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.

USEFUL LINKS

Guidebook : A Dales High Way : Route Guide
LDWA Page : Dales High Way - LDWA Long Distance Paths

STAGES

Saltaire to Skipton (★★★★☆)

The Dales High Way starts at the side of the canal in Saltaire, and then heads northwards, before heading over the top of Ikley Moor. At Ilkley Crags the path drops down, and then runs alongside the southern edge of Ikley - before continuing on along the northern edge of Ilkley Moor.

From here the path eventually cuts up northwards to run along the edge of Addingham - and then from here follows a track west up to the top of Druaghton Moor, and then across Skipton Moor - before dropping down into Skipton itself.

This section totaled 18.5 miles (of which 17.4 miles were on the Dales High Way), with around two and a half thousand feet of ascent in total. The full distance includes a short section between Shipley train station and Saltaire, with Shipley having more frequent train services than Saltaire.

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 (★★★★★) 

From Settle the route heads out along the River Ribble to Little Stainforth, where it cuts up over Feizor Thwaite to Feizor. From here the path heads north to Wharfe, and then winds through fields of limestone - before a climb up past Simon Fell.

From here the main ascent on Ingleborough begins, and once the top has been reached there is a sharp descent down off this ridge (this section is more pleasant going the other way, ie from Ribblehead to Settle). 

The route then heads through Chapel-le-Dale, and then along the base of the ridge of Whernside to meet up with the train line just beyond Ribblehead Viaduct.

This section totaled 17.9 miles from station to station (16.8 miles on the Dales High Way), with around two and a half thousand feet of ascent (I would recommend walking Ribblehead to Settle if walking as a one day walk).

Ribblehead to Sedbergh

Planned to be walked in 2026...

Sedbergh to Appleby-in-Westmorland

Planned to be walked in 2026...