Dales High Way

OVERVIEW

The Dales High Way is the bigger brother to the Dales Way - and whilst the Dales Way tracks through the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales from Ilkely to Bowness-on-Windermere, predominantly following the base of valleys, the Dales High Way tends to head over peaks along it's route through the Yorkshire Dales.

This trail starts in Saltaire and runs to Appleby-in-Westmorland - with a route that tracks the Settle and Carlisle Railway. 

This results in a fairly challenging route - that in my mind is more suited to single day outings - rather than a more casual multi-day wander across the Dales.

Along it's route this trail has particular highlights as it passes Gordale Scar, Malham Cove, Attermire Scar, Ingleborough, Ribblehead Viaduct and Howgill Fells.

It is a must-do trail, but probably one to do when you are feeling in good shape.

PRACTICALITIES

The trail takes a route which makes doing the walk in stages - or overnight stays - very easy to sort.

It's beginning in Saltaire is by the train station, and you can also walk down from Shipley - along the Liverpool & Leeds Canal - from that towns more regularly served train station.

From here the route passes by Ilkley (which again has a train station) - before passing through Skipton (which offers both a train station and ample options for accommodation).

The next town on route is Settle - which again has ample accommodation, and a train station.

Then the route passes by Ribblehead - where once again you have a train station.

Next up is Sedbergh - and whilst this does not have a train station, it does have accommodation and bus services to towns that are connected to the train network.

Finally there is a train station at the end point in Appleby-in-Westmorland.

With this setup the route does fairly naturally fall into the four stages set out below.

STAGES

Saltaire to Skipton

Planned to be walked in the future...

Skipton to Settle (★★★★★) 

From Skipton the Dales High Way heads north across the fields (although here I went rogue and went through Skipton Woods instead), crosses over the A59 - and then cuts cross minor roads and fields to Sharp Haw.

Having climbed Sharp Haw, the path descends on a path heading north, and then bending west round the flank of Rough Haw - before dropping down into Flasby. At Flasby the path turns back north, to follow Flasby Beck and Hutton Beck to Hutton.

From Hutton the path heads out past Winterburn Reservoir, and then climbs up to The Weets - after which it drops down, heading past Gordale Scar on it's way to Malham Cove.

From here the route heads up Ing Scar, then turns west and on past Attermire Scar (passing Victoria Cave where Hippo, Rhino, Elephant and Hyena bones have been found), before dropping into Settle. 

This section totaled 19.5 miles, with over three thousand feet of ascent.

Settle to Ribblehead

Planned to be walked in 2026...

Ribblehead to Appleby-in-Westmorland

Planned to be walked in 2026...