This circular walking tour was originally designed in 4 stages to make use of the Youth Hostel accommodation at Aysgarth, Grinton, Keld and Hawes. However, there is plenty of other accommodation, both in these four villages and in the intervening settlements along and close to the way. 

Planning your day stages - the Herriot Way falls conveniently into 4 stages averaging 13 miles each, stopping overnight at:

1. Aysgarth
2. Hawes or one of the hamlets in its vicinity
3. Keld, Thwaite or Muker
4. Grinton or Reeth 
5. Aysgarth again or Carperby

Over this sort of terrain, days of this length can be regarded as moderate for a fit walker, but it is quite feasible to add in one or even two extra stages using accommodation at intermediate points, such as Askrigg, Bainbridge, Healaugh or Castle Bolton. Also, there is no rule which states that the tour has to start at Aysgarth. Grinton or Hawes would also make good starting points, with public transport connections no worse than those to and from Aysgarth. Keld, however, is more remote and less accessible.