The six Dales trail is a 38 mile walk from Otley to Middleham. Devised by a small team from Otley ‘Walkers are Welcome’ and brilliantly described in the book of the same name by John Sparshatt.
I think the walk is designed to be walked over 2 days. But I’ve split it into 4 sections as 20 miles days aren’t really feasible for our group.
Starting in Otley and our first dale Wharfedale. There was a market at the start of our route and Zara was very excited. Coming away a little poorer and now with additional food to carry, Zara had chicken tikka and samosa’s.
We quickly left Otley behind heading out to a little village called Clifton through farm land. The trail markers were excellent and Zalks had great fun running on ahead to find the markers
After leaving Clifton, things felt a little more remote and we’re in the countryside heading towards the river Washburn. We’ve walked in this area before but not along the full length of the route. Washburn Valley is the second Valley of the walk.
We’d got a new camera so Zara was having fun trying to get action shots. And then Rachel had the best experience of her life. She met some friendly sheep.
We eventually said goodbye to the river and climbed up the valley to get some impressive views over Swinsty reservoir.
Trekking through a little mud we drop down to Swinsty and follow the route to Fewston Reservoir. It was starting to get dark and we were treated to an amazing sunset.
We continued along Fewston to reach Blubberhouses, which was the end of the walk.
It was a brilliant afternoon. We had amazing weather and I can’t wait to do the second section, which will be from Blubberhouses to Pateley Bridge.
The route is 16.49km and was a great walk.
Breathless Hikers 
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