MARK REID is the author of 17 walking guidebooks including ‘The Inn Way’ series, which have sold over 100,000 copies. He is a qualified Walking Group Leader, Hill & Moorland Leader and Mountain Leader, and has an unrivalled knowledge of the history and geography of the North of England. Mark has a BA (Hons) Geography degree from the University of Lancaster and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS). Mark has walked over 31,000 miles of footpaths since 1997, and has taken over 20,000 people out walking in the countryside as well as over 200 companies on team building and away days – he’s been an Outdoor Professional for 28 years! Mark has appeared on ITV YORKSHIRE on the TV walks series ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ along with ITV weatherman Jon Mitchell, as well as ITV1’s The Dales.

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• This is a 4-day walking trip through the valleys of Swaledale, Apedale and Wensleydale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales based on the route of the Herriot Way. Full guidance will be given. In the UK we call this long distance walking; in other parts of the world this is known as hiking or trekking.
• The route is 52 miles; these are flat ‘map’ miles. There are hills, fells, moorland and rough terrain along the way. We will take detours to viewpoints, points of interest, cafes, pubs etc. The total mileage may therefore be slightly more.
• Multi-day walking across valleys, hills, fells, moorland and rough terrain requires a GOOD LEVEL OF FITNESS and stamina, as we will be walking up to 15 miles each day for 4 days in succession.
• You MUST train for this long distance walk by undertaking a number of training walks and increase your exercise and activity levels for several weeks prior to this walk. You MUST complete at least FOUR 2-day walks of at least 12 miles on consecutive days prior to this walking holiday (I would suggest four walking weekends).
• Please provide your own walking boots, and ensure they are properly worn in and comfortable.
• The terrain includes roads, lanes, tracks, fields, pastures, riversides, woodland, hills, moorland and fells, with tracks and paths (sometimes indistinct), many of which are uneven, rough, rocky, wet and boggy underfoot, with scrub and heather. The route also includes lanes and roads, as well as stiles and stream crossings. We may also experience adverse weather conditions on the hills.
• There are notable ascents and descents along the way, particularly on Day One as we climb from Wensleydale up onto Great Shunner Fell (716m) and over into Swaledale and then on Day Three as we climb back over into Wensleydale via Apedale Head (550m). The total ascents each day are Day One 785m, Day Two 400m, Day Three 670m and Day Four 480m.
• There will be rest stops throughout the day, as well as 30-mins for lunch.
• Please provide a packed lunch each day, as it is not a good idea to rely on pubs/cafes for lunchtime food. There are lots of shops at Hawes where you can buy provisions. We will call into cafes and pubs along the way for refreshments, however, as this is an adventurous activity then we ask you to only consume alcohol in the evenings.
• Mark Reid is an experienced Mountain Leader. Mark has walked over 30,000 miles of footpaths throughout the North of England over the last 25 years and knows the Yorkshire Dales extremely well. Since 2007, we have taken over 20,000 people out walking in the hills.
• Part of the attraction of valley and hill walking is the challenge of tackling different terrains, landscapes and weather conditions. Every effort is made to minimize potential hazards; however, the very nature of hill walking involves a certain level of unavoidable risk of accident and/or injury. By taking part in this activity, you are aware of and accept these risks.
• We are fully insured (public, civil & professional indemnity insurance)
• Our walks are suitable for all ages. Under 18s (minimum age 14) may attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The child must be accompanied at all times during the walk by their parent/legal guardian.
• Terms and Conditions.