Long distance trails are a great alternative holiday and let you see even more of an area. There is also a fantastic sense of achievement that comes from completing a personal challenge. You can use one of a number of baggage handlers if you want to lighten your load, or do the route in stages by using public transport.
The Dales Way and Pennine Way are well signed routes so are often used by people wanting to follow a high quality route as part of a walk.
Here are details of the main long distance trails which cross the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks
The Yorkshire Three Peaks walk is a famous challenge walk in the Yorkshire Dales. It takes in three of the highest summits in the area; Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Each of these hills is worthy of spending a day on with many varied and interesting routes available.
Each year, however, many walkers attempt to walk all three peaks in one day with most starting from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The route is 24.5 miles (39km) long and has over 5,000 feet (1600m) of ascent and descent and most people aim to complete it in less than 12 hours.
You can get more information from:
Pen-y-Ghent Cafe, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Settle, North Yorkhire, BD24 0HE
Tel:(01729) 860333
Email: horton@ytbic.co.uk.
The Dales Way
The Dales Way officially starts at Ilkley and finishes at Bowness-in-Windermere - a distance of around 80 miles (130km) which follows riverside paths as far as possible. There are also links from Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate. From Ilkley you'll still have the satisfaction of walking the full length of Wharfedale, thought by many to be the most picturesque of the Yorkshire Dales, climbing out onto the roof of England, crossing the great Pennine watershed with impressive views of the Three Peaks then heading for the Lune valley and the Lake District.
For more information visit the Dales Way Association website (opens new window).
The Pennine Way
The Pennine Way has something to offer every long distance walker. This is a 270-mile walk that will take you from the Peak District National Park along the Pennine ridge through the Yorkshire Dales, up into Northumberland, across the Cheviots, and into the Scottish Borders.
There's plenty of historical and cultural interest too. Starting at the scene of the Kinder Scout mass trespasses of the 1930s, you walk through the Southern Pennines, cradle of the Industrial Revolution, pass Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters, across the limestone country of the Yorkshire Dales, and enter a huge Pennine area that was exploited by every kind of mining activity, the lead industry in particular. Finally you'll reach the Roman Wall and beyond that the territory of the Scottish Border rivers.
As with all walks, sound planning is important. There are sections of the route, especially at each end, which require careful thought about accommodation and advance booking is advisable at most times of the year.
The Pennine Way takes you into isolated country. Although that is part of the exhilaration, consideration must be made of the challenges and responsibilities such country brings with it. On a multi-day expedition such as this you are almost certain to experience a variety of British weather. In high and wild places this can include dangerous extremes. Pay close attention to detail in your choice of equipment. Brush up your navigation skills, carry the appropriate large-scale maps and know how to use them.
This is one walk you'll never forget completing!
For more information visit the official Pennine Way website.
The Coast to Coast
St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay 304km/190 miles
Devised by the late Alfred Wainwright in 1973 to link the Irish Sea and the North Sea via the hills, moors and valleys of northern England. The route crosses three National Parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. It is scenic, but high-level, including some fairly demanding upland stretches, and visits only two towns of any real size, Kirkby Stephen and Richmond. It is also extremely popular, and has consequently suffered from erosion.
The route is traditionally walked from west to east (St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay), so that the prevailing weather will be coming from behind. But others choose to begin on the Yorkshire coast, so as to have the Lake District section as a grand finale. Similarly, the walk can be as long or as short as you want. Some people prefer to walk it in weekend sections, but most walk it continuously, averaging between 10-14 days in total.
Scenery and terrain is varied. The valleys and arable land make for straightforward walking, but the hills – particularly in the Lake District – are high and the gradients sometimes steep. Many stages are bare and exposed, such as the North York Moors, and help may not always be close to hand. Unless you are an experienced long-distance walker, it is advisable to take a companion. And before you set off, make sure you have the necessary map and compass skills, fitness and stamina, clothing and equipment.
For further information visit the Coast to Coast section of the Ramblers' Association website (opens in new window).
The Ribble Way
The Ribble Way is a 70 mile (117km) footpath following the river and its valley from the sea to its source. The footpath spans the counties of Lancashire and North Yorkshire and is divided into seven sections each approximately ten miles long.
The Ribble Way starts at Longton on the salt marshes of the estuary and passes through this flat estuarine environment to the west of Preston and onto the lush fertile plains between Preston and Clitheroe. The route then traverses the higher ground towards the county border and continues to its source in North Yorkshire.
The Ribble Valley has a fascinating history with evidence of Roman roads, ancient abbeys, 14th century halls and numerous landmarks from the industrial revolution, many of which have been incorporated into the route. The route is fully waymarked with the Ribble way logo making it easy to follow. For addresses of where to stay overnight please see the Ribble Way guide which covers all seven sections including maps, route descriptions and places of interest.
You can find more information about the Ribble Way on the Ribble Way section of the Ramblers Association website (opens in new window).
Other long distance walks
There are many other longer walks that also have a guide book or map and can take you to new parts of the Yorkshire Dales. These include the Lady Anne’s Way, the Inn Way to the Yorkshire Dales, and the Herriot Way. Further information can be found on the following websites:
- www.ladyannesway.co.uk (opens in new window)
- www.innway.co.uk (opens in new window)
- www.herriotway.co.uk (opens in new window)
