Settle to Carlisle Way

The Settle to Carlisle Railway is without doubt one of the most scenic rail journeys in the land. In an astonishing feat of Victorian engineering the line was built in just seven years and involved the construction of no fewer than 14 tunnels and more than 20 viaducts. The line has many remarkable landmarks, perhaps most notably Ribblehead Viaduct, spanning a distance of 400 metres and boasting 24 magnificent arches towering 30 metres above the ground.

For almost 150 years passengers have been enjoying the delights of the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley through their carriage windows. Now, thanks to the Settle to Carlisle Way, you can experience this same stunning landscape at a much slower pace.

From the limestone country of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the pleasant farmlands of Cumbria’s Eden Valley, the Settle to Carlisle Way links together each of the stations along the much loved line. The terrain you walk over is as varied as landscapes you pass through. Fascinating limestone grassland, moorland tracks, enchanting woodland trails, riverside paths and delightful bridleways all play their part on this spectacular journey.

The early part of the walk is dominated by the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough as you weave your way to Garsdale before entering the narrow glacial valley of Mallerstang. From here the River Eden becomes your near constant companion as you wind your way along the valley floor to Carlisle, watched over by the magnificent North Pennine hills.

In spring the woods are bright with bluebells and giant bellflowers and in summer wildflower meadows fill the landscape with vibrant colour. Take a stroll at dusk and you may be treated to the sight of foxes or badgers. When walking in woodland look carefully for red squirrels and great spotted woodpeckers. Moorland and meadows are home to skylarks and golden plovers. Buzzards are common, but peregrine falcons and red kites can make an appearance and on the Eden, look for kingfishers and oystercatchers.

Awe-inspiring landscapes, incredible examples of Victorian engineering, picturesque towns and villages, and a wealth of wildlife combine to make the Settle to Carlisle Way a truly memorable walking experience.

Our Holidays

We offer 3 holidays on the Settle to Carlisle Way. Firstly we have the Whole Settle to Carlisle Way, a stunning 99 mile journey combining classic Yorkshire Dales landscapes with quiet Cumbrian countryside, walked over 7 or 9 days.

We also have the option to walk the 40 miles from Settle to Kirkby Stephen over 3 or 4 days, passing beneath the iconic Yorkshire peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

Finally we have the option to walk the 59 miles from Kirkby Stephen to Carlisle over 4 or 5 days, travelling through one of Cumbria’s quieter corners, the delightful farmlands of the Eden Valley.

Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.

Settle to Carlisle Way

Settle to Carlisle 99 miles/159 km

We offer 2 itineraries walking the whole of the Settle to Carlisle Way. The 9 day option splits the longest 2 days from the 7 day itinerary into 4 shorter days allowing you to walk the length of the trail at a more leisurely pace.

Code Length Average per day Price range
SE8 7 days walking (8 nights) 14 miles/23 km £927 - £1185 Full Info Book
SE10 9 days walking (10 nights) 11 miles/18 km £1123 - £1454 Full Info Book

Settle to Carlisle Way: The Yorkshire Dales

Settle to Kirkby Stephen 40 miles/64 km

We offer 2 itineraries focusing on the Yorkshire Dales section of the trail. The 4 day option splits the longest day from the 3 day itinerary into 2 shorter days allowing you to slow things down a little as you wind your way between the dramatic Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

Our 3 day itinerary can also be booked with dog-friendly accommodation. Please select the code ending D if you would like to bring your dog with you.

Code Length Average per day Price range
SEY4 3 days walking (4 nights) 13 miles/21 km £483 - £593 Full Info Book
SEY4D 3 days walking (4 nights) 13 miles/21 km £543 - £653 Full Info Book
SEY5 4 days walking (5 nights) 10 miles/16 km £597 - £744 Full Info Book

Settle to Carlisle Way: The Eden Valley

Kirkby Stephen to Carlisle 59 miles/95 km

We offer 2 itineraries focusing on the Eden Valley section of the trail. The 5 day option splits the longest day from the 4 day itinerary into 2 shorter days allowing you to take a little more time to savour the lovely views of the charming Cumbrian countryside.

Code Length Average per day Price range
SEE5 4 days walking (5 nights) 15 miles/24 km £591 - £738 Full Info Book
SEE6 5 days walking (6 nights) 12 miles/19 km £679 - £863 Full Info Book

Client Feedback

My husband and I (ages 74 and 78) walk Hadrian’s Wall Path coast to coast in 10 days. Wonderful B&Bs. Mickledore planned everything and we walked the wall on our own, no guide needed. Your organization is remarkable.

Hadrian’s Wall, September 2024
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Great walking holiday 100 miles along the coast. We only have to do the walking as Mickledore organises everything else. Mickledore are always there at the end of a phone Very friendly staff.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, May 2024
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Best holiday pack I’ve encountered. Exemplary service and arrangements. Everything worked beautifully start to finish.

Cleveland Way, August 2024
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