Which is the best direction to Hike The Dales Way

Q. We are four hikers in our late 60s early 70s, planning to hike the Dale's Way in mid-June. Which way do you recommend hiking the trail -from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ilkley (NW to SE) or the reverse direction (SE to NW)?

Is predominant wind direction an important consideration?

Jane Wilkie, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA

A. I did it the wrong way around (West to East) last year and really enjoyed it because it saved the best (Wharfedale) for last. The only problem was that all the Dales Way signposting is done from East to West, so you have to be better at map reading if you do it in reverse.

Wouldn't worry too much about wind direction - the route is mostly in the valleys where the wind doesn't affect you too much.

Vince Bowdren, Sheffield

A. Officially(!), the Dales Way starts in Ilkley and finishes in Bowness-on-Windermere. However, because it generally follows the valley (or dale) bottoms I doubt of it makes much difference which direction you do it in. Either way, it is a terrific walk.

For some day walks that include parts of the Dales Way see Walks on The Dales Way

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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