Itinerary
- Day 1
Kirkby Stephen
You'll arrive in Kirkby Stephen by train (with connections available from major airports) or drive in by car. Get settled into your mid-range accommodation for the night and take time to prepare for the journey ahead.
- Day 2
Kirkby Stephen to Keld
Head out from Kirkby Stephen through the village of Hartley as the terrain gets hillier. You'll climb and cross the Nine Standards, a distinctive fell that marks where Cumbria meets Yorkshire. The day ends in Keld, a former lead mining village where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Hartley Nine Standards - Day 3
Keld to Reeth
You have two route options today. One goes through remote grouse moorland with lead mining ruins, while the other follows the lower valley through heather-covered Swaledale with traditional stone barns and dry stone walls. Both paths meet up in Reeth, a typical Dales village with cozy pubs where you'll finish.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Swaledale - Day 4
Reeth to Richmond
This stage moves at a more relaxed pace across green meadows and through charming villages. Stop to explore Marrick Priory, a 12th-century Benedictine nunnery that was abandoned during the 16th-century religious conflicts. Your day concludes in Richmond, a market town with cobbled streets and a Norman castle overlooking the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Marrick Priory
Landmarks Marrick Priory Richmond Castle - Day 5
Richmond to Osmotherley
This is your longest and flattest day, connecting the Yorkshire Dales with North York Moors National Park. You'll walk from Richmond along the River Swale and through fields toward Catterick Race Course, then continue to Brompton on Swale for a lunch break. After that, the route continues through quiet country lanes to Danby Wiske for another break, mostly on roads with some country sections mixed in. Cross the A19 with care and head into Osmotherley, a hilltop village. Mount Grace Priory is optional along the way if you want to add that stop.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Mount Grace Priory (1398)
Landmarks River Swale Catterick Race Course Brompton on Swale Danby Wiske Mount Grace Priory Osmotherley Methodist Church - Day 6
Osmotherley to The Lion Inn
You'll walk through wooded areas and hike uphill with great views back toward Richmond and out to the North Sea. The route enters North York Moors National Park with its broad heather-covered moorlands and the striking Wain Stones cliffs. You'll cross the plateau following a disused mine railroad route, eventually reaching The Lion Inn pub, a 16th-century hunting lodge and the third highest pub in England.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Wain Stones North York Moors National Park The Lion Inn - Day 7
The Lion Inn to Grosmont
Today's route is mostly flat and downhill, following Great Fryup Dale into Glaisdale. There's a brief uphill section with a climb and descent to Egton Bridge before finishing in Grosmont, a quiet village located on the famous North York Moors steam railroad line.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Great Fryup Dale Glaisdale Egton Bridge North York Moors Steam Railroad - Day 8
Grosmont to Robin Hood's Bay
Start with a steep road climb onto the moor, then descend into beautiful Littlebeck where you'll catch glimpses of the sea and Whitby Abbey. You'll walk through Falling Foss forest with its hidden follies, then cross one more moor section. From High Hawsker, follow the top of Jurassic cliffs with coastal views and watch for dolphins if you're lucky. The walk ends with a descent to Robin Hood's Bay, a lovely old fishing village.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Littlebeck Whitby Abbey Falling Foss High Hawsker Robin Hood's Bay - Day 9
Departure
After breakfast, you'll head out from your accommodation on your own. This gives you flexibility to start whenever suits your schedule best.
- Meals
- Breakfast
