Herriot Way
The Herriot Way is a 52 mile circular route that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales. Inspired by a walk taken by the beloved veterinarian and author James Herriot, the trail follows in the footsteps of his everyday life and the places he cherished, made famous in his books ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ and ‘James Herriot’s Yorkshire’.
Starting and ending in the charming village of Aysgarth in the heart of Wensleydale, famous for its cheese as well as its stunning waterfalls, the route takes you through Hawes, the highest market town in Yorkshire, and into the tranquil beauty of Swaledale. Here, wildflower meadows, limestone barns, and dry stone walls paint the landscape, offering endless photo opportunities.
As you journey along, you’ll be treated to lush green valleys, quiet country lanes, peaceful riversides, and heather-clad moorlands. The walk also reveals glimpses of the area’s industrial past, passing by historic monuments, disused railways, and picturesque villages that speak of a simpler time.
The Herriot Way is the perfect choice for those who want to explore the heart of the Dales, with every step offering something new – whether it’s a spectacular view, a quiet moment by a river, or a reminder of the region’s rich heritage. It’s a journey that blends the beauty of nature with the charm of days gone by.
Our Holidays
This is a circular route so you can choose to start in any location. Our holiday is described starting from Aysgarth in a clockwise direction. This is the traditional way to walk it and is how the guidebook describes the route.
Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.
Our colleague Gill has walked the Herriot Way. Read Gill’s blog A walk through James Herriot’s Yorkshire Dales
Herriot Way
Aysgarth to Aysgarth 52 miles/84 km
We have two walks covering the full route. The longer itinerary of 5 walking days splits the Aysgarth to Hawes leg at Askrigg to make two shorter days. This allows you to ease yourself into the walk gradually before the next 3 longer days, and also gives you time to explore the market town of Hawes.
Walking with your Dog
The Herriot Way can also be booked as a dog-friendly holiday, however we are unable to book dog-friendly accommodation in Aysgarth. We will therefore suggest starting and finishing your walk in a different location, usually Hawes, and on the night you should stay in Aysgarth we will arrange your accommodation in a different location and pay for a taxi to transfer you to and from the route. Please let us know at the time of booking if you require a dog friendly itinerary. For more information on our dog-friendly holidays click here.
| Code | Length | Average per day | Price range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HE5 | 4 days walking (5 nights) | 13 miles/21 km | £616 - £714 | Full Info Book |
| HE6 | 5 days walking (6 nights) | 10 miles/16 km | £729 - £852 | Full Info Book |