A classic rambler’s walk is the 78.5 mile Dales Way, from the South-east to the North-west of Northern England, passing through two National Parks: the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District National Park.

Starting in Ilkley, the first half of the Dales Way route follows the River Wharfe upstream to the main watershed of Northern England at Ribblehead. The second half follows several river valleys (Dentdale, River Mint, River Kent) to descend to the shores of Lake Windermere.

We are placed at Day 5 or 6 of this walking holiday itinerary, perfect for an overnight rest, celebratory dinner and to share tales of this long-distance challenge with fellow walkers.