Brougham Castle

Lady Anne’s Way

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Overview

Route

What’s Included?

Itineraries & Prices

Accommodation

Travel Info

Additional Days

Overview

Walking Holidays

6 - 10 Nights

100 miles / 160 km

Prices from: £745 per person
Start: Skipton, Yorkshire
Finish: Penrith, Cumbria
Availability: Any start date from March to October
Grading: Moderate to Challenging
Way-marked: No, but easy to follow

Lady Anne's Way Highlights

Remarkable history

Retrace the extraordinary life of Lady Anne Clifford, one of the 17th century’s most dedicated women, from her birthplace at Skipton Castle, to the place of her death at Brougham Castle. Explore many impressive castles and churches on your way, lovingly restored by Lady Anne.

Stunning scenery

Meander your way through Wharfedale and Wensleydale in the idyllic rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

Quaint villages

Spend time in charming villages and market towns, such as Grassington, Kettlewell, Hawes and Kirkby Stephen.

Wonderful Wensleydale

Wensleydale is a beautiful valley with plenty to captivate the visitor. Majestic castles, waterfalls, picturesque villages and tempting restaurants are just some of its many attractions. It is most famous for being the home of Wallace and Gromit’s favourite cheese, Wensleydale, which you can sample at the Creamery in Hawes.

Historic Penrith

Visit Penrith in the heart of Cumbria, truly a hidden gem. This attractive town is the hub of the Eden Valley and is home to a rich history.

Breathtaking views

Enjoy plentiful views across the Yorkshire Dales National Park from the top of Capplestone Gate and Stake Moss.

A Historic Route Through the Glorious Yorkshire Dales

The 100 mile Lady Anne’s Way takes you on a route well-travelled by Lady Anne. Take the opportunity to visit the castles that meant so much to her, on a beautiful meandering route through the Yorkshire Dales.

The Lady Anne’s Way is a fitting tribute to a woman who devoted her life to the restoration of castles, churches and monuments, and whose philanthropy knew no bounds.

Walk in the footsteps of Lady Anne Clifford, born in 1590 at Skipton Castle, the third and only surviving child of the 3rd Earl of Cumberland, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Having failed to inherit her father’s estate upon his death, Lady Anne spent the next 38 years of her life fighting for control of it. She succeeded in 1643 and begun her loving restoration and philanthropic work.

The trail begins in the small town of Skipton, the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales,’ and winds its way through Wharfedale and Wensleydale, through the rugged Mallerstrang and finally the tranquil Eden Valley. The Trail ends in Penrith, located on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park.

The Lady Anne’s Way offers some fine country walking and is generally level with very few steep climbs and can be covered over a leisurely period of between five to nine days.

Lady Anne’s Way Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is LAW3 which covers the route in 7 days / 8 nights.

Travel to Skipton for your first night’s accommodation

Arrive in the village of Skipton, a country market town at the base of the Yorkshire Dales. Skipton Castle was built after the Norman Conquest and is well worth a visit when you arrive.

Day 1: Skipton to Grassington (15.5 miles / 25 km)

Your first day on the Lady Anne’s Way involves straightforward walking and fantastic views! Leave Skipton behind and make your way north through the villages of Embsay and Eastby.

Walking alongside the river Wharfe is a delight – this is Yorkshire Dales scenery at its finest. You will arrive in the charming and popular village of Grassington, where there are many cobbled streets and alleys to explore.

Day 2: Grassington to Buckden (12.5 miles / 20 km)

The Lady Anne’s Way heads up towards the fellsides today, but your efforts are rewarded almost instantly. Stunning views unfold before you as you climb gradually up to the highest point at Capplestone Gate. There is much history to soak up, from the limestone to the Iron Age settlements.

The Trail then drops down once more into the delightful village of Kettlewell, before arriving at Buckden, your destination for today.

Day 3: Buckden to Askrigg (12 miles / 19.5 km)

The walk begins today with a climb to reach the top of Stake Moss. Once up, the track is in good condition and the views are plentiful.

You will then leave Wharfedale and Wensleydale behind, and pass by Nappa Hall, the former resting place of Lady Anne. The path takes you into Askrigg, famed for its connections with the TV series All Creatures Great and Small.

Day 4: Askrigg to Outhgill (17 miles / 28 km)

Follow the valley from Askrigg and pass through the market town of Hawes. Stop to sample some delicious Wensleydale cheese as you go! From Hawes, you will follow the ‘Lady Anne Highway’, an ancient green lane, up to the fells of Mallerstrang.

The tiny church at Outhgill is one of the many churches restored by Lady Anne.

Day 5: Outhgill to Brough (12 miles / 19 km)

The walk continues through the tranquil Eden Valley as you make your way to the neighbouring villages of Church Brough and Brough. These medieval villages are situated between St Michael’s Church and Brough Castle.

Day 6: Brough to Long Marton (15.5 miles / 25 km)

The penultimate day on the Lady Anne’s Way takes you to the delightful town of Appleby. The town features many historical sites, including the red sandstone almshouses built by Lady Anne, which provide an oasis of peace and tranquillity.

St Lawrence’s Church is a must-visit too, as it is here Lady Anne is buried. The path continues with fine views of the North Pennine hills to the charming village of Long Marton.

As there is no suitable accommodation in Long Marton, you’ll be transferred to nearby Appleby for tonight’s accommodation.

Day 7: Long Marton to Penrith (16 miles / 26 km)

Your final day of walking takes you to Penrith, in the heart of Cumbria. There are plenty of unspoilt villages to explore on the way, before some riverside walking takes you to Brougham Castle. This was Lady Anne’s favourite castle and where she spent the last years of her life. She died here in 1676, at the age of 86.

Penrith has many unique shops and all the amenities you will require. Explore the town and celebrate the end of your walk. Take a moment to reflect on the dedication of Lady Anne Clifford in preserving the castles and churches you have seen along the Way.

Onward travel

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the Lady Anne’s Way.

What’s Included?

Your Lady Anne's Way walking holiday includes:

Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
Traditional English breakfast
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 5 suggested itineraries for walking the Lady Anne’s Way.

Our most popular itinerary is LAW3 which covers the route in 7 days.

Tour code

Itinerary

Average miles

Difficulty

Price per person

LAW1

5 Days / 6 Nights

20 miles per day

Challenging

From £745

Average miles : 20 miles per day

Tour code: LAW1

Difficulty : Challenging

5 Days / 6 Nights (LAW1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Skipton for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Skipton to Kettlewell 23 miles / 37 km

Day 2 Kettlewell to Hawes 23 miles / 37 km

Day 3 Hawes to Kirkby Stephen 16.5 miles / 27 km

Day 4 Kirkby Stephen to Appleby 16 miles / 25.5 km

Day 5 Appleby to Penrith 20.5 miles / 33 km

Depart Onward travel from Penrith

Prices

Premium

Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels

From £1025 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Enquire Now

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £745 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

LAW2

6 Days / 7 Nights

16.5 miles per day

Moderate

From £885

Average miles : 16.5 miles per day

Tour code: LAW2

Difficulty : Moderate

6 Days / 7 Nights (LAW2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Skipton for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Skipton to Grassington 15.5 miles / 25 km

Day 2 Grassington to Buckden 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 3 Buckden to Hawes 18 miles / 29 km

Day 4 Hawes to Kirkby Stephen 16.5 miles / 27 km

Day 5 Kirkby Stephen to Appleby 16 miles / 25.5 km

Day 6 Appleby to Penrith 20.5 miles / 33 km

Depart Onward travel from Penrith

Prices

Premium

Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels

From £1155 per person

Enquire Now

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £885 per person

Enquire Now

LAW3

7 Days / 8 Nights

14 miles per day

Moderate

From £1025

Average miles : 14 miles per day

Tour code: LAW3

Difficulty : Moderate

7 Days / 8 Nights (LAW3)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Skipton for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Skipton to Grassington 15.5 miles / 25 km

Day 2 Grassington to Buckden 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 3 Buckden to Askrigg 12 miles / 19.5 km

Day 4 Askrigg to Outhgill 17 miles / 28 km

Day 5 Outhgill to Brough 12 miles / 19 km

Day 6 Brough to Long Marton 15.5 miles / 25 km

Day 7 Long Marton to Penrith 16 miles / 26 km

Depart Onward travel from Penrith

Prices

Premium

Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels

From £1370 per person

Enquire Now

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1025 per person

Enquire Now

LAW4

8 Days / 9 Nights

12.5 miles per day

Moderate

From £1145

Average miles : 12.5 miles per day

Tour code: LAW4

Difficulty : Moderate

8 Days / 9 Nights (LAW4)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Skipton for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Skipton to Grassington 15.5 miles / 25 km

Day 2 Grassington to Buckden 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 3 Buckden to Askrigg 12 miles / 19.5 km

Day 4 Askrigg to Outhgill 17 miles / 28 km

Day 5 Outhgill to Brough 12 miles / 19 km

Day 6 Brough to Appleby 11 miles / 17.5 km

Day 7 Appleby to Temple Sowerby 10 miles / 16.5 km

Day 8 Temple Sowerby to Penrith 12.5 miles / 20 km

Depart Onward travel from Penrith

Prices

Premium

Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels

From £1495 per person

Enquire Now

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1145 per person

Enquire Now

LAW5

9 Days / 10 Nights

11 miles per day

Moderate

From £1250

Average miles : 11 miles per day

Tour code: LAW5

Difficulty : Moderate

9 Days / 10 Nights (LAW5)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Skipton for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Skipton to Burnsall 11.5 miles / 18.5 km

Day 2 Burnsall to Kettlewell 11.5 miles / 18.5 km

Day 3 Kettlewell to Askrigg 16.5 miles / 27 km

Day 4 Askrigg to Hawes 5.5 miles / 9 km

Day 5 Hawes to Outhgill 12 miles / 19 km

Day 6 Outhgill to Brough 12 miles / 19 km

Day 7 Brough to Appleby 11 miles / 17.5 km

Day 8 Appleby to Temple Sowerby 10 miles / 16.5 km

Day 9 Temple Sowerby to Penrith 12.5 miles / 20 km

Depart Onward travel from Penrith

Prices

Premium

Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels

From £1740 per person

Enquire Now

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1250 per person

Enquire Now

Lady Anne's Way Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Skipton

By Air

Nearest Airport: Manchester International Airport, Leeds/Bradford Airport

You can then take a train from Manchester Airport to Leeds and connect to Skipton from there (journey time 2 hours 30 min).

There are also frequent bus services from Leeds/Bradford Airport to Leeds city centre where you would connect with a train to Skipton.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Skipton

Skipton has a train station, and is easily accessible from the north and south via Leeds. There are trains from London (journey time 4 hours) and Newcastle (2 hours 30 min).

Skipton is also accessible by National Express coaches.

By Car

Long term car parking at Skipton is limited, so we recommend that you travel by public transport.

If you do plan to travel by car, it may be possible to leave it at the start of your walk for the duration of your holiday. We can check this for you when your booking is confirmed.

Departing Penrith

By Air

Nearest major International Airports: Newcastle Airport and Manchester Airport

You can take a train from Penrith to Carlisle (journey time 15 min) and connect to Newcastle from there.

Alternatively, there is a direct train from Penrith to Manchester Airport, which takes approximately 2 hours.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Penrith

You can take the train from Penrith to Carlisle (journey time 15 min), and from here it is easy to connect whether you are heading north or south. The train from Penrith back to Skipton is approximately 2 hours 30 min.

National Express coach services also serve Penrith.

By Car

Long term car parking at Penrith is limited, so we recommend that you travel by public transport.

If you do plan to travel by car, it may be possible to leave it at the end of your walk for the duration of your holiday. We can check this for you when your booking is confirmed.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the Lady Anne’s Way.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Skipton

Spend an extra night in Skipton before starting your walk in order to properly explore Skipton Castle
Visit the Market if you are there on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday and enjoy browsing local produce along Skipton’s cobbled streets
Take a pleasure cruise along the canal and see Skipton Castle from a different angle

Hawes

Visit Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall
Take a tour of Wensleydale Creamery; see how this famous local cheese is made and best of all, sample some!
Explore the Dales Countryside Museum to find out more about life in the Yorkshire Dales

Appleby

Visit Appleby Castle and the 25 acres of parkland surrounding it, and St Lawrence’s Church, where Lady Anne is buried

Penrith

Visit St Andrew’s Church with its ‘Giant’s Thumb’ in the graveyard – a Norse cross dating to 920 AD
Explore Penrith Castle and Brougham Castle
Walk up to Beacon Hill for stunning views over Penrith and the surrounding areas
Add a few days onto your trip to explore the beautiful Lake District National Park

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