Walking in Arkengarthdale

We thought it was time to explore Arkengarthdale a little more so on an amazingly beautiful blue sky morning with little breeze we parked in Langthwaite and achieved a beautiful walk of about six miles. Plenty of moor land to walk over, wonderful views as always and we had lunch at the CB Inn, CB being short for Charles Bathurst. The food there is consistently good and well worth a try. Arkengarthdale is the most northerly dale of the Yorkshire Dales, the road through leading on to the famous Tan Hill pub.

Do plan your route beforehand, take your map, GPS, make sure you’ve downloaded your route as Wifi is intermittent, compass, whistle if you have one and wear appropriate clothing and footwear, always try and pack waterproofs as you never know! Plenty to drink and plenty of snacks too.

Park in Langthwaite in the long stay car park to the south of the village and head south along the road to Arkle Town  Pass the ancient petrol pumps and the track leading off to the right but take the footpath, also off to the right, just past here, OS Grid Ref: NZ 00719 01926. Continue along, skirting Cumbers Hill, through Fore Gill where you’ll find a very secretive little valley. Following the path still turn sharp left, south, then right to Fore Gill Gate. Once onto the road if you look into little valley to your left here you will see the water splash from the original James Herriott series, always seems to be a thrill for me even now. Continue right and upwards along the road, passing a building on your right in the field, to the next track off to the left. Turn into here and follow, then take the track going north, keeping the trees on your right, again follow on until you turn sharp right, OS Grid Ref: NY 98889 02679, to head east, follow along a bit of a wiggly way to the point of the flue as indicated on the map. From here we’re into following quad bike tracks, east, to bring you out at Cocker House. Follow out to the road by the old school with Croft House opposite and the CB Inn in view as you turn left. Phew, it must be time for lunch!

When ready and rested, make your way a little way north past the CB Inn along the road to the next finger sign post and gate off to the right, through here and make your way down to Arkle Beck, pause a while on the bridge, it’s so pretty here and observe Scar House, owned by the Duke of Norfolk. Follow whichever footpath you wish from here back to Langthwaite and your vehicle. We walked along the driveway of the house and looked into St Mary’s church, a very welcoming place for everyone to enjoy and walked back down along the road, there is footpath by the side of the road for most of the way and it’s not far.

Do come and enjoy this walk in a different dale, mightily contrasting with Wensleydale, and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages. Call me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne, on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone or, of course, do book online if you prefer.

We’d love to hear from you quite soon!