Heart of the Yorkshire Dales

A great week of walking in the lovely Yorkshire Dales. Fairly lengthy trails but not difficult and wonderful scenery.

The Cornish pasties at Castle Bolton tea room are not to be missed. The cook has a special dispensation from the European Court of Justice to use the Cornish name outside Cornwall.

Having holidayed with Inntravel on many occasions in Europe, this was our first in UK. A wonderful introduction to Yorkshire and we loved Wensleydale and the walks. We were very lucky with the weather, which helped. The walking notes were spot on, so we never had to look at the map! An early highlight was supper at the Richard III in Middleham, across the square from Lindmar House. Good food and full of links to the racing community. Waterfalls and dry stone walls featured a lot in our photographs!

We have never clambered over & squeezed through as many stiles as in the last week!!  You probably won't be telling future customers that though. Unfortunately we got the worst of a weeks weather as it decided to lash it down on the very days we had to walk to the next hotel.  5 hours in driving rain on both days.  It also rained on the days off!  But, it didn't put us off and we would consider the same holiday again, albeit in nicer weather when we can see the hills & dales that we are walking through.  Bought some cheese though in Hawes.

Our first UK Inntravel holiday was definitely on a par with three previous ones in Spain and France (not that we'd doubted it would be). The wealth of background information provided was impressive. All the walks were well chosen, planned and described - and enjoyable, whether in glorious sunshine or pouring rain. Bolton Castle was fascinating, especially the courtyard showing all the 'back office' functions. The demonstration at Wensleydale Creamery was really interesting. An extra night each in Middleham and Aysgarth enabled us to do all but one of the suggested walks and to visit most heritage and other sites, so we felt we knew Wensleydale reasonably well by the end.

This was a perfect holiday for exploring the Dales by car and on foot. It provided a base from which we were able to explore not only Wensleydale but the surrounding Dales as well, especially the stunning Swaledale which is more remote and challenging. Daily walks, made possible by a car, took us to a wide range of places, including the green pastures of Nidderdale and the remains of an old lead mine, an introduction to the industrial history of the Dales. If in Hawes (Stone House Hotel) be sure not to miss the sheep dog demonstrations on a Thursday afternoon. The Dales Museum in Hawes is a brilliant introduction to the life and history of the region. From there, take the regular bus service to the Red Squirrel walk at Snaizeholme. At Middleham, get up early and follow the dozens of race horses in training as they go up to their morning gallops on the higher ground above the town. Middleham and Bolton Castles are both stunning historical sites which should not be missed. Take the train from Garsdale to Settle over the Ribblehead viaduct, and if you can, walk to the viaduct and behold its splendour. You cannot appreciate it from the train. [INNTRAVEL NOTE: We're pleased that you used the 'bare bones' of our Dales walking holiday as a base from which to organise your own daily itinerary with a car. Many people choose to book our holidays because they do not want to have to plan their own itineraries, but our holidays can be as flexible as possible.]

Our first UK Inntravel holiday which was excellent. The weather for the latter part of September was a bonus. Highlights included:

• Middleham Castle
• Jervaulx Abbey
• Castle Bolton
• Walking in the clouds above Settle

Had we been able to, an extra night at the Stone House Hotel would have been ideal

We thoroughly enjoyed our Yorkshire dales holiday and have very happy memories. The walking routes are all very clear and easy to follow with beautiful scenery. It was a delight to see the racehorses each morning trotting past our hotel room in Middleham. The Stone House hotel was a particular standout. The food was an excellent standard, the four poster room was wonderful and all the staff at the hotel were so friendly.

Middleham was a lovely village and it was strange being woken at 6.30 am by the racing horses going up to the gallops rather than by an alarm clock. The Tack Room is worth a visit for an evening meal. We also had fun when going from Middleham to Aysgarth when walking through a field of very friendly bullocks who assisted us in our walk with some gentle nudges. A good place to eat when at Asgarth Falls is a restaurant called Falls End which is only 10 minutes walk from the hotel and is situated in Asgarth Lodge Holidays, we also took a peek at Molly's Farm earlier in the day when we went out for our walk. At Stone House we did the Hardrop Force walk and then around Hawes we were lucky enough to spot a couple of red squirrels. 

Highlights? Sswimming in the Cauldron at West Burton!!! Climbing Morpeth Scar!! Climbing the hill above Settle to the caves!!!!! ......

and please tell other clients about the amazing little white buses!!!!

We appreciated the suggestion to visit Castle Bolton. On the first day, Thornton Steward has a seat ideal for the picnic stop. The castle in Middleham is certainly worth a visit. 

We had an excellent week of fine weather and enjoyable walking. After doing about twenty-five Inntravel walks all over Europe this was right up there among the best.

We had a very fine week. All those miles were most enjoyable and not bad for a trio approaching 80 years old!

The walks, although on gentler routes than our previous Inntravel walking experiences, included excellent directions in the notes, especially on the number of stiles and fields to cross (and there were a lot). Combined with perfect early Autumn sunshine and a warm welcome everywhere, this was a holiday to remember in an area of the country we didn't know.   The peaceful surroundings at Jervaulx Abbey were a highlight, and a perfect spot for a picnic.  We highly recommend the Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden, about 20 minutes' walk from the Aysgarth Falls Hotel: definitely a gardener's delight.  An evening meal at the Wensleydale Heifer at West Witton whilst staying at Middleham was delicious, if pricey, but would highly recommend for the quality of the food (it specialises in fish) and the service.

We were incredibly lucky with the weather as the whole week was dry, sunny and warm.  The accommodation was very good and each stay improved wih the last hotel being a superb standard.

Check if you want to go to Bolton Castle. It was closed for a wedding on the Saturday that we visited, which was very disappointing. No mention on the website, so use locals knowledge or call ahead.

We had not expected the first few days walks to be in such 'gentle' valleys , and these contrasted well with the final walk near Settle, which was more like the moorland we had anticipated. We found using the O.S. App, with route marked up, from the notes summary beforehand the easiest way to navigate. Our favourite stay was at Middleham.

The holiday was superb. The countryside a joy, with the choice of routes really good.We could not fault it

This was a lovely walk and not too strenuous but enough to give us the healthy appetite required for all the lovely food we were provided with. Good local produce and generous portions supplied by all together with the friendliest of welcomes and service. The walk was good in that we had interesting places to visit along the way and on the intervening walking days. We never woke up and struggled with the thought of the coming day's walk. Sad when it was all over! Thank you for another good Inntravel walking holiday. Perfect too, after Covid lockdowns.

This was an excellent trip. All accommodation was excellent. Walking routes were varied and just about right in length. Walking notes were very good and plenty of opportunities to explore villages on the walks. All baggage transfers worked perfectly and personal taxi transfers for us were on time with helpful and friendly drivers. Overall we would highly recommend this holiday and highly recommend Inntravel. We will be booking further trips in the future.

Wonderfully hospitable accommodation at the Priory and Stone House Hotel. Lovely walking routes through the Yorkshire countryside gave a real taste of what James Herriott country offered. Inntravel's usual comprehensive walking notes and background information made everything seamless. The Jervalux Abbey was a highlight.

Felt like a proper holiday after 18 months of restrictions.  Were well pampered at all the accommodation provided.  Yorkshire is a very beautiful part of the world.

This was an excellent holiday, which we enjoyed hugely. 

The walks were very varied and the views stunning. There was great hospitality where we stayed, particularly at Lindmar House and the Stone House hotel, which was exceptional. 

We really enjoyed seeing a part of the country we did not know well, and also the train journey to Settle and the walk there. 

Overall, an enjoyable holiday. Aysgarth Falls and Stone house were particularly good hotels. However we will be returning to Europe in future.

A fine introduction to walking in the Dales, a great Yorkshire welcome.

This was our our first UK holiday with Inntravel and we were not disappointed. I must admit that by day 4 I never wanted to see another stile, but we still managed the final walk above Settle on the following day. This was a lovely holiday, with excellent accommodation, beautiful scenery and glorious sunshine. In Middleham we ate at the Richard III pub and the Tack Room, and in both hotels after that. The Stone House Hotel was just lovely, we could have happily stayed for much longer. 

Wonderful introduction to the fascinating history and spectacular scenery of Wensleydale.  We were blessed with perfect weather for walking.

A very enjoyable walking holiday in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The Stone House Hotel is a little gem.

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole holiday, which exceeded our expectations.  Our personal highlight was the magical walk across the gallops back to the Lindmar Hotel - partly because we didn't expect it.  Also, we found almost everyone we met to be very friendly.

You could safely recommend the sheep dog demo that apparently takes place every Thursday evening, about a half-mile from the Stone House Hotel, just in time for dinner.  Excellent entertainment with the highest standard of dogs and shepherd.

Well balanced week. The option to travel over Ribblehead Viaduct on the train and discover delights of Settle on the final day was perfect. Everything slotted together very well indeed. Local bus company were so helpful on final day getting us from hotel to station and back.

the Garsdale-Settle day is a must. The train journey is super, through incredible scenery, and with the history and heritage of that line and its stations. The Craven Fault walk from/to Settle was a highlight. Same goes for the walk from Aysgarth to Askrigg, particularly the stretch from Askrigg to Sedbusk - incredible views all around.

I would recommend trying to work in some time at Ribblehead around the viaduct and surrounding moorland - take bug spray though, especially evening! Actually, if you are susceptible to bug bites like me, take bug spray on the trip - lots of time spent near rivers and waterfalls.

We were very lucky with 5 days of blue sky and sunshine. Obviously in bad weather walking the routes would need very good rain gear as there is a lot of open country and potential exposure to the elements.

First time of using Inntravel, and won't be the last. Met our expectations.

Accommodation excellent !!

This was our first UK holiday with Inntravel, and were delighted to find all the aspects that we have enjoyed with Inntravel holidays on the Continent - quiet, well-planned walks, comfortable accommodation, warm welcome and good food. Even good weather!

We recommend taking the excellent Aysgarth Falls Hotel picnic on the first day for the circular walk, rather than the walk to Sedbusk, which passes through Askrigg at lunchtime where the Bake Well deli serves delicious sandwiches, cakes and salads. 

The Stone House Hotel is a lovely way to end the holiday. We felt like we were guests at a country house weekend.

Nice tea room in West Burton with good cake and coffee and very pleasant friendly owner.

Stone House hotel was a real treat everything was run with great efficiency, food, perfect and staff always helpful and cheerful.

A delightful few days walking in the Yorkshire Dales with interesting places to visit on each of the walks, especially Jervaulx Abbey, Castle Bolton and Settle. We loved the variety offered on the walks: quiet lanes, riverside paths, little churches, handily placed benches with great views and the fields filled with wildflowers. A fantastic introduction to an area we did not know.

What a wonderful walk! Although all three accommodations were delightful and busy, we were able to immerse ourselves in beautiful countryside with peace and quiet, meeting very few other walkers on the whole trip. We benefitted from the usual very high quality Inntavel walking notes which were extremely easy to follow. Beautiful meadows of wild flowers, lots of different birds seen and heard with no meals to cook ourselves and wash up afterwards.

All the walks followed included really beautiful countryside views and local interest, we were very impressed with the routes. The wildlife we saw was incredible, lapwings, curlews, stoats, red squirrels at Garsdale station! The train trip to Settle was also a highlight - fabulous scenery! Would definitely recommend the trip to Settle! 

Highlights were many including friendliness of people we met, the beautiful hay meadows at this time of year, the superb racehorses at Middleham and the lovely Dales landscape.

This was a great holiday walking through the beautiful, unspoilt countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, staying in some brilliant hotels and guest houses along the way.  The point to point and circular walks were moderately easy, about 5 hours each day along river banks and undulating moorland.  In mid –June we were lucky enough not to encounter any rain and being well into the nesting season, were blessed with sighting  an abundance of curlews, lapwing and quite a few oyster catchers.  We elected to arrive in Middleham just after lunch so that we could do the castle before checking in and devote a whole of the next day to the “Around Middleham” walk.  This gave us plenty of time to linger around Jervauix  Abbey, which is well worth doing (NB tea room shut at present, so buy sandwiches in Middleham shop).  Walking over the Gallops at Middleham en-route to Aysgarth alongside the race horses out for their morning exercise provided us with a holiday highlight the next day.  Whilst in Aysgarth, we chose the walk to Bolton Castle which was well worth visiting.  I would rate the walk back over the moor in the afternoon the best of the trip for the views and the amazing amount of wildlife.  Moving on to Sedbusk, we enjoyed our stop in Askrigg, especially the Bake Well Café.  For the final walking day, we decided on the Hardraw Force option and enjoyed our time at the falls, in spite of the lack of water due to the lack of rain recently.  It also has a very welcoming café for morning coffee.  Apart from the walking, the other thing that made this holiday was the warm and friendly welcome that we received at each of the places in which we stayed.  When at Aysgarth Falls, I would recommend eating in both nights, the service and meals in the restaurant were excellent and the bar serves some excellent beer from the Wensleydale Brewery (other beverages are available).

Very enjoyable holiday, beautiful countryside and very quiet routes - so much so that when you did meet someone you stopped for a chat!  We actually collected our car two days early so that we could enjoy more of the countryside around Stone House and enabled us to go off and do a lovely reservoir walk at Bainbridge and another one to Cray Gill Falls as we didn't particularly want to do the inntravel option of catching the train to Settle.   Would highly recommend the holiday and am already looking at another one in the UK.

Were told that Hardraw Force was dry, went anyway and found it to be a beautiful peaceful place.

Seeing the racehorses day 2 on the gallops was a treat.

We were very lucky with the weather in early June and had a fantastic holiday. This was our first visit to the Yorkshire Dales and we were so impressed with the beautiful countryside and warm hospitality we met everywhere. Villages are very attractive and after a very wet May everything was incredibly green and luxuriant. Walks are long but not too much climbing. Hotels are good, in Middleham we would recommend the Saddle room restaurant if you have a car. Bolton Castle (circular walk from Aysgarth falls) has a good cafe - lunch opportunities are limited on this day!

This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip. The countryside is beautiful even when the weather is not the best. It was really good to be out in the open especially with the restrictions we are all having to cope with just now. Having good waterproof footwear and clothing is absolutely essential because conditions underfoot were very wet at times.

All of the guest houses and owners were great.

We feel wonderfully fortunate with our tour of the Hills and Dales of Yorkshire. The scenery was consistently beautiful, the accommodation was always super (as was the warm welcome offered by all of the hosts) and we could not have been luckier with the weather - which in October is particularly welcome.

The views are spectacular with some remote moorland walking and very interesting historical sites on the way. Lovely country pubs for refreshment stops and evening meals. We were very fortunate with our weather in early October, even so there was a lot of mud which makes walking challenging at times.

Our best day was the walk from Aysgarth to Reeth.  It was so varied starting at the Aysgarth Falls, making stop for coffee at Castle Bolton and then a glorious walk up onto the grouse moor and over into Swaledale. Amazing 360 degree views from the cairn at the highest point. Can highly recommend the tea shop - Hamilton's - in Aysgarth. Great selection of homemade cakes and brilliant collection of second hand books for sale. La Piazza and Rustique are both highly recommended places to eat in Richmond.

Our first UK holiday with Inntravel, arranged efficiently at very short notice duing the Covid pandemic.  While we are reasonably familiar with Yorkshire, with strong family connections, and have previously walked in the better-known parts of the Yorkshire Dales, this was a delightful walk, with varied terrain and scenery in a locality which we did not know.  We enjoyed the moors, valleys, rivers, pasture and villages, with occasional inns for refreshment on the way!  The overnight stops were at interesting, contrasting towns and villages with an excellent welcome in all the guest houses.  We ate well: finding that pubs and restaurants were often fully booked (no doubt due to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme) we learned to book ahead, where necessary seeking help from our hosts.  We concluded with an excellent indian meal in the Amontolo in Richmond.

The routes were varied and beautiful and going late in the season meant we didn’t see a soul! 

The Priory and Frenchgate were delightful with hosts who couldn’t do enough for us. 

A great holiday and we look forward to booking for next year.

This tour was a moderate and thoroughly enjoyable walk/hike through the Yorkshire Dales. There was enough length and up and down to ensure that it was more than a stroll in the country - which we liked. And for Canadians, unused to the intricacies of British public footpaths through fields, over stiles and through innumerable gates, the directions were both comprehensive and appreciated. The accommodations were as expected - low key but very nice, with the Frenchgate Guesthouse in Richmond particularly nice - good location with a surprising and unsurpassed view. All in all this was just what we expected and what was advertised.

Walk over moor to Reeth was spectacular despite the wind and rain. On walk Reeth to Richmond would highly recommend a “pit stop” at Nun Cote Nook farm. Elain’s tearoom very welcoming. The approach into Richmond along the river was a special highlight. 

Holiday was very good but the Arkleside Guesthouse room was small and had a sloping ceiling which we had several bumps on the head from, also the reception was a bit offhand. The breakfast room was the only nice room in the guesthouse.

Hearing and watching an otter in the River Swale was our personal highlight! Also eating our sandwiches in the little bothy on the top of the moor. 

This service was outstanding! A few days before we left on the trip there was torrential rain and part of our route (and a destination village) became flooded. Inntravel called us in the US, to let us know and had already made alternate arrangements for us. The walking notes were so clear we had no issues. We met another couple doing a similar walk on their own with just maps and they reported getting lost several times and having to retrace steps - we had no issues at all. Also, each route was clearly indicated from inn to inn with dining suggestions provided - some other companies state you need to bus or taxi to/from the paths at times - never an issue for us. The trip was excellent and we’d love to do it or similar again.

Lovely holiday. The Priory was beautiful. Routes for the most part were pretty gentle. I would recommend the Wensleydale Heifer for a meal in West Witton while staying in Middleham. You pass through on day 2 if you wanted to stop for a lunch. Expensive but very high quality seafood.