This is the first in a series of three Dales Way Maps, at an enhanced scale of 1:16 000, covering the Dales Way route which runs for 78 miles from Ilkley in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria.
The Dales Way route, a long-distance footpath in Northern England, was established in the late 1960s as a way to provide walkers with an accessible and scenic route through the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. The Dales Way was conceived by the Ramblers' Association members Colin and Fleur Speakman who envisioned a trail that would link the towns of Ilkley in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria, passing through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and ending at Lake Windermere. The Speakmans meticulously planned the route to make the most of the scenic beauty but also aimed to create a trail that was not overly strenuous, making it suitable for a wide range of walkers, including families and casual hikers. The route has grown in popularity and attracts thousands of walkers each year hence the creation of this set of 3 Dales Way walk maps.
This first Dales Way map starts in Ilkley and finishes in Buckden an approximate distance of 30 miles. It offers walkers an enjoyable journey through the Wharfedale valley and the trail features a mix of riverside paths, quaint villages, and stunning scenery. The trail starts in Ilkley, a spa town known for its Victorian architecture, lively market square, and the famous Cow and Calf Rocks. It initially follows the River Wharfe passing through Addingham to the Bolton Abbey Estate with the ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian monastery set amidst beautiful grounds. Continuing along the river through Strid Wood, the trail passes Barden Tower, allegedly haunted, before arriving at the historic Burnsall Bridge. The trail then wends its way to Grassington, a popular market town with cobbled streets, followed by Kettlewell before arriving at Buckden.
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