Hiking through the Yorkshire Dales

We depart for Manchester, via London.

Upon arrival in Manchester we transfer to our country house hotel - Newfield Hall House, situated in an enviable location close to Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales, for a 7-night stay.

We start out north on the Pennine Way, along the banks of the River Aire. After passing an old mill, we have the chance to walk along the old leat and return via fields and farms to Newfield Hall. We may see ‘dippers’ in the River Aire and visit the 17th century village of Airton.

We walk through the traditional Dales village of Clapham, passing through the Ingleborough Estate, to Ingleborough Cave. We’ll have a tour of the cave with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, then return to the village for some time on our own. You may want to enjoy coffee and cake in the village café.

Newfield Hall sits in rolling open countryside, 7 miles from the market town of Skipton where there are shops, pubs and cafes. You may want to enjoy the facilities of our hotel, which include a heated indoor swimming pool, extensive gardens with views of the Yorkshire Dales and a walled garden with putting green.

 Our circular walk explores the Pennine Way, before going over the Eshton Moor to the Haw Crag, then rejoining the Pennine Way back to our hotel. The views today are spectacular, and if you feel energized you will have the opportunity to climb Haw Crag (200m).

We follow the Dales Way along the beautiful River Wharfe, first to Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the river, then to picturesque Grassington where there will be plenty of time to explore or relax in one of the many tea shops.

We first cross National Trust land to view Janet’s Foss. Then a gentle walk takes us up to the magnificent Malham Cave - truly spectacular! Look out for peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs, and the river emerging from the base of the cave. We then make our way back to Malham village.

We venture north to Windermere, England’s largest lake and the most popular area in the Lake District. Here we enjoy a lake cruise and free time to explore one of the lakeside towns. Later we arrive at Thorns Hall in West Yorkshire, for a 3-night stay.

Starting from the village of Thwaite, we cross farmland to the hamlet of Angram. We then ascend onto the shoulder of Kisdon Hill and follow the route of the River Swale, enjoying the views along Swaledale and the surrounding hills before descending to the village of Muker. We enjoy lunch at the Farmers Arms - a ‘proper’ Dales pub with hearty home cooking (no frills) - a very typical village Yorkshire pub! After lunch we stroll back along the banks of the River Swale to Thwaite and the Kearton Hotel for a well-deserved drink!

 We walk along the River Rawthey, then up the open moorland of Frostrow Fells to admire the views of Dentdale and the Howgills before descending into the village of Dent. Our lunch will be at the Sun Inn - a lovely white-painted, traditional pub at the top of the village, with an interior untouched for decades. The pub serves traditional locally brewed ales. After lunch there will be time to explore the village.

Leaving the Yorskshire Dales we make our way to Liverpool. The birthplace of the Fab Four has a maritime history that stretches back over 800 years. Our city tour begins at the historic waterfront area, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we drive along Hope Street and take in both of Liverpool’s cathedrals. Of course no tour of Liverpool would be complete without taking in some of the Beatles landmarks, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields!

A day to explore one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities at your own pace. Liverpool’s Waterfront is one of the most recognizable waterfronts in the world. Explore the Albert Dock and world class museums, including “The Beatles Story”. Our Farewell Dinner will be at a restaurant on Albert Dock.

We fly home from Manchester, via London.