self-guided walking holiday in wensleydale - 4 nights
Explore Wensleydale at a relaxed pace. With two nights staying near famous Aysgarth Falls, start your trip with a short walk to beautiful West Burton, with Cauldron Falls sitting on its edge, before spending a day admiring the triple cascades at Aysgarth and crossing classic Dales farmland to visit the impressive ruins of Castle Bolton. Follow the peaceful banks of the River Ure, visiting the popular village of Askrigg and the waterfalls behind it on your way to spend your final two nights in a stunning location close to the market town of Hawes. Your last full day takes you to Hawes itself as well as more of the waterfalls that Wensleydale is famous for - Aysgill Force, tucked away in remote Sleddale, and Hardraw Force, the highest single drop waterfall in England.
This route combines the best of the Dales - classic rolling countryside, lots of waterfalls, riverside strolling, traditional villages and stunning views - all at a gentle pace allowing plenty of time to soak it all in! As well as being beautiful in the spring and summer, this route is also a great option for an autumn/winter walking holiday - the good, low level paths are accessible all year round and the waterfalls are at their best!
SUMMARY
Number of nights: 4
Price: From £485 per person (based on two people sharing a double or twin room)
Difficulty level: 4/10 (easy to moderate)
Amount of walking: One circular walk of 7.5 miles (12km, ascent 280m), one linear walk of 10.5 miles (17.5km, ascent 360m) and another circular walk of 7 miles (11.5km, ascent 275m), plus optional 4 mile walk on day of arrival.
Terrain: A mixture of gentle riverside footpaths, tracks across farmland and open moorland and a few short sections of road walking on quiet lanes or through traditional villages.
Accommodation: A country inn and hotel, with cosy bar, excellent restaurant and large beer garden with views across Wensleydale, a short stroll from famous Aysgarth Falls (nights 1 and 2). A small country house hotel in a gorgeous setting with views over upper Wensleydale, where you can relax in the cosy lounges and large gardens and enjoy good food with a focus on local, seasonal produce (nights 3 and 4). For full details of the accommodation included on each of our routes see our accommodation page.
Contact us to book this trip or find out more
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive at your base in an 18th century coaching inn close to famous Aysgarth Falls. If time allows, consider the short but beautiful circuit to the nearby village of West Burton, considered by many to be the most beautiful village in the Dales, and Cauldron Force on its edge.
Overnight: Aysgarth Falls Hotel
Day 2 - Enjoy a circular walk from Aysgarth, visiting the triple flight falls, the impressive remains of Castle Bolton (which offers stunning views down Wensleydale and Bishopdale from its roof), and the moorland paths above the village of Carperby, where there is the chance for a well-earned stop at a country pub!
Overnight: Aysgarth Falls Hotel
Day 3 - Head west along Wensleydale, spending much of the day following the route of the River Ure upstream. As well as peaceful stretches along the banks of the river, you will take in the former Wensleydale railway line, the popular village of Askrigg (with several good lunch options!) and the beautiful Mill Gill and Whitfield Gill waterfalls. The final stretch of the route takes you across classic farming country (complete with plenty of stiles through dry stone walls!) offering gorgeous views up and down Wensleydale, before arriving at a pretty country house hotel for your last two nights.
Overnight: Stone House Hotel
Day 4 - For your final full day, enjoy a varied ‘figure of eight’ walk, taking in the popular market town of Hawes (where you can stop to sample cheese at the local creamery!), tucked away Aysgill Force on Gayle Beck and the little village of Hardraw, home to England’s highest single drop waterfall and a popular, historic village pub!
Overnight: Stone House Hotel
Day 5 - Enjoy a last hotel breakfast before taking a taxi back to your starting point to collect your car and head home (or travelling back to the train station to catch your train).
what’s included
Four nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis;
Luggage transfer;
Transport from your last hotel to your first hotel to collect your car (if travelling by train, contact us to discuss options);
Detailed walking notes;
A route-marked OS map; and
The ‘Muddy Boots Survival Pack’ including our guide to places to visit and eat and drink on your route.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Room or hotel upgrades.
Packed lunches (or order these the night before at your accommodation).
Additional nights accommodation.
A personal guide for some or all of your trip.
If you would like a longer holiday, we can add extra nights at each location or start with a night in Middleham, adding in a long linear walk to Aysgarth.