Walking the Dales Way : Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere through the Yorkshire Dales

Discover the Dales Way, one of Britain's gentlest long-distance walks. This picturesque 128km (79-mile) trail takes you from Ilkley through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District. The beginner-friendly route follows riverside paths through Wharfedale, Dentdale, and the Lakeland fringes, passing through charming villages including Bolton Abbey, Grassington, Hawes, and Sedbergh. Split into 6 manageable stages (11–31km each), it's the perfect introduction to multi-day hiking, achievable in 6–8 days. Written by experienced long-distance walker Terry Marsh, this expertly crafted Cicerone guidebook provides everything you need to plan and complete the Dales Way with confidence. Each of the 6 stages features detailed route descriptions alongside elevation profiles, so you can anticipate ascents, descents, and terrain before you set out. A separate OS 1:25,000 map booklet is included, showing the full route with a clear route line for reliable, easy-to-follow navigation. There's also a Watershed alternative—an optional higher-level route using the Pennine Bridley—for those seeking added variety and challenge. A comprehensive trek planner details accommodation, refreshment stops, and facilities at key centres including Ilkley, Grassington, Hawes, Dent, and Sedbergh, helping you organize each stage with ease. Enriching historical and cultural background brings the route to life, highlighting landmarks such as the dramatic gorge of Strid Wood and the historic church at Hubberholme. From riverside paths and limestone villages to the dramatic views of Lake Windermere, this guidebook will help you experience the gentle rhythm and rewarding character that make the Dales Way so special.