Is The Dales Way Britain’s Best First Long-Distance Walk?

The Dales Way is often recommended as one of the best first long-distance walks in the UK — but that doesn’t mean it’s without challenge. In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Jessica Mather, who completed the trail in four days last summer — covering roughly 20 miles a day while camping along the route. Starting in Ilkley and finishing in Bowness-on-Windermere, Jess shares what it’s actually like to move quickly across the trail — from the open landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales to the familiar feeling of walking back towards home in the Lake District. Along the way they talk about planning a multi-day trip, choosing campsites, dealing with swollen feet and finding unexpected moments of trail magic. They also talk about why multi-day walks feel so different to day hikes — and why confidence matters more than experience when you're starting out. **In this episode** - What the Dales Way is and why it’s so accessible - Walking 80 miles in four days - Camping along the route - Following seven rivers through the Yorkshire Dales - Swollen feet in the summer heat - Trail magic honesty boxes - The people you meet on long-distance trails - Why finishing can feel strangely overwhelming - Advice for first-time multi-day walkers **About the trail** Dales Way Distance: 80 miles / 129km Location: Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, England Terrain: riverside trails, farmland paths, rolling hills and villages Difficulty: moderate Best for: first-time multi-day walkers, experienced hikers wanting a shorter challenge, and anyone who likes pub stops with their adventure Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.