Dales High Way: Hostel and Bunkhouse Accommodation
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The Dales High Way is a challenging and inspirational 90 mile walk across the stunning hills of the Yorkshire Dales. It starts at Saltaire in the City of Bradford and takes you to Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Dales High Way Hostel and Bunkhouse Accommodation
The Dales High Way is a challenging and inspirational 90 mile walk across the stunning hills of the Yorkshire Dales. It starts at Saltaire, a World Heritage model village in the City of Bradford and takes you to Appleby-in-Westmorland. The Dales High Way runs roughly parallel to the iconic Settle to Carlisle railway, so walkers can use the railway to walk sections of the route and travel back to their hostel or bunkhouse accommodation. The railway also provides by far your best return route to Saltaire and is a great boost for non-walking companions. For rest days as it allows easy access to many interesting places.
The Route of the Dales High Way
The Dales High Way route is one of variety and interest, it follows ancient trade routes, green lanes, and pack horse tracks. With 4,268 m (14,003 ft) of ascent, it is not a route for the novice walker. As the name implies, the Dales High Way keeps to the high ground. Therefore it is definitely a walk for the better weather months of the year. Walking the Dales High Way you will leave the hustle and bustle of Bradford and cross wild and lonely moorland, you will walk alongside iconic limestone scars and descend to follow the meandering banks of the River Ribble. You will climb to the summit of Ingleborough. One of the legendary Yorkshire Three Peaks and the highest point of the route at 724 m (2,375 ft) and skirt Whernside (another of the Yorkshire Three Peaks).
Experienced walkers, helped by the proximity of the Settle to Carlisle railway, can easily deviate from the official route and tag the third summit of the Three Peaks, Pen y Ghent. Making a unique version of the ‘Dales My Way’!
Leaving the Three Peaks and the Ribblehead Viaduct behind you will head towards Sedburgh and from there to a mind-blowing 6 mile ridge walk across the Howgill Fells. Your final descent will lead you to the green meadows of the Eden Valley and the picturesque town of Appleby.
Founding of The Dales High Way
The Dales High Way was conceived by husband and wife Tony and Chris Grogan in 2007, as a high-level alternative to the Dales Way which runs from Ilkley to Windermere largely along Wharfedale and other valleys. They have published the definitive route guide and run the route’s official website. The route is available on the Long Distance Walkers website and other useful information can be found on the Walking Englishman’s website.
The 90 mile Dales High Way route will take anything between 5 and 8 days. There is a wonderful choice of Independent hostel and bunkhouse accommodation along it. Whether you’re a hardy solitary walker, couple, family, or a walking group there will be hostels and bunkhouses to suit. For more details check out each hostel listed below.