This is the last 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 third Dales Way map starts in Sedbergh and finishes in Bowness-on-Windermere, an approximate distance of 20 miles, taking you from the edge of the Howgill Fells into the heart of the Lake District National Park. Sedbergh is a quaint market town known for its picturesque setting, rich literary heritage and is often known as England’s Book Town. Leaving Sedbergh, the trail follows the River Lune and is characterized by lush green meadows. The path takes you through the hamlet of Lowgill and past the impressive Lune Viaduct which carried the Lancaster & Carlisle railway 100 ft above the river Lune on a 124 ft cast iron arch. Continuing west, the trail passes through Newbiggin-on-Lune, Burneside and Stavely, known for the Hawkheads Brewery and regular beer festivals, before finishing at Bowness-on-Windermere. This town is the Lake District’s most popular visitor destination and the Victorian influence can be seen everywhere – in the late 19th century, wealthy businessmen from Lancashire built large residences overlooking the lake, many are now hotels.
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