Swaledale

Herriot Way Self Guided Walking Holidays

The Herriot Way is a 52-mile circular route through the picturesque North Yorkshire Dales of Wensleydale and Swaledale. The route is based on a holiday undertaken by the author Alf Wight better known as James Herriot and traditionally starts and finishes in Aysgarth.

The popular TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small' has brought many visitors to the area. There can be no substitute for walking to really appreciate and enjoy this wonderful landscape.

Duration of tour
6 days (5 nights)

Tour Availability
This walking holiday is available throughout the year.

Price
£275 per person (single room supplement £15 per night)

Holidays include

  • Selected accommodation with en-suite rooms (as available) and full English breakfast.

  • Luggage transfer between overnight accommodation.

  • Accommodation to accommodation personal transfer if required.

  • Guide book for the group Leader.

  • Detailed instructions to find your accommodation.

  • Emergency contact.

Tailor made tours
Below is a suggested itineraries however we can also put together a tour to meet your specific requirements.

Grade of walking
This is generally a moderate route with some strenuous walking encountered in the 'mines' and when crossing the hills between Wensleydale and Swaledale.

Start of tour
Aysgarth, North Yorkshire.

End of tour
Aysgarth, North Yorkshire.

Accommodation
Accommodation in en-suite rooms (where available) in selected comfortable B&B’s, Guest Houses, and Inns.

Meals
A full English breakfast is included. Packed lunches can be purchased from your overnight accommodation or from local convenience stores. Evening meals can be purchased in pubs and overnight accommodation when a pub is not available.

Luggage transfer
For the duration of the walk your luggage is transferred between overnight accommodation so all you need to carry is a day rucksack and its contents.

Support vehicle
Illness and injury sometimes occur. For this reason accommodation to accommodation transport is available if required.

Guide book
A Guide Book is included for your holiday. We also recommend Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL30 to compliment your guide book.

Transport
Transport to the start and from the finish point of your holiday is not included in the price, however there are several transport options available to you

  • Long stay car parking is available at the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park in Aysgarth. For further information 'click here'

  • For train and bus travel timetables please visit the 'Journey Planner website'

  • A convenient major International airport is Manchester. Airport transfers can be arranged, please contact us if you require further information about this option.



Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Aysgarth
Check into your accommodation and spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 2 Aysgarth to Reeth - 13 miles
From the famous Aysgarth Falls the route follows the valley to the mediaeval Bolton Caslte, the 600 year old fortress that imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots in 1569 is open to visitors from April to October. Follow the old lead miners track from Wensleydale onto East Bolton Moor (550M) then descend via Harkerside Moor, and Grinton, into Swaledale.

Day 3 Reeth to Keld - 13 miles
Leave Reeth along the bank of the River Swale. Pass through Healaugh village and follow a lead miners route into the hills. In the 18th and 19th Centuries the area was a hive of activity for lead mining, the disused workings are still visible today as you cross the moors to Keld.

Day 4 Keld to Hawes - 13 miles
For much of the day you follow the Pennine Way south to Hawes. From Keld round Kisdon for good views of Swaledale then descend to Thwaite. The route climbs to the summit of Great Shunner Fell (716M) for wonderful views, and then returns to Wensleydale.

Day 5 Hawes to Aysgarth - 13 miles
Leave Hawes and visit Hardraw Force, Englands highest single drop waterfall (above ground). There are no more high moors to cross insteand the route follows the valley to Askrigg and the River Ure for a few miles to the starting point at Aysgarth.

Day 6 Depart Aysgarth
Depart from your accommodation and head for home.