Back to The Dales Way

Day 1, Ilkley to Burnsall. 14.8 miles, 2.04 miles/hour (all stats are with breaks and stops). We weren’t expecting the unseasonably hot weather, with nearly 20 degrees F above the forecasts when we left Denver. The humidity levels were in the high 80s and 90s% too! The first day we followed the River Wharfe. The trail was populated, but not overly so. We met many people that we would bump into later in the week.

DW Gallery 1
Old Bridge in Ilkley. This is the beginning of The Dales Way.

Old Bridge in Ilkley. This is the beginning of The Dales Way.

The River Wharfe from Old Bridge

The River Wharfe from Old Bridge

We’re ready!!! Sign post at the beginning of the trail. It now says 82 miles (it said 73 miles in 1997).

We’re ready!!! Sign post at the beginning of the trail. It now says 82 miles (it said 73 miles in 1997).

It’s almost like this little gal, was welcoming us. We’ll see many sheep and many kissing gates along the way.

It’s almost like this little gal, was welcoming us. We’ll see many sheep and many kissing gates along the way.

Lots of humps

Lots of humps

St. Peter’s Church in Addingham was built in the 18th century. Part of it dates to the 15th century, with some burial sites and a cross dating to Anglo-Saxon period (~867AD).

St. Peter’s Church in Addingham was built in the 18th century. Part of it dates to the 15th century, with some burial sites and a cross dating to Anglo-Saxon period (~867AD).

Clock at St. Peter’s Church, Addingham

Clock at St. Peter’s Church, Addingham

Path along the River Wharfe

Path along the River Wharfe

I took a picture of this barn in 1997; it’s one of the only visuals I remembered (aside from the viaducts).

I took a picture of this barn in 1997; it’s one of the only visuals I remembered (aside from the viaducts).

We’re grateful to the cows and sheep that let us walk through their land.

We’re grateful to the cows and sheep that let us walk through their land.

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Farfield Quaker Meeting House, 1689

Farfield Quaker Meeting House, 1689

River Wharfe is on the right, and Bolton Priory on left. (David in the middle ;-)

River Wharfe is on the right, and Bolton Priory on left. (David in the middle ;-)

Bolton Priory ruins, 1154 AD

Bolton Priory ruins, 1154 AD

Bolton Hall, 17th century.

Bolton Hall, 17th century.

Bolton Priory

Bolton Priory

Bolton Priory

Bolton Priory

Dogs are allowed on the Dales Way— we saw many of them along with reminders to be respectful of the land and animals.

Dogs are allowed on the Dales Way— we saw many of them along with reminders to be respectful of the land and animals.

A tree log, with embedded coins

A tree log, with embedded coins

The Strid, where the River Wharfe narrows. This is along a section of the trail called Strid Wood, a nice forested path.

The Strid, where the River Wharfe narrows. This is along a section of the trail called Strid Wood, a nice forested path.

Barden Bridge (aqueduct), 1676

Barden Bridge (aqueduct), 1676

Barden Bridge

Barden Bridge

Remember that it’s REALLY hot! Ice Cream truck!!!

Remember that it’s REALLY hot! Ice Cream truck!!!

Continuing on from Barden Bridge, a very quiet section.

Continuing on from Barden Bridge, a very quiet section.

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Dales Way Day 1 - 26 of 30.jpeg
The Craven Arms in Appletreewick. It’s about 2 miles to go for the day, but we couldn’t pass up a pint at this classic 16th century pub.

The Craven Arms in Appletreewick. It’s about 2 miles to go for the day, but we couldn’t pass up a pint at this classic 16th century pub.

Pints and maps.

Pints and maps.

The Craven Arms

The Craven Arms

Day 1 lodging at The Red Lion in Burnsall.

Day 1 lodging at The Red Lion in Burnsall.