7 Night Bridge & Walking Holiday in the Southern Yorkshire Dales

7 nights

Grades 1 & 2

120kg CO2

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Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Stay in the comfort of our characterful country houses and exercise both mind and body with this classic combination. You’ll have a choice of two guided walks a day (one short and one longer) followed by a bridge competition each evening.

What You’ll Love

  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders  
  • Playing bridge in a relaxed and friendly environment  
  • Meeting like-minded people   
  • Being surrounded by the stunning landscape of Southern Yorkshire Dales
  • Evening bridge competitions 
  • Staying in the comfort of our country house 

What's Included

  • All bridge-related materials 
  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house 
  • Cream tea on arrival day 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches 
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee 
  • Choice of two different-grade daily walks 
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently 

Trip Suitability

This holiday is suitable for regular players of Duplicate Bridge at club level.

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Enjoy a choice of two walks each day, with a free day on all 7-night holidays. You can choose either an easier route of around 4-6 miles or a harder route of around 6-8 miles to explore the local area. Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and sometimes further afield. The walking options are outlined below. 

We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.

Walks information:

Day 2

Option 1 - Eshton Moor And Haw Crag

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 500 feet (140m)

In summary: This circular walk explores the Pennine Way south before going over Eshton Moor and descending fields to the River Aire, then field paths ascend gently to Haw Crag before the return to Newfield Hall.

Highlight: Good views of the local area, including Newfield Hall, from the top of  Haw Crag (677 feet).

Option 2 -The Pennine Way

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 750 feet (220m)

In summary: This circular walk follows the Pennine Way south to Gargrave. From here we follow an old green lane to reach Haw Crag.

Highlight: An opportunity to climb Haw Crag (677 feet), which you can see from the house.

Day 3

Option 1 - Clapham Village and Ingleborough Cave

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: We walk from the traditional Dales village of Clapham, passing through the Ingleborough Estate, to Ingleborough Cave. We then cross the beck and return to the village where there will be time to enjoy coffee and cake in the village. 

Highlight: We'll stop for an optional tour of Ingleborough Cave with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Option 2 - Gaping Gill

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: Today’s circular walk starts in  the traditional Dales village of Clapham. Pass through the Ingleborough Estate, with an optional guided tour of Ingleborough Cave (payable locally), and ascend the limestone gorge of Trow Gill to reach the huge pot hole of Gaping Gill.

Highlight: We'll stop for an optional tour of Ingleborough Cave with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Discover more about Newfield Hall and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.

Enjoy a choice of two walks each day, with a free day on all 7-night holidays. You can choose either an easier route of around 4-6 miles or a harder route of around 6-8 miles to explore the local area. Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and sometimes further afield. The walking options are outlined below. 

We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.

Walks information:

Day 5

Option 1 – Kirk Syke Lane

Distance: 4 miles (7km)

Ascent: 400 feet (120m) 

In summary: This circular walk explores the Pennine Way south of Newfield Hall before taking a pleasant path which descends to the River Aire. The return follows the old green lane of Kirk Syke. 

Highlight: Good views including looking back over Newfield Hall. 

Option 2 – Otterburn Beck

Distance: 7.5 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: Our walk takes us across fields to Kirk Syke and along lanes to the small village of Otterburn before returning via Bell Busk to Newfield Hall.

Highlight: Discover the hidden history of Otterburn, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book. The village took its name from the beck, "the stream of the otter", which runs through the middle of the village.

Day 6

Option 1 – Along the Wharfe to Grassington  

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: We follow the Dales Way along the beautiful River Wharfe first to Linton Falls, then to picturesque Grassington where there will be plenty of time to explore or relax in one of the many tea shops.  

Highlight: Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the River Wharfe.

Option 2 – Linton to Grassington  

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (200m) 

In summary: Enjoy great views of Wharfedale as you walk from Linton through the charming villages of Thorpe and Burnsall. We'll then follow the Dales Way along the river, past Linton Falls to Grassington. 

Highlight: Explore the unique 12th Century church in Linton and look out for Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the River Wharfe. 

Day 7

Option 1 – Airton & the Pennine Way

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 250 feet (80m) 

In summary: After following fields and lanes to Airton, we explore the village before walking the old mill leat. Our return to Newfield Hall is via the Pennine Way. 

Highlight: Visit the 17th century village of Airton and spend time looking for dippers on the River Aire

Option 2 – Kirkby Malham Circular

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (200m) 

In summary: This circular walk takes us through the village of Calton before joining the Pennine Way to take us to the medieval church at Kirkby Malham. We then cross open countryside to reach the 17th century village of Airton before returning by lanes and fields.  

Highlight: Discover plenty of historical interest including an 18th century watermill, the 'Cathedral of the Dales’ at Kirkby Malham and the curious story of a watery grave.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Accommodation

Newfield Hall

Looking every inch the baronial mansion, Newfield Hall sits in two acres of grounds near the village of Malham at the southern base of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Given it was this very landscape which inspired Wordsworth to write a sonnet and Charles Kingsley to pen The Water Babies, the countryside views are as gorgeous as you’d imagine. You’ll also have plenty of sightseeing greats within easy travelling distance, most notably Malham Tarn, Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Cove, and The Dry Valley of the Watlowes. And then, of course, there’s Yorkshire’s famous trio of summits: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, collectively known as the three peaks. Stay at Newfield Hall and experience the exceptional service of a VisitEngland ROSE award winner. Find out more about the latest accolade awarded to our country house in the Southern Yorkshire Dales by reading our latest blog.

 

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

Check in & check out

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

 •  46 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 61 guests minimum   •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm  •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & 2 high chairs  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Two lounges  •  Garden  •  HF Holidays Heritage Room  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation Visit England - Rose Award 2023

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Newfield Hall has 46 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: The guest rooms spread across the main building and the tastefully converted coach house. Rooms 3 and 6 are both corner rooms offering original features and large bay windows overlooking the gardens and beyond (Room 6 has its own telescope). 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Newfield Hall

More Information

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Bridge

All your Bridge stationery and equipment will be supplied. You may, however, like to bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes. EBU Members - don’t forget to bring your EBU membership number to earn Master Points on this holiday.

Walking

To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.

Bring a rucksack, a thermos flask for a hot drink, a water bottle (at least 1 litre) and spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar, a small torch (in spring, autumn and winter) and first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed). Many guests find walking poles useful, particularly for descents. Insect repellent, sun hat, sunglasses and protection cream and a camera are all optional extras you may choose to bring.

Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint - 120kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: MDL07-BRW05

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Dates & Prices

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Back to dates
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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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