Trip Overview

The Yorkshire Dales are made for walking; a patchwork of rolling hills, winding trails and timeless stone villages. This is a landscape shaped by nature, industry and tradition, where dry stone walls crisscross wildflower meadows, waterfalls tumble through lush woodlands, and folklore and history are etched into every hill and stone.

Limestone geology has carved dramatic cliffs, valleys and underground caves, while centuries of farming and industry have left their mark on the land and its architecture. Yorkshire’s culinary traditions offer comfort and warmth – from a strong cup of good tea to crumbly cheese and the iconic Yorkshire pudding, the food is honest, hearty and full of flavour, just like the locals.

On this guided small group hiking adventure, you’ll explore the best of the Dales on foot. Climb iconic peaks, traverse wind-rustled moors, visit historic sites and enjoy well-earned breaks in cosy village pubs. With dramatic scenery, rich heritage and views that stretch for miles, the national park blends outdoor discovery with cultural charm.

Day 1 – Grassington & River Walk Read Less: Day 1
Grassington & River Walk
Upon meeting your group at Skipton Railway Station, begin your Yorkshire hiking tour in the quaint storybook village of Grassington. Lace up your boots for an afternoon walk along the River Wharfe, accompanied by the sound of cascading falls and the gentle rustle of leaves. With a name meaning ‘twisting and winding,’ this meandering waterway offers a perfect introduction to northern England’s bucolic landscape. Follow the trail through woodlands and nature reserves, across limestone pavements and peaceful pastures. Cap off your day with a sweet treat and a stroll through Grassington’s charming, cobbled streets before a short transfer to Kettlewell, where your accommodation for the next three nights awaits.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 200 m / 656 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

Day 2 – Hiking Great Whernside Read Less: Day 2
Hiking Great Whernside
This morning, breathe in the fresh moorland air as you set out to summit Great Whernside, a rugged ridge rising above the wild folds of the Dales. The climb is steep but rewarding, with dramatic views that unfurl like a living tapestry – golden fields stitched with dry stone walls, distant hills rolling toward the horizon. Along the route, pass ancient sheep barns, walk through grasses whispering in the wind, and windswept heather, bearing witness to centuries of life on this land. In the afternoon, return to the 18th century charm of Kettlewell. Whether browsing local art in a gallery, chatting with the locals or sipping something crisp at the historic Blue Bell Inn, this idyllic hamlet welcomes you like an old friend.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 15 km / 9 miles | 575 m / 1,886 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

Day 3 – Malham Cove & Gordale Scar Read Less: Day 3
Malham Cove & Gordale Scar
Today’s hike explores a landscape steeped in legend and shaped by time. Follow winding paths through rolling pastures to the dramatic cleft of Gordale Scar, where steep limestone cliffs rise on either side, carved over millennia by glacial meltwaters. Continue onward into the sweeping natural amphitheatre of Malham Cove, its rough-hewn cliffs soaring high above the valley. Atop the cove, traverse a surreal expanse of lichen-laced limestone pavement, a former Harry Potter filming location. End your day in the lively walking hub of Malham with your boots dusty and your heart full.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 280 m / 919 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 4 – Summit Pen-y-ghent Read Less: Day 4
Summit Pen-y-ghent
Striking and stoic, today’s summit of Pen-y-ghent bends along an iconic loop of one of Yorkshire’s revered Three Peaks. Follow well-trodden paths and moss-edged walls, stepping over stiles and through kissing gates. Pause to peer into the yawning mouth of Hull Pot, a collapsed cavern echoing with centuries of geological drama. Atop the mountain’s peak, feel the wind on your face and the brightness of open sky above. Then descend with a sense of triumph, your footsteps following an ancient rhythm of hillwalkers across the ages. In the afternoon, transfer to your next charming hotel in Wensleydale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 505 m / 1,657 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 5 – Waterfall Wanders & Castle Capers Read Less: Day 5
Waterfall Wanders & Castle Capers
Ease into the day with a tranquil riverside walk past the cascading lower, middle and upper Aysgarth Falls. After a few days of rugged climbs, today’s gentler pace allows you to savour postcard-perfect scenes of rolling hills and serene riverbanks. Walk onwards to the striking Bolton Castle, a 14th century fortress that once imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots. Enjoy a relaxed café lunch whilst out exploring, then take your time discovering the castle’s lofty towers, lush gardens or cosy tearoom. It’s a rich slice of Yorkshire history served up with charm and lovely scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 180 m / 591 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

Day 6 – Swaledale & Wensleydale Read Less: Day 6
Swaledale & Wensleydale
With a name like “Buttertubs,” today’s views promise something spectacular – and they deliver. Stop at the Buttertubs Pass en route to the start of your walk, soaking in dramatic scenery carved by ancient glaciers. From the tiny stone village of Muker, hike through Swaledale’s lush meadows, following part of the iconic Coast to Coast trail. Encounter traditional stone barns, glittering rivers and golden pastures dotted with woolly sheep. After lunch in another storybook village, return via the wild landscapes of Swinner Gill. This afternoon, visit the Wensleydale Creamery to discover the Yorkshire Dales’ thousand-year history of artisan cheesemaking, learn how the famous cheese is made and perhaps enjoy a small sample yourself.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 350 m / 1,148 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 7 – Final Hike & Depart Read Less: Day 7
Final Hike & Depart
Your final hike weaves through mystical fells, past spellbinding waterfalls, over fairy-tale bridges and along mossy riverbanks. During summer, the much-loved Yorkshire meadows create a natural bouquet straight from a postcard. Upon crossing the river, your route sweeps back through the dale to finish in the snug village of Buckden. Your guide will bring you back to Skipton Railway Station, where regular trains depart to London and other destinations.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 250 m / 820 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

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The Yorkshire Dales

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Trip Dates & Prices

All payments taken in local currency GBP

Trip Dates for 2026	Availability	Status	Price	Book
16th May - 22nd May 2026	8 place(s) left	Available	£2,395	Book Now
11th Jul - 17th Jul 2026	8 place(s) left	Available	£2,395	Book Now
12th Sep - 18th Sep 2026	8 place(s) left	Available	£2,395	Book Now

Make This Trip Private

Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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The Yorkshire Dales

For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

Trip Details

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Accommodation Read More

This walking holiday is based in two welcoming and quality accommodations, both charming and traditional.

For the first three nights, we’ll stay in a historic inn in the village of Kettlewell in Wharfedale and for the final three nights, we’ll stay in a family-run Edwardian country house in the heart of Wensleydale.

Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

Single Rooms

There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £450 is charged.

Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Meals Read More

This trip includes all meals, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7. Dinners are two courses as standard.

Great food is paramount on all Wilderness England trips, and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout this all-inclusive trip. Of course, dietary requirements can be catered for; just let us know at the time of booking.

Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group.

Inclusions Read More

Six nights’ accommodation in 3 star and 4 star hotels/inns.
All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary.
The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide throughout your trip.
All transport as needed during the trip, starting and finishing at Skipton Railway Station.
All activities as mentioned in the itinerary.

Grading Read More: Blue Graded 4-6
Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

You will be met by your Wilderness England Guide at Skipton Railway Station at 10.30am on Day 1 of your trip. The trip will conclude at Skipton Railway Station at 3.00pm on the final day.

Skipton Railway Station has connections to London through Leeds Railway Station. Regular trains run throughout the day.

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Wilderness Scotland

The Yorkshire Dales

Trip Overview

Your Next Adventure

Day by DayItinerary

Day 1

Grassington & River Walk

Day 2

Hiking Great Whernside

Day 3

Malham Cove & Gordale Scar

Day 4

Summit Pen-y-ghent

Day 5

Waterfall Wanders & Castle Capers

Day 6

Swaledale & Wensleydale

Day 7

Final Hike & Depart

Trip Dates & Prices

Make This Trip Private

Trip Details

Single Rooms

Blue Graded 4-6

Speak to an Expert

Jane Gillies

Difficulty Grades Explained

Blue Graded 4-6

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