Yorkshire Dales

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.

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

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.

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.