Herriot Way

Herriot Way

A walking holiday inspired by James Herriot through Wensleydale and Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales.

5 to 6 nights
53 miles
Moderate / Demanding to Demanding

From £580 per person

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About this route

5 to 6 nights
53 miles
Moderate / Demanding to Demanding
1st April to 20th October
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £580 per person

Herriot Way

The Herriot Way is a 53-mile-long walk based on a holiday taken by James Herriot with his son, beautifully described in his book, James Herriot’s Yorkshire.

The trail winds through the valleys of Wensleydale and Swaledale, each filled with pretty wildflowers and amazing wildlife. The views from atop Great Shunner Fell are far-reaching and spectacular, while the famous waterfalls of Aysgarth and Hardraw Force can also be admired along the way. There are also plenty of quaint villages and hamlets to explore, such as Hawes, Keld and the ‘Capital of Swaledale’, Reeth, each offering a warm welcome to walkers.

Combining a variety of scenery with easy access to picturesque towns each night, the Herriot Way is a great choice for an introduction to long-distance walking.

Standard
Interactive
© Contours Walking Holidays Herriot Way map
Circular trail beginning at Aysgarth
53 miles (84 km)
1st April to 20th October

Holiday highlights

Experiencing the sights and sounds of the Yorkshire Dales described by James Herriot in his books ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ and ‘James Herriot’s Yorkshire.’

Exploring the beautiful valley of Wensleydale and the home of Wensleydale Cheese in Hawes.

Visiting the wonderful Dales villages of Reeth, Heaulaugh and Thwaite, each with their own individual charm and warm welcome.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
HERW A circular trail beginning at Aysgarth 5 nights, 4 days walking Demanding £580
HERW1 A circular trail beginning at Aysgarth 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate / Demanding £695
"Outside Reeth" by Suzanne Leland-Lym (2024) "Outside Reeth" by Suzanne Leland-Lym (2024)
"Above Muker" by Niall Hyndman (2024) "Above Muker" by Niall Hyndman (2024)
"Looking back up Swaledale from beyond Rowleth Wood" by Bob Parkinson (2022) "Looking back up Swaledale from beyond Rowleth Wood" by Bob Parkinson (2022)
"Swinner Gill" by Bob Parkinson (2022) "Swinner Gill" by Bob Parkinson (2022)
"Ivelet Bridge over River Swale" by Bob Parkinson (2022) "Ivelet Bridge over River Swale" by Bob Parkinson (2022)
"Red Grouse on Harkerside Moor" by Bob Parkinson (2022) "Red Grouse on Harkerside Moor" by Bob Parkinson (2022)
"Fields and Barns near Gunnerside" by Bob Parkinson (2022) "Fields and Barns near Gunnerside" by Bob Parkinson (2022)

Customer reviews from the Herriot Way

“We had an excellent time for the second time with Contours. We can’t wait to go again. First class.”
Mr Fry, UK
“Beautiful route so much to see, wonderful views, wildlife and pretty villages. At the end of each day we felt we had earned our evening meal and a pint, then a great night’s sleep. Everything was better than we could have hoped for.”
Mrs Hoare, UK
“This was my 14th Contours walking holiday and I've enjoyed them all! As on previous trips, the accommodation, luggage transfers, route information and organisation provided by Contours was excellent overall. Quite a challenging walk (at our age!) through lovely and varied Yorkshire Dales countryside. Contrasting terrain - 2 days of more gentle valley walking in Wensleydale and Swaledale, 2 days of more challenging walking over exposed moorland. Accommodation very good/excellent overall, luggage transfers worked perfectly.”
Mr Parkinson, UK
“The Herriot Way is an excellent long-distance path which deserves more recognition. Particularly good for first time or inexperienced long-distance path walkers.”
Mr Twigg, UK
“It was wonderful! A great variety of landscapes and vistas; challenging but doable.”
Mrs Tapia, USA
“All accommodation was comfortable and we received a warm welcome everywhere. We have recommended you to other people several times.”
Mr Jackson, UK
“Wonderful scenery, range of terrain from moors to lush meadows, and everything went smoothly according to the planned itinerary.”
Mr Young, UK
“Great organisation, lovely route and accommodation.”
Mr Payne, UK
“Yet another wonderful walk in a beautiful area.”
Mrs Robinson, UK
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