dales way accommodation

The Dales Way is a long distance footpath of  79 miles in the north of England, with a good choice of accommodation available in bunkhouses and hostels along the route. The  Way runs from Ilkley in Yorkshire, following paths through the Yorkshire Dales and the foothills of the South Lake District.  Finishing in Bowness-on-Windermere  in the heart of the Lake Distrtict. It follows many riverside paths passing through villages where accommodation is available.  The Dales Way offers a rural route with scenic views.

Accommodation on the Dales Way


    The Dales Way

    The dales way guide

    The Dales Way runs from Ilkley in Yorkshire, following paths through the Yorkshire Dales and the foothills of the South Lake District.  Finishing in Bowness-on-Windermere in the heart of the Lake District.  There are hostels and bunkhouses along or near the route, which provide great value accommodation for walkers.  The Dales Way guide by Colin Speakman is available from Skyware and the route is shown on the LDWA website.  A detailed account of the route can be found on the Walking Englishman’s website.

    The Dales Way Sign at Sedbergh
    Photo was taken by Howgills Barn, which provides a welcome for walkers in Sedbergh

    The Dales Way is a long distance footpath of  79 miles in the north of England.  It follows many riverside paths and offers a rural route with scenic views from urban West Yorkshire to the Lake District.

    Accommodation on the route

    Grassington Bunkbarn for groups is within a km of the route in Grassington and in nearby Kilnsey,  Skirfare Barn (also for groups), is about 2km off the route.  Kettlewell Hostel is right on the route in Kettlewell and welcomes individual walkers and groups.

    Gauber Bunkbarn on the Dales Way
    A cosy bunk barn sitting room

    Broadrake Barn, 4km off route welcomes individual walkers and groups.

    Further along in Sedbergh, the Dalesway passes the doorstep of Howgills Barn which welcomes all walkers.

    howgills barn on the Dales Way
    Howgills Barn on the Dales Way

    As the walk reaches the Lake District accommodation is available 4km off the path at Dacres Stable, 4km off the path at Kendal Hostel (currently closed), and 2km off the path at the Lakes District Backpackers in Windermere.

    Tips from experienced walkers

    There is a train service from Burneside (on the route) to Windermere and Kendal, so  Kendal Hostel (currently closed) can be used for the last two nights’ accommodation, to save on carrying luggage on the last day.