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Hear From Those Who Have Walked James Herriot Way

History and Culture  |  3 weeks ago

The James Herriot Way is a multi-day inn-to-inn walk through the rolling green hills and stone-walled countryside that inspired the beloved stories of veterinarian and author James Herriot. With guided support, charming village inns, and daily walks through one of England’s most cinematic landscapes, it’s a journey that invites you to slow down and reconnect. What we hear time and again is the sense of self gained by walking through the Yorkshire Dales, a landscape whose peaceful beauty is a deeply welcome reminder of one’s own ability and need to slow down and savor being present.   

“Past super trips with [FieldHouse Adventures] made this a no-brainer! Past guides, past accommodations, past locations meant it was just a question of the right distances per day and the right location. This one offered both.” Andy Falender, 2023 James Herriot Way

“We had always wanted to try a walking vacation, and we had recently seen “All Creatures Great and Small”, so it all came together… Despite the amount of physical activity over the week, it was an extremely relaxing format.” Anthony, Moag, 2023 SC Herriot’s Way 

There’s something incredibly grounding, quite literally, about moving through a landscape on foot. Shaking off the day-to-day rush and sinking into a rhythm and a pattern that allows you to see with new eyes. Old stone walls stretch for miles, and you can’t help but wonder who built them, or think of the many hands moving stone. Light shifts slowly, its ebb and flow telling time long before the clock and the watch, the smell of rain before it arrives. Our guides, whose expertise and skill we value so much, help groups maneuver changing routes, inclement weather, and the many day-to-day logistics that are unavoidable when we travel so simply. Their knowledge goes hand in hand with their authenticity; they are just as in awe of their surroundings as anyone else, becoming a part of the group even as they ensure safe passage from one inn to the next. This care allows you to fully enjoy your time on the James Herriot Way.

“Turnkey- virtually no effort involved.” – Julie Murphy, SG Herriot’s Way/ Yorkshire Dales 

“The guides were excellent leaders. They made decisions based on weather conditions and obstacles faced during the hike. Their knowledge of history, culture, flora, fauna and the Herriot Way itself was outstanding.” Carol Frye, Charles City, IA

What we love to see on the trail most is the sense of kinship that develops. When we set off, most travelers are strangers to one another, but within a few days, we see a level of comfort develop, as with old friends. Sharing snacks, quiet laughter, and easy silences along the trail, our evenings have a ritual of camaraderie. Muddy boots by the door, a warm fire and a pint in hand. There is so much that distracts us from one another in the rush of daily life, but here, there’s only the trail and the day. The bird sightings and packed lunches and existing alongside another human being. 

“Best Part – Meeting new friends, learning about new places, seeing new scenery.” Doug Bader, Castle Pines, CO 

These trips stay on with our guests, becoming memories and travel stories they revisit frequently.  The landscape, with its quiet villages and climbing green hills; dramatic in its soft, cinematic splendor. The sense of kinship that developed so quickly, and the reminder to breathe deeply and be grateful for the astonishing world we live in. There is a sense of peace and wonder to our James Herriot Way trip, something each of us can take back home. We can’t always be on the windswept moors of England, but there is always beauty around us to seek out and to marvel at. 

“Loved, loved, loved this trip- would do it again.” Julie Murphy, SG Herriot’s Way/Yorkshire Dales

Our James Herriot Way trip departs on May 22 and we look forward to hearing the highlights from this year’s group! 

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