Herriot Way
The Herriot Way is a 190 km circular route through the Yorkshire Dales inspired by the journeys of veterinary author James Herriot — linking Askrigg in Wensleydale with Swaledale, the Dales Way and the high moorland of the central Dales.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Herriot Way
James Herriot (pen name of vet James Wight) set his famous series of books in the Yorkshire Dales — the fells, farmsteads and market towns he visited on his rounds as a country vet in the 1930s and 40s. The Herriot Way is a circular route through this landscape, starting in Askrigg (which featured as Darrowby in the TV series) and looping through Swaledale, the Dales Way and the high Wensleydale moors.
For trail runners it is a two to three day challenge on varied Dales terrain. The route is not waymarked and requires navigation skills on the moorland sections.
The route
Askrigg to Keld (~40 km): Over the Wensleydale/Swaledale watershed. The dramatic upper Swaledale to Keld and Keld's waterfalls.
Keld to Reeth to Aysgarth (~60 km): Down Swaledale — arguably the finest dale in Yorkshire — and back up and over to Aysgarth Falls.
Aysgarth to Askrigg (~30 km): Through central Wensleydale back to the start.
Getting there & logistics
Start/finish: Askrigg, Wensleydale. Bus from Northallerton (train to London and Newcastle).
Best time: May to September.
Safety
The Swaledale/Wensleydale moorland crossings are remote with limited mobile signal. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association covers this area. Pre-register SMS 999.
Have you completed Herriot Way?
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Completions
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