How Long Does the Hadrians Wall Take

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an iconic Northern long distance walking route which takes you from Newcastle on Tyne in Northumberland, to Bowness on Solway in Cumbria. The route clocks up a total of 86 miles of hiking between the two coastlines, and for much of the route follows the Hadrian’s Wall Path, built on an order by the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117 to 138).

The route can be completed within just a couple of days, 4 if you wish. Or quicker for those who want an ultra-run but how many days should you walk the path in?

Well really it depends.

If you are looking for a challenge walk which suits most walkers I suggest taking about 5 days to tackle the path, averaging 17.2 miles per day, which sure feels like a challenge when your taking on that distance for 5 consecutive days.

However for a relaxed stroll, at least for most, a 9 day itinerary is ideal. At 10-11 miles per day, on average you should have ample time to enjoy the forts, museums and highlights along the trail.

Moreover, stretching the days like this allow you to make early starts, for an early finish. Some accommodations along the route are particularly suited for relaxing overnight stops and Carlisle is well worth an afternoon of your time.

For those truley wanting to take their time, a 10 day itinerary at about 7-8 miles on average is ideal. The route will be completed in bite-sized chunks, but it will really allow you to soak up the sights and sounds, stopping where you wish, unburdened by ambition.

Which ever itinerary you choose, make sure too not feel like you need to rush. Most of my clients benefit from walking at a relaxed pace with time to soak it all in.

How Long Does It Take to Walk the Dales Way

How Long Does It Take To Walk The Dales Way

The Dales Way is an rather remarkable 80 mile long distance trail which stretches from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, to Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria.

The route was originally devised by the West Ridings Rambler’s Association, and made public in 1968, with the first crossing made by a group from Bradford Gramma School Venture Scouts in 1969.

Since, it has only grown in popularity with several thousand walkers taking on the trail each year and growing.

So, you are here because you are considering walking the route, be it by camping, or staying in nice places along the way.

But you would like to know how long does it take to walk the Dales Way?

Well, it really depends

The route can be completed within just a couple of days, 4 if you wish. Quicker for those who want an ultra-run but for our mere humans, it can take up to 7-9 days.

If you are looking for a challenge walk which suits most walkers I suggest taking about 6 days to tackle the path, averaging 13 miles per day, which sure feels like a challenge when your taking on that distance for 6 consecutive days of walking.

However for a relaxed stroll, at least for most, an 9 day itinerary is ideal. At 10-11 miles per day, on average you should have ample time to enjoy the forts, museums and highlights along the trail.

Moreover, stretching the days like this allow you to make early starts, for an early finish. Some accommodations along the route are particularly suited for relaxing overnight stops and Carlisle is well worth an afternoon of your time.

Which ever itinerary you choose, make sure too not feel like you need to rush. Here at Distance Hiker, we advocate slow travel, and taking your time on the trail, to enjoy

How to get to and from the Dales Way

How to get to and from the Dales Way

The majority of long distance walks start and end in major towns and cities with good links to public transport, and in many cases train or airport access.

The Dales Way is certainly no exception, with good access at the start in Ilkley, and Bowness on Windermere at the end of the route, with some accessible towns along the way should you need to bail on route.

Getting to the start of the Route in Ilkley

The market town of Ilkley is accessible from Leeds and Manchester.

Leeds is a 34 minute train ride away, and has airport access to a number of main european and UK destination.

If you are traveling from Manchester to Ilkley you will need to travel via Leeds, making the journey approximately an hour and a half. Tickets can be booked via Trainline.

Leeds also connects with the most major cities in the UK via train or air, making travel to the start of the route relatively easily.

Departing from Bowness on Solway

Bowness on Windermere has good access to the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, which has an international Airport. If you are heading further up North, Carlisle is an hour and a half away via train, which is then a good destination for onward travel to Newcastle, and onward travel to Edinburgh.

Taxis

If you wish to make use of private hire taxis, we have some recommendations:

Bowness-on-Windermere

Lakeside Taxis – 015394 88888

Ace Taxi Windermere – 015394 45445

Merecab – 07985 100473

Ilkley

Ilkley Taxis 24/7 – 01943 601110

AJD Private Hire of Ilkley – 07428 610601