The Dales Way was my first long-distance path as an adult, completed over 20 years ago with
Rita, and a route I’ve walked twice more since (in 1997 and 2007). It’s always
a good standby when not too fit and when one needs to get back in the swing. It’s
also a jolly good walk by any standards, without being too strenuous (although it
does have its moments).
Another
plus is that Sherpa services the sole walker along the Dales Way: on other walks,
the Coast to Coast excepted, they have a “minimum of two bags per party” rule. There
are probably sound financial and operational reasons for this, but they elude me.
Any
road up, here’s my itinerary:-
Monday
16 April 2012: Ilkley to Grassington. I'm overnighting at the Crown Inn at
Addingham before setting out along the way. I’m booked into the Foresters Arms in Grassington (17 miles).
Tuesday
17 April 2012: Grassington to Hubberholm (13 miles). I’m booked into Church
Farm, Hubberholme (strange as it may seem this is only yards from the George Inn).
Wednesday
18 April 2012: Hubberholme to Ribblehead (12 miles). Accommodation at yet another
pub: the Station Inn.
Thursday
19 April 2012: Ribblehead to Bramaskew Farm, on the route beyond Sedburgh (miles from the nearest hostelry!). This
will be my longest day, with a high level alternative from Ribblehead to Dent on the cards, using
the Craven Way track. The route choice will be made on the day, depending on
weather and inclination (about 20 miles).
Friday
20 April 2012: Bramaskew to Burneside (12 miles). I have booked into Lakeland Hills
B&B.
Saturday
21 April 2012: Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere (10 miles).
Stand
by for a heat wave…
