Dales Way

‘black crag’ on YouTube has inspired me to do this. I live in Skipton so makes sense to train it to bowness then walk to addingham/Ilkley

Has anyone done it? Is it a 4 nighter? I’d take a tent so would be camping it.

Campsites in sedburgh, grassington and ???

I’d like to crack on and try it in September before the nights close in and campsites close

Useful info here:- https://ramblingman.org.uk/planningatrip/planning_a_dales_way_trip/ with a possible 5 day schedule (perhaps spend the 1st afternoon just getting to Windemere camping caravan club site?)

It’s been many many years since I’ve done it (but done it 2 or 3 times) and always been a bit more leisurely than you suggest.

If coming from Windemere then it’s only a short’ish (off the train / afternoon) hop to the Windemere / Ashes lane camping caravan club site (before Burneside)

There was a site in Sedbergh but if possible Dent was always a favourite stop if you can make Windemere/Burneside to Dent in a day.

I see there is now a campsite in Buckden which is great as this used to be a problem area https://buckdencamping.co.uk/site-information/

If it’s a bit much to make Ilkley from there (?) consider camping at Appletreewick (tbh our stops were largely based on proximity to Theaskston pubs – that’s probably changed too)

I’m also in Skipton and dreaming of doing this too but I think it’s probably one for next year for me now (holidays planned)

I did the kendal to Bowness leg recently, it actually passes about 3 miles north of kendal.  Didn’t see anyone outside the villages, it’s well signposted but take a map just in case.

Clare balding did it in 2014, I listened to her podcasts, think it’s a spin off from ramblings.

It was explained why they walked east to westish, think it was the sun behind.

Bit of a shock when you reach staveley and windermere, having seen no-one all day…places seem packed.

I did it from Meanwood in five days many years ago. Completely unplanned apart from carrying OS maps. We just pitched the tent wherever we felt like – Ilkley Moor on the first night. Only paid for one night in a paddock in Dent.

I wanted to do this, this year but apathy got in the way. Thought I could do it in 4 longish days given there is no real ascent/descent.

Didn’t see anyone outside the villages,

I ran the Sandstone trail years ago (Circa 30 miles) and noticed this. Nobody really walks more than a stones-throw from their cars, do they.

Walked it years ago. Was a cracking few days. Did it the other way though. Started Ilkley, first night Grassington in a farmers field, Second night wild camped by the side of the river at Beckermonds, third night Camped at the site in Dent. Forth night farmers field new Patton Bridge.

The lakes is only packed in the town hot spots.  Yesterday I walked keswick to seatoller, getting the bus back.  I must have seen 2 people max on an adjacent footpath.  Keswick was absolutely packed, like no space on pavement packed.

My neighbour did it in 3 days staying at B&B. Picked up some shin splints and needed physio when he finished.

thanks for the replies.  I might leave it til 2025.  Four nights is a bit self indulgent what with young kids etc.  It’ll get done though.

3 of my mates did it in May this year.l over 3 days

Ilkley to Ribblehead pub bunkhouse

Ribblehead to a little campsite just outside Sedbergh (Bridge End)

Bridge End to Windemere

They are all pretty fit runners/ ultra runners . They did say it would have been easier running it though (with out gear)