Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows the Dales Way from the stone marker beside Ilkley's Old Bridge to the finish above Lake Windermere in Bowness. It records 131.8 km and 1,343 m of ascent, using the main route through Wharfedale, Langstrothdale, Dentdale, Sedbergh and the southern Lakeland fringe. The optional Watershed Alternative is not included. The result is a largely low-level long-distance walk, although ‘low-level’ should not be confused with ‘entirely flat and thoughtfully paved’.
The opening days keep close to the River Wharfe, passing Addingham, Bolton Abbey, the Strid, Burnsall, Grassington, Kettlewell and Buckden. Beyond Hubberholme the settlements thin out as the route enters Langstrothdale and climbs onto Cam High Road. This exposed crossing is the main upland section before the Way drops into Dentdale at Gearstones and Cowgill. It then follows the River Dee through Dent to Sedbergh, meets the Lune and crosses a quieter patchwork of tracks, lanes and farmland towards Burneside and Staveley. The final approach crosses the rolling ground east of Windermere before descending into Bowness.
Six days fits the GPX's natural divisions, though five or seven are perfectly sensible. Navigation is generally less severe than on a high mountain trail, but river flooding, wet fields, livestock, road sections and the Cam High Road crossing still require judgement. Accommodation can be sparse around Buckden, Cowgill and the middle of the route, so book the awkward stops first. The Way is well established and often waymarked, but signs are not a replacement for knowing which side of the river you ought to be on.
"We sometimes forget that until the last hundred years or so poor people — and that meant most people — wanting to get anywhere went on foot."
Colin Speakman, The Dales Way (1970)
Route Waypoints
Start beside the official Dales Way marker near Ilkley's Old Bridge. The route follows the River Wharfe upstream through parkland and fields towards Addingham. Ilkley has rail connections and every last-minute provision, including several things that become heavier once placed in a rucksack.
Pass Bolton Abbey and continue through the wooded estate beside the Wharfe. The river narrows dramatically at the Strid; remain on the signed path and do not approach slippery edges. Cafés and facilities make this a useful pause before Burnsall.
The first GPX stage ends in Burnsall. Continue through Linton and Grassington, where shops and accommodation provide a practical resupply point. The route remains mainly riverside, with fields, gates and short road sections rather than any sudden outbreak of alpine drama.
The Way passes Kettlewell before reaching Buckden at the head of upper Wharfedale. Services become thinner beyond here. Follow the Wharfe through Hubberholme and Langstrothdale, checking river levels after prolonged rain and carrying enough food for the more isolated crossing ahead.
Climb from Langstrothdale onto the broad Roman track of Cam High Road, briefly sharing the Pennine Way. This is the route's most exposed high ground. Cloud, wind and winter conditions can make an otherwise clear track considerably less sociable.
Descend into Dentdale and reach Cowgill near Dent Head. The main GPX follows the established valley route rather than the Watershed Alternative. Expect lanes and riverside paths on the way to Dent, with limited shops and accommodation requiring more planning than the gradients.
Dent is a useful food and overnight stop before following the River Dee towards Sedbergh. The valley walking is pleasant but can be wet, and field boundaries produce a steady rhythm of gates and stiles. It is less cinematic than a ridge, but kinder before breakfast.
The GPX stage ends at Millthrop on the edge of Sedbergh, which offers shops, transport and accommodation. The Way then follows the River Lune and quiet countryside west towards the Lakeland fringe, with navigation at field junctions needing more attention than the modest terrain suggests.
Reach Staveley after Burneside and stretches beside the River Kent. It is the final substantial service point on this line. The remaining route crosses rolling farmland and minor lanes towards Windermere, with several short climbs carefully saved for tired legs.
Finish at the Dales Way stone bench and marker overlooking Lake Windermere before descending into Bowness. The rail station is in Windermere rather than Bowness itself, so allow time for the connecting walk or bus instead of assuming the finish has thoughtfully acquired platforms.
Essential Tips
Six stages match this GPX neatly, but accommodation availability may dictate different stops. Buckden, Cowgill and the quieter western section have fewer beds than Ilkley, Grassington or Sedbergh, so reserve those first.
Much of the route follows the Wharfe, Dee, Lune and Kent. After sustained rain, low riverside paths can flood or become unpleasantly slippery. Follow local closures and use mapped alternatives rather than improvising across fields or fast water.
The route crosses OS Explorer OL2, OL7, OL19, OL21, OL30, 297 and 298. The Cam High Road crossing deserves proper mapping and a compass; elsewhere they are useful for the surprisingly easy art of choosing the wrong field exit.
The GPX excludes the optional Watershed Alternative between upper Wharfedale and Dentdale. It follows the continuous main Dales Way line through the published six-stage division, so route descriptions and accommodation plans should be built around that choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk the Dales Way?
Six days fits the route's natural divisions, though five or seven days work perfectly well depending on your pace and accommodation availability.
Which parts of the Dales Way are hardest to find accommodation?
Buckden, Cowgill, and the middle section of the route have sparse accommodation options, so book these awkward stops first before filling in the easier towns like Ilkley, Grassington, or Sedbergh.
Is the Dales Way suitable for beginners?
It's mostly low-level walking, but that doesn't mean flat and paved — you'll still deal with river flooding, wet fields, livestock, road sections, and the exposed Cam High Road crossing that all require good judgement.