Walking in the Classic Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is an area of outstanding natural beauty and at its heart lie the fast-flowing rivers, the Ure and the Swale, that have carved out the spectacular scenery that we see today. This varied walk leads between Middleham, with its historic castle and horse-racing stables, and the market town of Richmond. En route, you walk past the mighty castles that stand guard over a rich landscape of traditional stone villages and verdant slopes criss-crossed by the dry-stone walls so characteristic of the Dales.

Most of the inns/guesthouses on the route have only a small number of rooms and we may therefore need to offer alternatives which may result in price variations. For a bit of added luxury on your break, you can choose to upgrade to a superior hotel in Reeth, where your stay includes dinner.

Coaching inn, Middleham

A former seventeenth century coaching inn situated on the market square, which has been completely re-furbished and offers a modern bistro-style dining room but retains a more traditional bar area. All rooms are en-suite and furnished to a high standard.

Coaching inn, Aysgarth

This is a welcoming and relaxed 17th-century coaching inn of great character, which serves high-quality dishes of local produce in its excellent restaurant, and fine local beers in the cosy bar. We can also offer accommodation in an excellent guesthouse nearby, with dinner included at the coaching inn.

Guesthouse, Reeth

This former Victorian schoolmaster’s house has been lovingly restored and converted into spacious and relaxing accommodation. With enviable views over the Swale Valley and nearby Fremington Edge, this charming guesthouse has just two rooms and is a short walk from the village green. Here, you will find a number of pubs and restaurants offering excellent food, as well as the famous local ale (pay locally).

Guesthouse, Richmond

Boasting panoramic views over the town and the valley towards Easby Abbey from the light and airy breakfast room and lounge, this fine Victorian house is located in a quiet cobbled street north of the historic market square.

Traveller Reviews of This Trip

We found the choice of route with its many variations from the climb out of Middleham by the gallops, to the riverside walks and the moorland stretch between the two valleys was very good. The walking notes were very good especially where the signage was poor. Mr RH Remnant, Farnham, 07/06/2011

The holiday was well-described - we got what we expected and considered it to be both enjoyable and value for money. Mrs E, Godalming, 21/04/2010

For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Walking in the Classic Yorkshire Dales