The walk is shorter and less strenuous than better-known routes such as the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast Walk, being mostly along river valleys. It thus makes a good introductory training ground for these "serious" walks while being well worth doing in its own right. The section from upper Wharfedale over the watershed at Cam Houses and down to Ribblehead and on into Dentdale is steep. It is feasible to complete the walk the route in around four days, but most walkers take about a week, dividing the route into sections of 10 to 15 miles per day and taking a "rest day" or two. Planning an itinerary is generally easy. Public transport is good at both ends of the route. The popularity of the walk means that there are many choices of accommodation – for instance, nearly all pubs along the route offer bed and breakfast.
Notable places
The largest settlements on the route are Ilkley and Bowness-on-Windermere at either end, and the small town of Sedbergh in Dentdale. The town of Kendal is not far from the route. Another notable place is the stone village of Dent, with very little modern housing. Along Wharfedale, the route passes through the villages of Grassington and Kettlewell.
Connecting trails
Just before it reaches the end at Bowness-on-Windermere the route connects with the Windermere Way. From its initial conception the Dales Way was planned with links routes to three urban centres in the West Riding of Yorkshire; Harrogate, Leeds and Bradford. Details of connecting trails may be found on the page of the Long Distance Walkers' Association website. On its course through Wharfedale, Lady Anne's Way runs in conjunction with the Dales Way.
Warnings
Less experienced walkers should take care when planning the central section. This section has, of course, the greatest ascent and descent, and is rather remote for anyone who finds themselves in difficulties. The less-fit walker needs to arrange accommodation in order to make this section as short as possible. This will almost certainly involve at least one night in a remote farmhouse or pub, because the novice will probably find that the climbing involved will make the walk from Kettlewell or Buckden to Dentdale much too long a day. This is not too difficult to arrange as there are pubs at Hubberholme and Ribblehead, and farmhouse/bunkhouse accommodation in Langstrothdale and at Cam Houses. For much of its length the Dales Way follows riverside paths in upland areas. Paths may become flooded and impassable and alternative routes may need to be followed. The Dales Way Association maintains up-to-date information on flooding and other hazards on its website and publishes suggested route alternatives.
