The Dales Way is a fantastic walk for anyone seeking an approachable long-distance trail that showcases some of England’s most beautiful countryside. Although it’s know for being one Britain’s easiest long walks, it certainly isn’t boring. It winds its way through two National Parks (Yorkshire Dales and Lake District) and past several quaint villages and welcoming pubs. At approximately 81 miles, the Dales Way is typically completed in 5-8 days.
One of the highlights of the Dales Way is the welcoming accommodation you’ll find along the walk. There’s nothing better than starting your day with an excellent full English and ending it with a cozy atmosphere and a soft bed. Given that most accommodation is found in independently-operated B&Bs and guesthouses, it can be a little tricky to research and know all of your options. Not to worry- we’ve created this guide to make planning easy and help you choose the perfect accommodation for your Dales Way walk. Let’s get started.
Contents
- Should I Reserve My Dales Way Accommodation in Advance?
- Dales Way Accommodation Cost
- Dales Way Accommodation Directory
Should I Reserve My Dales Way Accommodation in Advance?
The Dales Way passes through many small villages with limited lodging options, meaning it is a very good idea to book all of your accommodation in advance. During the peak summer months and holiday weekends, you can expect most accommodations to be completely sold out. Try to make your reservations at least three months before your trip in order to ensure reservations at all of the places you want to stay.
If you plan on camping along the Dales Way, you do not need to make advance reservations. However, keep in mind that camping opportunities are limited along the route. Additionally, those walking in the off-season, especially mid-week, might be alright without booking accommodation ahead of time. Even so, it’s still a good idea to call ahead so the hosts know to expect you that evening.
Dales Way Accommodation Cost
One of the great things about the Dales Way is the variety of itinerary options that are possible. Given that the walk passes through many villages, towns, and farming communities, accommodation options are available at frequent intervals along the route.
Just as you can customize your itinerary to match your needs, you can also choose your accommodation to suit your personal budget.
Prices can vary greatly from place to place and may have changed since the time of writing. However, generally speaking, here’s what you can expect to pay for accommodation along the Dales Way:
- B&B/Guesthouse/Hotel: £45+ (per person/per night)
- Bunkhouse/Hostel: £30 (per person/per night)
- Camping: £5 (per person/per night)
In our accommodation directory, we’ve provided our recommendations for high-end, mid-range, and budget options at all of the common stopping points along the Dales Way. We’ve defined those categories as follows:
- High-End: £75+ (per person/per night)
- Mid-Range: £45-75 (per person/per night)
- Budget:<£45 (per person/per night)
Dales Way Accommodation Directory & Map
There are wonderful places to stay along the entire Dales Way route. In this accommodation directory, we’ll give you key details about all of your options, as well as our top recommendations for every budget.
We’ve organized our list to follow most variations of the classic south to north Dales Way itinerary. You can also view all of the accommodation providers in this directory on the map below.
- Ilkley
- Burnsall
- Grassington
- Kettlewell
- Buckden
- Hubberholme
- Oughtershaw
- Gearstones/Ribblehead
- Dent
- Sedbergh
- Burneside/Kendal
- Windemere
Ilkley
High-End: The Gin Lounge
This unique accommodation is the perfect place for those looking to kickoff their Dales Way adventure in style. There are just five rooms in the Victorian-era building, and each is thoughtfully decorated with quirky furnishings that add to the one-of-a-kind character of the place. Downstairs, guests can sample from the nearly 200 fine gins at the Lounge. Be advised that you’ll need to climb two very steep sets of stairs to reach the rooms and the hotel does not serve breakfast.
Mid-Range: The Wheatley Arms
The Wheatley Arms is a beautiful and comfortable B&B in a quiet location about a mile from Ilkley’s town center. Rooms are spotlessly clean and feature refrigerators and private bathrooms. They serve up an excellent full English breakfast in the mornings, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier.
Mid-Range: The Innkeeper’s Lodge
It’s hard to find budget options in pricey Ilkley, but the Innkeeper’s Lodge is one of the best values in the area. Situated on a hill about 1.5 miles from central Ilkley, this B&B has fantastic views of the surrounding moors. The rooms are clean and modern, and there’s a cozy pub (The Cow and Calf) on the main level.
Burnsall
High-End: The Devonshire Fell Hotel
This top-notch hotel provides plenty of luxury in a beautiful setting. The hilltop location provides fantastic views of the Yorkshire Dales, and the tasteful decorations compliment the scenery well. Guests will enjoy the excellent food served at the restaurant and in the complimentary breakfast.
Mid-Range: The Red Lion Hotel
A stay at The Red Lion Hotel is sure to deliver a quintessential Yorkshire Dales experience. The main hotel is situated in a historic 16th-century building, with views of the River Wharfe from the restaurant and many of the guestrooms. There’s also another guesthouse on the property called the Manor House. Rooms in both buildings are comfortable and feature en suite bathrooms, kettles, and upscale toiletries.
Budget: Wharfe View B&B
The Wharfe View B&B is a homely accommodation located right along the Dales Way trail. The friendly owners greet guests with a warm welcome, and the breakfast fare is fresh, delicious, and plentiful. There are just three rooms at the Wharfe View, each of which is spacious and functional.
Grassington
High-End: Ashfield House
If you’re ready for some pampering after a long day of walking, you will be well cared for at Ashfield House. This elegant B&B is set in a beautiful 17th-century home in the center of Grassington. Each room is uniquely decorated and features high-end linens and thoughtful touches. You’ll have tons of choices at breakfast, all made from fresh local ingredients.
Mid-Range: Craiglands B&B
As far as B&B’s go, Craiglands really does it right. From the tea and cake served on arrival, to the cozy rooms, to the delicious breakfast, everything is just perfect. The welcoming hosts are very knowledgeable about the local area and happy to help guests with whatever they might need.
Budget: Grassington Bunk Barn
Grassington Bunk Barn provides affordable accommodation without sacrificing comfort. The sparkling clean facilities include three bunk rooms, a self-service kitchen, hot showers, and a spacious lounge area with great views of the surrounding countryside. There’s even free wifi available. The entire Bunk Barn is often booked by groups, so you’ll need to contact them to inquire about booking an individual bed.
Kettlewell
High-End/Mid-Range: The Cottage Tea Room B&B
You’ll feel like royalty when you recline onto one of the heavenly four-poster beds that are featured in the spacious rooms at the Cottage Tea Room B&B. The charming historic building is located in the heart of Kettlewell and is an easy walk to pubs and the Dales Way. The friendly hosts go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome.
Mid-Range: Pennycroft Guest House
Pennycroft Guest House is a lovely accommodation with just four guest rooms set inside a charming cottage. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and walkers will enjoy refueling with homemade baked goods and a delicious breakfast. The beautiful garden is a perfect place to relax and unwind.
Budget: The Kettlewell Hostel
This hostel consistently receives high reviews for its friendly staff, delicious food, and comfortable accommodations. The hostel has a variety of room types available, from private family rooms to standard dormitories, all of which are clean and thoughtfully designed. The common areas include a cozy lounge with board games and wood-burning stove, spacious dining area, and drying room.
Buckden
High-End: Romany Cottage B&B
This top-notch bed and breakfast comes with excellent service and beautiful facilities, all with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The bright and modern rooms feature gorgeous views and plenty of thoughtful touches. The common areas, including the cozy living room and lovely sun terrace, are perfect places to relax and unwind. The breakfast is fantastic, too.
Mid-Range: The Buck Inn
This classic Yorkshire Inn offers several clean and comfortable guest rooms above a very nice pub. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, the food is tasty, and the location is convenient. Views from the property are fantastic, and pets are welcome for no additional charge.
Budget: Buckden Camping
Buckden Camping is a great budget option, even if you’re not planning to carry your own tent. This beautiful working farm is located right on the Dales Way and offers pitches and camping pods at a reasonable price. The camping pods feature electricity and a mattress, although you do need to bring your own bedding and there is a two-night minimum stay for weekend bookings in peak season.
Hubberholme
Mid-Range: The George Inn
The George Inn is a good stopping point for those wishing to continue a bit past Buckden. The welcoming pub serves up traditional Yorkshire fare and is a great place to relax after a long day of walking. The rooms are tidy and comfortable and all have private bathrooms. The very good breakfast will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Oughtershaw
Mid-Range: Swarthghyll Farm
Swarthghyll Farm has three self-catering walker’s flats that make for a perfect stopping point along the Dales Way. The flats range in size, sleeping either two or four people, and each has its own kitchen, living area, bathroom, and bedroom. Home-cooked dinners and breakfasts are available for order, and the Dales Way Trail is just 100 meters away.
Budget: Ruskin Hostel
Don’t let the name fool you- Ruskin is not your typical backpacker’s hostel! This beautiful accommodation is set inside a renovated Victorian schoolhouse and features a private four-bed bunkroom (linens included) with attached bathroom. Guests also have access to indoor and outdoor seating areas, wifi, bike parking, and a kichenette. Prepared meals can be ordered in advance.
Gearstones/Ribblehead
High-End: Shepherds Cottage Luxury B&B
This delightful bed and breakfast is located right on the Dales Way and just about two miles from the Ribblehead train station. The beautiful stone cottage dates back to 1650, and has been renovated to perfection. Each of the three guest rooms is spacious, comfortable, and elegantly furnished. The hosts go above and beyond to make guests feel welcomed and cared for.
Mid-Range: The Station Inn
As the name suggests, The Station Inn is located near the train station in Ribblehead, about 1.5 miles from the Dales Way. This is a good option if you plan on joining or leaving the trail at this point, if you’re using the train to cut out a segment of the walk, or if Ribblehead is just a good stopping point for your itinerary. Regardless of your reasons for staying there, you’re sure to appreciate the generous portions at the pub and friendly hospitality throughout.
Mid-Range: Gauber Bunk Barn & Den
This accommodation caters mainly to larger groups, with two lodging options available. The Bunk Barn is the larger of the two and sleeps up to twelve people in three rooms, with access to a kitchen and lounge area. The smaller option, The Den, sleeps four people, and includes a kitchenette, bike storage, and sitting area. There’ s a two-night minimum stay on weekends for both. Gauber Bunk Barn is located in Ribblehead about two miles from the Dales Way.
Dent
High-End: The George and Dragon
This friendly hotel is very welcoming to walkers and cyclists, as well as pets. Located in the heart of the lovely village of Dent, The George and Dragon has plenty of classic charm. The pub serves up good food and excellent ales from the Dent Brewery. The rooms could use a bit of an update, but they are clean and functional.
Mid-Range: Dent Stores B&B
Dent Stores B&B is a great value and a fantastic option for Dales Way walkers or cyclists. The rooms are comfortable and very clean, and all come equipped with a private bathroom and a lovely hospitality tray. The property has a well-equipped shop and post office on the ground floor, and there’s a pub down the street.
Budget: The Sun Inn
The Sun Inn is a traditional accommodation that features a cozy pub and very friendly service. The rooms look out onto the charming cobblestone streets in the center of Dent. Everything is clean and well-kept throughout the hotel. The breakfast is hearty and delicious.
Sedbergh
High-End: The Dalesman Country Inn
The Dalesman Country Inn has a range of attractive and comfortable accommodations to choose from, including standard hotel rooms and an off-site cottage. All are clean and come with plenty of amenities. The delicious meals showcase homemade and local ingredients. Some rooms can be a bit noisy, so be sure to pack your ear plugs.
Mid-Range: The Black Bull Inn
This accommodation is certainly a step up from your average pub rooms. The restaurant has plenty of creative and tasty offerings on the menu and the rooms are smart and modern. The Black Bull Inn is located in the center of Sedbergh on the historic high street, with great shops and restaurants close by.
Mid-Range: Dalesea B&B
The Dalesea’s excellent hospitality and attention to detail makes it a favorite amongst Dales Way walkers. The lovely owners spare no expense to make guests feel welcome, and everything from the beds to the breakfast is truly fantastic. Plus, they incorporate local Yorkshire products into everything from the toiletries to the food, supporting small businesses in the area while adding to the overall guest experience.
Burneside/Kendal
High-End: The Lodge at Carus Green
This accommodation is the closest luxury option you’ll find on this segment of the trail. At just about a mile’s walk from the Dales Way, you won’t need to take a bus, train, or taxi like you would to reach lodging in Kendal. Even if you don’t plan on golfing while you’re there, you’re sure to appreciate the great service and the high end furnishings in the rooms.
Mid-Range: The Jolly Anglers Inn
This friendly establishment is a great value and a perfect stopover on the Dales Way. It is located in the center of Burneside and just steps from the trail. Meals are hearty, delicious, and well-priced, and the rooms are very clean and comfortable.
Budget: Kendal Hostel
Kendal Hostel is an excellent accommodation that is well worth the detour needed to reach it. The facilities are modern, spotlessly clean, and infinitely nicer than what you’ll find at most hostels. The friendly staff make guests feel welcome, and thoughtful extras like bed linens and free coffee and tea are included in the price. There’s a drying room, self-catering kitchen, and bike storage space.
Bowness-on-Windemere
High-End: The White House
If you’re looking to celebrate the completion of your Dales Way walk, a stay at The White House will certainly do the trick. This elegant guesthouse exudes luxury throughout, from the spacious rooms to the plush beds. The service is excellent, and the location is very convenient.
Mid-Range: Craigholme
Craigholme is a beautiful B&B in the heart of Bowness-on-Windemere. The comfortable beds and superb breakfast will leave you feeling recharged after several days of walking. Guests always receive a very warm welcome from the friendly and helpful owners.
Budget: Field House Guest House
This lovely accommodation is very close to the lake, as well as near many great shops and restaurants. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and all have private bathrooms. There are great views of the water from the dining terrace and from some of the guest rooms. The breakfast is high quality.
Have a Great Trip!
We hope you found this accommodation guide helpful and we wish you a wonderful Dales Way walk. Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know which accommodation was your favorite!
