Yorkshire Dales Guided Walking Holiday

Arrive at Eastfield Lodge in the afternoon (from 4pm) for homemade cookies and tea in the lounge. Time to settle in, explore the town or simply meet fellow guests.  Join us in the evening for pre-dinner drinks and delicious canapes before a two course dinner to get to know each other better. We’ll brief you on the planned itineraries for the following day and be on hand to answer any questions during the evening.

Route statistics: 7 miles / 11.2 km

This is a local walk reached after a short transfer by minibus to the historic grounds of Jervaulx Abbey dating back to 1156. The ruins are serene and tranquil despite the fact that this walk is often undertaken if the weather is challenging and a low, more sheltered valley walk seems wise. There is little ascent but much to see in Coverdale and Wensleydale along the way. The additional advantage of several places to take cover from the elements means this walk can be ideal as a first day taster of the local area, it’s history, villages and agriculture.

Evening – back at the Lodge in plenty of time for hot showers, tea and cake and tonight’s three course dinner, with wine included, to set you up for the next days walking.

Route statistics: 10 miles / 16km

This is a delightful and stunning walk with spectacular views into the u-shaped valley of Wharfedale, meaning winding river. A steady climb following an ancient drovers lane leads to the summit of Old Cote Moor and descends from there into Littondale. The village of Arncliffe, full of character, is often used in the filming of All Creatures Great and Small and also is home to The Falcon Inn, the original Woolpack from Emmerdale. Lunch on the green fuels us up the final hill back into Wharfedale and picturesque Kettlewell before jumping aboard the bus back to Leyburn.

Evening – the drying room at the lodge will provide the ideal place for wet boots to dry ready for the morning. Once walking kit is stowed away, another delicious cake and hot showers are in order before a two course supper is on offer and very much deserved.

Route statistics: 12 miles / 19kms

It is always hoped that conditions will allow for a walk in a different Dale each day and Swaledale cannot be missed. As Wainwright’s favourite, it often leaves guests with unforgettable memories, beautiful photographs and a burning desire to return. We start with a gentle ascent to join the Pennine Way and skirt around Kisdon Hill before dropping down to a cascade of waterfalls on the edge of Keld. Rising again on a more significant climb through the narrow Swinner Gill brings you to the exposed hill top above Gunnerside and finally a dramatic wander down past the remains of the lead mining industry in this area to the village itself. It is always an option to be collected here and cut out the last section of the walk but the return to the start along the river and through the internationally renowned wildflower meadows is breath taking.

Evening – for our last evening, Henry will arrange for you all to dine at a local restaurant in the market town where you can celebrate the week together (pay locally)

After a leisurely breakfast, before your departure is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the local market held every Friday in the Square.