The Herriot Way 2023 - Itinerary, Planning & Preparation
The map of the route (above) and the location on a smaller scale map (below)
Itinerary & Planning
This was far and away the easiest walk to plan. We have stayed with Jacqui & Chris at Butt House in Keld many times and were delighted to learn that they provided an excellent value for money package whereby we could base ourselves with them for the entire duration of the walk. This meant we would not have to worry about finding dog friendly accommodation and also we would not have the added hassle of having to arrange baggage transfer. We could leave our car at Butt House and also have Dinner there each night if we so wished. All in all it was an absolute no brainer to base ourselves at Butt House - they even provide transport to the start and from the finish each day. Even though we were basing ourselves in Keld, we decided to undertake the journey by commencing the walk from the traditional start point at Aysgarth.
A link to Butt House's Herriot Way information page is here
Therefore our itinerary would be as follows:
This was far and away the easiest walk to plan. We have stayed with Jacqui & Chris at Butt House in Keld many times and were delighted to learn that they provided an excellent value for money package whereby we could base ourselves with them for the entire duration of the walk. This meant we would not have to worry about finding dog friendly accommodation and also we would not have the added hassle of having to arrange baggage transfer. We could leave our car at Butt House and also have Dinner there each night if we so wished. All in all it was an absolute no brainer to base ourselves at Butt House - they even provide transport to the start and from the finish each day. Even though we were basing ourselves in Keld, we decided to undertake the journey by commencing the walk from the traditional start point at Aysgarth.
A link to Butt House's Herriot Way information page is here
Therefore our itinerary would be as follows:
|
Date (2023)
Saturday 15 April Sunday 16 April Monday 17 April Tuesday 18 April |
Start
Aysgarth Hawes Keld Reeth |
Finish
Hawes Keld Reeth Aysgarth |
Mileage
12.1 12.5 13.2 11 |
Total Mileage = 48.8 miles (78.5km)*
*The reason for the difference in mileage is that we walked the shorter route on Day 4 (see that days report for details)
*The reason for the difference in mileage is that we walked the shorter route on Day 4 (see that days report for details)
Preparation
The following notes are pretty generic to most long distance walking therefore are similar in text to other walks we have undertaken and have simply been altered as and when for each different walk.
Fitness
Anyone undertaking a long distance walk should not underestimate how hard it really is. To prepare it is recommended that in the preceding months you get used to walking with weight on your shoulders (particularly if wild camping or you are not using baggage transfer) and for a significant distance. We also made sure we did plenty of cardio vascular exercise in the lead up to the walk. Additionally, it does help to stretch out the hamstring, calf, groin and quads before, during and after each days walking.
Feet
The most important aspect of any long distance walk is how you look after your feet. We have a regime for any walk we do and that is on a daily basis tape up any areas of your feet which have suffered blisters/rubbing in the past. Use a micro porous tape to protect each area. Additionally, once taped up, smear vaseline around the sole of the feet and in between the toes - it really does make a difference. During the walk it is important to air your feet and let them breathe out of the boots - you may also wish to change your socks, particularly on the longer days. On the days we did this then we applied a soothing foot spray also. In the evening and after a bath/shower you can also apply some Peppermint Foot Lotion which will soothe aching feet.
Kit
In addition to standard kit (foul weather gear, warm layers, map, compass etc), we have found the following kit worthy of mention:
Anyone undertaking a long distance walk should not underestimate how hard it really is. To prepare it is recommended that in the preceding months you get used to walking with weight on your shoulders (particularly if wild camping or you are not using baggage transfer) and for a significant distance. We also made sure we did plenty of cardio vascular exercise in the lead up to the walk. Additionally, it does help to stretch out the hamstring, calf, groin and quads before, during and after each days walking.
Feet
The most important aspect of any long distance walk is how you look after your feet. We have a regime for any walk we do and that is on a daily basis tape up any areas of your feet which have suffered blisters/rubbing in the past. Use a micro porous tape to protect each area. Additionally, once taped up, smear vaseline around the sole of the feet and in between the toes - it really does make a difference. During the walk it is important to air your feet and let them breathe out of the boots - you may also wish to change your socks, particularly on the longer days. On the days we did this then we applied a soothing foot spray also. In the evening and after a bath/shower you can also apply some Peppermint Foot Lotion which will soothe aching feet.
Kit
In addition to standard kit (foul weather gear, warm layers, map, compass etc), we have found the following kit worthy of mention:
Rucksacks
We utilised our Osprey 36L Rucksacks throughout the walk - an excellent piece of kit which we use for everyday hiking. Plenty of room in the main compartment with a separate area for foul weather/dirty kit and zipped pockets on the waist strap. The rucksack is also fitted with a rain hood. We have both used Osprey Rucksacks for many years now and they are certainly built to last. Whilst they are expensive, if properly looked after they can last you years.
We utilised our Osprey 36L Rucksacks throughout the walk - an excellent piece of kit which we use for everyday hiking. Plenty of room in the main compartment with a separate area for foul weather/dirty kit and zipped pockets on the waist strap. The rucksack is also fitted with a rain hood. We have both used Osprey Rucksacks for many years now and they are certainly built to last. Whilst they are expensive, if properly looked after they can last you years.
Osprey Stratos 36 (Mens)
Osprey Sirrus 36 (Womens)
Boots
We both use 3 season Scarpa Leather boots and there is no doubt that whilst they may be slightly heavier, what they lose in weight they more than make up for in comfort and reliability. Our boots were well worn in before we commenced the walk. Depending upon space in your rucksack, you may wish to consider taking a pair of trail shoes for the flatter sections of the route. I can heartily recommend the Inov8 X-Talon Ultra 260 which I used for the first time on sections of the Coast to Coast in 2020.
We both use 3 season Scarpa Leather boots and there is no doubt that whilst they may be slightly heavier, what they lose in weight they more than make up for in comfort and reliability. Our boots were well worn in before we commenced the walk. Depending upon space in your rucksack, you may wish to consider taking a pair of trail shoes for the flatter sections of the route. I can heartily recommend the Inov8 X-Talon Ultra 260 which I used for the first time on sections of the Coast to Coast in 2020.
Scarpa Terra GTX
Scarpa Delta GTX
Inov8 X-Talon Ultra 260
Daily Wear
Normally we both wear light walking trousers and a cool max t-shirt although when the wind does blow and on the occasions of light rain then we wear our featherlite pull on jackets. The one below is the Montane version - we had the Rab (Dave) and a Paramo (Angie) version. The jacket rolls up to nothing and weighs virtually the same. A fantastic piece of kit.
Normally we both wear light walking trousers and a cool max t-shirt although when the wind does blow and on the occasions of light rain then we wear our featherlite pull on jackets. The one below is the Montane version - we had the Rab (Dave) and a Paramo (Angie) version. The jacket rolls up to nothing and weighs virtually the same. A fantastic piece of kit.
Mapping
Prior to starting the walk it is worth buying Stuart Greig's excellent guide book (see above). In addition to describing the route, it is jam packed full of all sorts of useful information from B&Bs & Campsites to places to eat.
With regard to navigation, we utilised a combination of 3 methods during this walk. Firstly the relevant OS Maps & our compass, secondly we used our own pre planned routes downloaded to our trusty Satmap Active 20 GPS and thirdly had OS Locate installed on our phones and carried a back up power pack for both the phone and the GPS. We had no navigational mishaps - just remember to add common sense into your navigation, know how to use a map & compass and ensure you have a back up power supply. Common sense is not rocket science!
With regard to navigation, we utilised a combination of 3 methods during this walk. Firstly the relevant OS Maps & our compass, secondly we used our own pre planned routes downloaded to our trusty Satmap Active 20 GPS and thirdly had OS Locate installed on our phones and carried a back up power pack for both the phone and the GPS. We had no navigational mishaps - just remember to add common sense into your navigation, know how to use a map & compass and ensure you have a back up power supply. Common sense is not rocket science!
Research
There is a plethora of guidance and information out there. We simply did what we always do before undertaking a long distance walk - researched other people's experiences from blogs and journals on the internet. It pays dividends to have an idea of the terrain prior to commencing the walk.
Our Charity
As with most of our long distance walks, we intended to try and raise as much money as we could for Spaniel Aid. This wonderful Charity is run completely by volunteers who own Spaniels themselves. They aim to advise owners of the dangers with advertising dogs on internet selling sites and to take into their care any dogs whose welfare concerns them. They have become increasingly concerned by the number of these wonderful dogs being offered for sale – or worse. Spaniel Aid place dogs into foster care and then assess them for rehoming to suitable “forever” homes thus giving many dogs a second chance. They need every penny they can get in order to provide this wonderful service.
As with most of our long distance walks, we intended to try and raise as much money as we could for Spaniel Aid. This wonderful Charity is run completely by volunteers who own Spaniels themselves. They aim to advise owners of the dangers with advertising dogs on internet selling sites and to take into their care any dogs whose welfare concerns them. They have become increasingly concerned by the number of these wonderful dogs being offered for sale – or worse. Spaniel Aid place dogs into foster care and then assess them for rehoming to suitable “forever” homes thus giving many dogs a second chance. They need every penny they can get in order to provide this wonderful service.
With the planning all done we were ready to take on The Herriot Way - read on to see how we got on.