The walk is named after James Herriot, the fictional name given to the real-life veterinary surgeon who lived and worked in the Dales for many years. In life, James Herriot was really Alf Wight and the Herriot Way is based on a walking holiday he took with his son Jimmy around the Youth Hostels of Aysgarth, Grinton, and Keld.
Although the route is predominantly on well-defined paths a reasonable level of fitness and navigational skill is needed especially in poor weather conditions.What better way to experience the Dales than by completing the fantastic Herriot Way.