the great north run: dales & pennine trails

Our 3‑day Yorkshire and Pennines tour is based at a single hotel in the north‑east of the Yorkshire Dales. On the evening before the tour officially begins, we’ll gather at the hotel for those who would like to arrive early. 

This optional first night is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travelers, share a relaxed dinner and ease into the adventure together. 

All guests are warmly welcomed to join us if they wish. 

If you’d prefer, you can simply arrive the following morning and start the journey fresh with the group. 

Our first full day sets the tone for an unforgettable adventure. 

We begin by heading towards Barnard Castle, and the charming town of Middleton‑in‑Teesdale, before joining the spectacular B6277 — a road that sweeps us across the wild beauty of the North Pennines National Landscape. From there, the journey carries us to Brampton, where we turn west and make our way into the legendary Lake District. 

The route south takes us deep into the heart of the Lakes, winding through Ambleside and past the shimmering waters of Windermere, before we curve back east into North Yorkshire and return to our hotel. Along the way, we’ll pause at the iconic Tan Hill Inn — Britain’s highest pub, perched 1,732 feet (528m) above sea level — a truly memorable stop with breathtaking views. 

As evening falls, we’ll gather for a well‑earned dinner, sharing stories and reflections on a day filled with dramatic landscapes, exhilarating roads and unforgettable moments.  

Day two unfolds with a spectacular drive through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Setting off west, we pass through the charming Swaledale village of Thwaite and the lively market town of Kirkby Stephen, before sweeping south along the magnificent A638. This route carries us to Kirkby Lonsdale and onwards to Ingleton, where the road turns north towards one of the region’s most iconic landmarks — the Ribblehead Viaduct. 

This 24‑span engineering marvel, designed by John Sydney Crossley, towers over the landscape as the Settle to Carlisle railway crosses its arches. It’s a breathtaking sight that adds a dramatic flourish to an already stunning backdrop. 

Our return journey is no less captivating, taking us past the tumbling waters of Aysgarth Falls and along some of Yorkshire’s most scenic roads        en-route to Pateley Bridge. As the day draws to a close, we head north once more to our hotel, where we’ll gather over dinner to relive the highlights of a truly unforgettable day. 

Our final day takes us east along a scenic route towards the historic seaside town of Whitby, where we’ll pause for a light lunch by the coast. With appetites satisfied, the afternoon unfolds across the sweeping landscapes of the North York Moors — a region famed for some of the most exhilarating driving routes in the UK. 

We journey south to the bustling market town of Pickering before detouring through the charming village of Rosedale Abbey, a picture‑perfect stop nestled in the moors. The roads here promise unforgettable views and a fitting finale to our adventure. 

As we wind up three unforgettable days of iconic driving, we return to our hotel for a celebratory dinner. Together, we’ll raise a glass to mark the end of a weekend filled with stunning scenery, memorable drives, and shared experiences that will linger long after the journey ends. 

Every great journey deserves great tech—and we’ve got you covered. 

Our entire route is integrated with the RoadStr app, giving you turn-by-turn navigation, real-time updates and curated stops right at your fingertips. 

From scenic viewpoints to lunch spots and photo ops, everything is mapped out to keep your adventure smooth and stress-free.

No need to juggle maps or second-guess directions. Just follow the route, enjoy the drive, and let RoadStr guide you through the Pennines, Dales, and Moors with confidence and clarity.

Because when the road calls, it helps to have the right companion in your cockpit.