good walking & cycling areas, Howgills, Dalesway (1 mile) as well as five local golf courses. The kitchen appliances are a fridge, a halogen Hob, with a fan oven and separate grill. There is also a microwave oven and lots of storage space. The dining table has enough seats for 6 people. The utility room contains a washing machine and some drying space. Upstairs you will find a spacious living room with TV, video, a working fireplace, a 3 seater sofa and an armchair. The three bedrooms are also on the first floor, one double with enough space for a travel cot, one with two single beds and the last one with a bunk bed. The bathroom with toilet and corner bath/shower is also located on this floor. The cottage can accomodate 6 (4 adults comfortably) A travel cot is available for families with very young children. A new website is under development. Please contact Mrs Thompson for further details. |
| Address: Newfield, Firbank, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5EN Phone: +44 (0)15396 21278 Website: www.newbarncottage.co.uk Email: See website |
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Thwaite Farm Cottage (Howgill, Sedbergh) |
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Thwaite Farm and Cottage are situated alongside the River Lune close to the hamlet of Howgill and about 3 miles from the ancient market town of Sedbergh. The cottage has magnificent panoramic views of the Howgill Fells and a wide variety of bird life. The farm is a working farm with beef cattle and sheep. Thwaite Cottage adjoins the end of the farmhouse and has recently been rebuilt and fully equipped. It is self contained and sleeps 6 people with accommodation on two floors. Kitchen / dining room, living room, two double bedrooms and toilet with shower. There is a sofa bed in the living room. The rooms are centrally heated with an oil stove in the kitchen and radiators in other rooms. Duvets, blankets and bed linen are all provided. Towels are also available at £5 per week. There is a washing machine and a drier. The water supply comes from its own spring. A public telephone is situated about half a mile away. Fishing rights are available by arrangement. Pets by arrangement at £10 per week on the understanding that they are kept under control at all times. Cots and high-chair are available on request. Ample private parking and a large lawned garden with furniture on the premises. A deposit of of £25 per week is required at the time of booking and the balance paid 4 weeks prior to the start of the holiday. Special arrangements, Christmas and New Year may require a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost. Please enquire for further information. How to get there. From Sedbergh, take take the Howgill Lane which is alongside the Dalesman Public House opposite the church. Proceed for about 3 miles and turn left at the sign for Thwaite. Please note that if you reach the bridge over Chapel Beck, you have gone too far Mrs Dorothy Parker welcomes you to Thwaite Cottage. |
| Address: Thwaite Farm, Howgill, Nr. Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5JD Phone: +44 (0)15396 20493 Website: www.thwaitefarm.co.uk Email: dorothy@thwaitefarm.co.uk |
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Drawell Cottage, Howgill, Sedbergh. |
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Nestling in the slopes of the Howgill fells Bramaskew farm is inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park offering beautiful scenery and views. Self Catering |
| Address: Drawell Cottage, Bramaskew Farm Howgill, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HX Phone: +44 (0)15396 21529 Website: www.drawellcottage.co.uk Email: stay@drawellcottage.co.uk |
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Foxhole Rigg Barn, Cautley, Sedbergh |
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Walkers and others visiting the Howgills, Yorkshire Dales or Eastern Lake District can enjoy cottage-style accommodation in a location of total peace and solitude at Foxhole Rigg Barn. Guests can walk directly into the Yorkshire Dales or onto the Howgill Fells. The beautiful Eden, Lune and Rawthey valleys are all easily accessible, and Kendal (the gateway to the Lake District) is only 30 minutes drive away. Foxhole Rigg Barn offers a combined lounge and dining area, with picture window views onto the surrounding hills. There is also a sitting area on the grass in front of the Barn, offering total privacy and seclusion. You may even see deer and curlew among the many wildflowers in the traditionally farmed meadow. There are two bedrooms, with twin beds (though these can be made up as doubles). Both rooms have ensuite bathrooms, one with a shower, the other having a bath. The cooking facilities include an electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, toaster and cafetiere. We provide coffee, tea, milk, cereal, bread and eggs so that you can enjoy relaxed breakfasts during your stay. The accommodation is centrally heated and has a DVD player and colour TV. All towels and bedlinen are provided. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Foxhole Rigg Barn. However, do note that our property is surrounded by farmland, with sheep and cattle grazing throughout the year. Guests are asked not to smoke in the Barn. |
| Address: Foxhole Rigg, Cautley, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5NA Phone: +44 (0)15396 21261 Website: sites.google.com/site/foxholebarn Email: Foxhole@odavies.plus.com |
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Weathercock Cottage |
| Available March 2013: A cosy 3 bedroom (sleeps up to 7) cottage 300 metres from Dales Way, 3 miles from M6 jn 37 and 2 miles from Sedbergh. Overlooking Howgill Fells. Enclosed garden to rear. Well behaved dogs welcome. Access to River Lune and fishing. For all enquiries, please contact Mrs kate Thexton. |
| Address: Weathercock Cottage, Nr. Sedbergh, Cumbria. Phone: +44 (0)7752 748929 Website: Awaiting website Email: kate574@btinternet.com |
Station House (Grassington) |
| Station House was built in 1925, at the height of the expansion of the Threshfield/Grassington railway line. Station Masters have lived in the house since it was built. When the line closed in 1968, it was sold by the railway, and is now lived in by the last Station Master's son, Pete, his wife Becky, and the rest of their family, David and Amy. In 1991 the Bed & Breakfast room was built as an extension on to the house, with its own shower room, staircase and access to the back door. It is a twin bedroom, with tea/coffee facilities, easy chairs and television. The views from the window look across to the fells and Grass Wood, and over to Grassington. Station House is within easy walking distance of very good eating houses, both in Threshfield and Grassington. The house is very close to both the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway, and the Dales Way. The walking in the locality is very extensive and full of interest, from walks along the river Wharfe, to walks across the fells on either side of Wharfedale, into Littondale, or over the top into Nidderdale or Malhamdale. It is beautiful in all directions! We have maps and books to help you explore the area at your leisure. |
| Address: Station House, Threshfield, Grassington, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 5ES Phone: +44 (0)1756 752667 Website: None Email: info@stationhousegrassington.co.uk |
Lythe End B&B (Grassington) |
| Lythe End is a stone built detached house on the western edge of Grassington village. Situated in a quiet location yet only a three minute walk to the village centre Lythe End offers homely accommodation with fantastic views up Wharfedale. We make an effort to support the local economy, sourcing produce locally, supporting local businesses and public transport (10% discount if you arrive and leave on foot, bicycle or public transport). See us in the Lonely Planet. Off road parking, drying facilities, secure cycle storage, rod room and packed lunches are available. Ensuite Room The ensuite family room sleeps three people in a double and single bed and has views across the valley. The room is centrally heated and has tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and clock/radio. The ensuite has shower, basin and WC. Double Room The double room is centrally heated and has tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and clock radio. The private bathroom is situated next door and has bath, shower, basin and WC. All rooms are wireless enabled. |
| Address: Lythe End, Wood Lane, Grassington, BD23 5DF Phone: +44 (0)1756 753196 or 07860 602030 Website: http://www.grassingtonbandb.com Email: akandccolley@btinternet.com |
Knowles Lodge (Appletreewick) |
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Whether you arrive on foot or by car, Chris & Pam will welcome you warmly with a cup of tea or coffee, preferably on the terrace (weather permitting) where, often as not, you can watch lots of pheasants feeding. Breakfast is served around a large gate leg table where a hot compote of fruit is followed by cereals and a full English breakfast. Porridge is also available on request for those cold winter mornings. We hope this will set you up for the day to enjoy walks and places of interest in the area. We welcome children of seven and older, and have a large video and DVD selection for them to enjoy in the television room, or they can safely explore the gardens. Well behaved dogs are also welcome. We have a stretch of fly-fishing on the Wharfe – three minutes away. Camping in the bottom meadow is also available, although guests are advised that facilities are minimal. Accommodation is offered in three elegant and comfortable en-suite ground floor bedrooms. They all face west towards Hough Wood where, in May, you will see a stunning blanket of bluebells. We've taken great care to offer all the comforts you could wish for including plenty of towels, pure cotton linen, radios, hair dryers and shaver adaptors. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits are available in the rooms for which we provide a thermos of fresh milk each evening. All bathrooms have power showers and a bath to let you soak after a long day walking. Wireless internet access is available throughout Knowles Lodge at no extra cost. |
| Address: Knowles Lodge, Appletreewick, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6DQ Phone: +44 (0)1756 720228 Fax: +44 (0)1756 720381 Website: www.knowleslodge.com Email: pam@knowleslodge.com |
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The Cottage Tea Room (Kettlewell) |
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Jaynie & Michael Smith welcome you to The Cottage Tea Room, a deluxe Bed & Breakfast in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. |
| Address: The Cottage Tea Room, Kettlewell, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 5QZ Phone: +44 (0)1756 760405 Website: www.kettlewelltearooms.co.uk Email: inbox@kettlewelltearooms.co.uk |
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Fox and Hounds (Starbotton) |
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Starbotton is a small limestone village, 15 miles north of Skipton situated midway between Kettlewell and Buckden in the beautiful countryside of Upper Wharfedale. The area is renowned for its spectacular walks, from the long distance Dales Way to shorter walks between Kettlewell and Buckden and many other circular walks. |
| Address: The Fox & Hounds, Starbotton, N. Yorkshire BD23 5HY Phone: +44 (0)1756 760269 Website: www.foxandhounds-starbotton.com Email: None |
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Bluebell Inn (Kettlewell) |
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A warm welcome awaits you at the Blue Bell Inn, Kettlewell’s oldest and best loved hostelry, with its log fire, excellent local-brewed ales and substantial Yorkshire style meals, everything the walker looks forward to after a long day on the hills and riverside paths of lovely Upper Wharfedale. |
| Address: The Bluebell Inn, Kettlewell, Skipton, N. Yorkshire BD23 5QX Phone: +44 (0)1756 760230 Website: www.bluebellkettlewell.co.uk Email: info@bluebellkettlewell.co.uk |
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