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      Self Drive Collection

      Yorkshire Dales

      Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

      From £1,360 Book Now

      Travel Planning & Advice

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      Trip created by Lizzie Zawinski
      View Lizzie's Profile

      Region: Yorkshire
      Trip Type: Self Drive
      Accommodation: Classic
      Confirmed: When 2 Traveller(s) Book
      Deposit From: £340.00 £340.00

      Grading: Your Own Pace

      Carbon Footprint: 63kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Download Itinerary

      The Yorkshire Dales is a land of contrasts. Wild and remote moors, gently rolling hills, rugged cliffs, sprawling green fields, lonely vistas and bustling villages all combine to make the Dales a truly idyllic place. At the heart of Yorkshire are people, with long traditions of living simply and working the land. You’ll be captivated by patchwork fields dotted with sheep, quaint stone barns, winding rivers and miles upon miles of traditional dry-stone walls. The Yorkshire Dales feel wonderfully timeless.

      On this trip, you’ll get the chance to combine the great outdoors and adventurous activities with visits to some of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire. What better way to spend a day than exploring the hills and dales by foot and bike knowing you can look forward to an evening relaxing in the glow of Yorkshire hospitality, particularly if that takes place in a traditional pub, with a glass of local ale.

      This Yorkshire Dales trip is part of our inspiring collection of self-drive itineraries. You can enjoy this trip as a short break, or choose to extend your holiday by adding on one or more of our other itineraries in this range. Suitable for families, couples and groups of friends, the exciting and varied activities on these trips will be tailored to your interests and preferences, making them accessible to all ages and levels of experience. With the option to upgrade accommodation and add on extra days and activities, you are sure to find your perfect adventure.

      This price is based on a group of 4, prices will vary depending on group size. Please get in touch with our team to confirm the trip price for your group.

      Trip Highlights

      • Wander along the cobbled streets of wonderfully quaint Yorkshire villages.
      • Hike through the picturesque landscape, discovering secret places with a local guide.
      • Enjoy some of the most scenic cycling routes in England.
      • Explore at your own pace with self-guided options and time to relax.
      • Upgrade the accommodation and add on extra days and activities.

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 - Arrive in Grassington

      Arrive in the village of Grassington and spend the afternoon exploring. Full of personality and charm, not much has changed in the main street for generations. In fact the village was used as a filming location for the remake of the popular rural drama, All Creatures Great and Small, set in the 1930s – 40s. Walking through the cobbled streets feels like walking back in time. The Grassington Folk Museum, run by community volunteers, presents a vivid picture of the history of the village and the people who lived here throughout the centuries. Visit the local shops and enjoy a proper Yorkshire cream tea in one of the cosy cafes.

      Day 2 - Guided Hike

      After the delights of your wander around Grassington, today it’s time to get out into the countryside. Meet your guide first thing to discuss various suggestions for your hike depending on your group’s preferences and abilities. One option features the small but spectacular Pen-y-ghent, one of the famous Yorkshire Dales three peaks. At 2277ft/694 metres it’s the smallest of the three, but many regard it as the most attractive, offering fine views over the Dales and towards the other two peaks, Ingleborough and Whernside. Another option would be to explore more of beautiful Wharfedale, one of the best loved Dales, by following the river Wharfe as it passes many attractive stone built villages and tumbles over several waterfalls, or follow the Dales Way for a while, passing through some limestone pavements then into Grass Wood Nature Reserve, run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Whatever you choose to do, your guide will bring the landscape to life with stories of the plants, animals and people of this beautiful corner of the world. (B)

      Day 3 - Guided Bike Tour

      After hosting the beginning stages of the Tour de France in 2014, what we have always known was suddenly known to the world – Yorkshire’s quiet, country roads are spectacular for cycling. However, you don’t have to be an elite cyclist to have a really wonderful day exploring the countryside by bike. Your Wilderness cycling guide will discuss various options and together you’ll tailor the perfect route. One suggestion may be to cycle from Kettlewell to Cray, passing the wildly dramatic Kilnsey Crag, a massive overhanging limestone cliff formed by ancient glaciers many thousands of years ago. The winding roads take you past lush green fields separated by traditional dry stone walls and along the banks of the picturesque River Wharfe before reaching the impressive Cray Gill Falls. Enjoy lunch in a typical local pub before heading back to Grassington, passing through several attractive small villages as you go. (B)

      Day 4 - Free Day to Explore

      Today explore the beautiful Dales at your own pace. Your biggest dilemma will be trying to decide what to do since there’s so much to choose from. You may enjoy a mini sightseeing tour of the area, driving through the small towns, villages and places of interest which make up the quintessential Dales countryside. A must visit is the town of Hawes, located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s one of England’s highest towns and can trace its roots back to the Middle Ages. Home of the Wensleydale Creamery, cafes, a traditional wool craft workshop and the Dales Countryside Museum, it’s the perfect place to sample local produce. While in Wensleydale, don’t miss the impressive 100ft/30m Hardraw Force, the highest single drop waterfall above ground in England. The falls were used as a location in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Not too far from Hawes is the spectacular Aysgarth Falls, one of the area’s most popular attractions. The triple series of waterfalls are carved out by the River Ure as it flows through Wensleydale. Continuing the Robin Hood theme, High Force waterfall is the location where Robin fought with Little John over who would cross the river first. (B)

      Day 5 - Visit Stump Cross Caverns

      After a relaxed breakfast in Grassington this morning why not visit the impressive Stump Cross Caverns. Having walked the hills of the Yorkshire Dales it’s a thrill to be able to explore what’s below ground as well. The caves were formed 300 million years ago when Yorkshire was at the bottom of a shallow sea. A group of miners stumbled across these caves in the 1860s. Over thousands of years the caves served as a shelter for many animal species now extinct in Britain. Archaeologists have found evidence of wolves, reindeer, bison and wolverines. After lunch, head for home or extend your trip by adding one or more of the additional activities on offer. You may also want to link this trip with one of our other Self-Drive Collection itineraries for a longer adventure. (B)

      Optional Extra - Guided Hiking

      For those who want a bit more time exploring the wild, remote and even hidden places of the Dales, enjoy another day’s hiking with your expert guide.

      Optional Extra - Sheep Dog Demonstration

      Want to see how farmers round up their sheep? Yorkshire has a rich heritage of agriculture and sheep farming. Join a local farmer for a working sheep dog demonstration in the morning leaving sufficient time in the afternoon to explore the Dales further.

      Optional Extra - Water Sports

      Head out on the water to experience the landscape from a different perspective. Try your hand at canoeing or stand up paddle boarding on one of Yorkshire’s tranquil lakes.

      Download Itinerary

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      Self Drive
      Yorkshire Dales

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      Book Now

      Price from: £1,360
      Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

      Trip Details

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      Accommodation Read More

      You will be based in the Yorkshire Dales at one of our excellent, hand-picked accommodation partners. The accommodation on this trip will generally be in a small hotel or guest house. However, if you would like to upgrade the accommodation on this trip to deluxe or 5* luxury please get in touch.

      Single Rooms

      Single occupancy rooms are available for a small supplement. Please get in touch with the team to book.

      Meals Read More

      At all stages of your trip you will be able to enjoy delicious meals prepared from superb local ingredients.

      Breakfasts are included at your accommodation. Packed lunches are not included in the trip, but will be available from your hotel or a local cafe/ deli if requested the night before. Your guide can help make local restaurant suggestions.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 4 nights accommodation with breakfast each day
      • 2 days of privately guided activities, led by an expert Wilderness guide included equipment hire
      • Personalised trip design and delivery
      • Expert local suggestions for restaurants and activities
      • Detailed trip itinerary and map
      • Pre-trip care and 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness team
      Travel Read More
      • This trip starts in Grassington
      • This is a self drive holiday – you can bring your own car or we can recommend car hire companies.
      Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

      This trip is designed to be tailored to your preferences. Choose to upgrade the accommodation, add on extra days and activities to create your perfect adventure.

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      Speak to an Expert

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      Rachael Gavan

      Rachael is a true gem and we regularly receive feedback thanking her for designing inspiring itineraries and for being such a pleasure to chat to. In many cases the people Rachael designs tailor-made trips for, actually become friends with and she’s had more than one invite to far off lands as a result. This trip has been one of Rachael’s passion projects and combines the best that the Cairngorms has to offer in a relaxed and nurturing environment.

      Ask Rachael a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle low level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready!

      On the other days of the trip you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      Don’t hesitate, sign up now for a smoothly efficient professionally run and personable touring organization !

      Nancy Kessel
      Wilderness Walking - National Parks of the UK
      Reviewed on 20/05/2019

      Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 703 reviews

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