Dales Way
~6 days · 82.2 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Dales Way is known for
The Dales Way links Ilkley with Bowness-on-Windermere through the Yorkshire Dales and into the Lake District. This whole-trail itinerary uses OpenStreetMap relation 29302 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); classic stages are published by the Dales Way Association.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 614 ft to 4,747 ft over 82.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 27.2 mi · 33%
- Downhill 25.2 mi · 31%
- Flat 29.1 mi · 36%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Dales Way?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Dales Way scores 22/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Dales Way take?
Most backpackers hike the Dales Way in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 82.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Dales Way?
The Dales Way climbs roughly 6,076 ft total — about 74 ft per mile, topping out near 1,713 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.