Circular Walk from Aysgarth Village

It felt time to walk from Aysgarth again, a lovely walk with views along Wensleydale up to Hawes and down dale to Bolton Castle and beyond. Sight of Lady Hill is always a treat and we walked past Aysgarth Falls too which was beginning to look magnificent again with the weather changing. Parking in Aysgarth is in the lay-by opposite Hamilton’s Tea Room or by the cross and, of course, you can use the Little White Bus for your journey if you prefer.

A walk of about four miles and easy going. Please do plan your route beforehand and take GPS, map, compass and wear the appropriate footwear and clothing. Always take drinks and snacks!

After parking in Aysgarth make your way west and leaving the A684 take the road to Thornton Rust, off  the left. Walk along here, a quiet road, past the cottages left and right, up the little hill, past the track, Folly Lane, going south on your left, and the barn. A few yards further on on your right, north, follow through the gate or stile and make your way downhill along the track, then sharp left and sharp right to eventually come into Seata Quarry a small nature reserve and disused quarry. Great place to stop and ponder the view of upper Wensleydale. One of my favourite spots to stop and just enjoy life.

Onward, out of the quarry, slightly off to the right and soon to go out into open pasture, wend your way down the field past Seata Farm to the A684. Turn right and make your way the few yards to the foot bridge over the River Ure on your left. Be careful along here as there is no verge, please keep tucked into the side to allow safe passage of vehicles. Over the foot bridge and follow the track/footpath to past the remains of the railway bridge, turn right up the little slope, through the stile and then off to right up rough steps to the disused railway line. Continue along here for quite a way to the fence across the line, take the stile on the left then keep going along the foot path, quite well used but do refer to your map. Bear Park soon comes into view, walk behind here and the tennis courts, keep going through the park, down the hill following the footpath signs to come back down to the disused railway line. Mind your head on the edge of the bridge, turn left and again follow the disused railway line through the wood to come out at the National Park Centre Car Park.

Here we felt it was time for a ‘cuppa’ and cake so into the Coppice Café. Wonderful homemade cakes here and tasty savoury food too, very pleasant surroundings and lovely people serving us. From here retrace your steps back to the tarmac path from where you emerged from the wood and follow downhill to the road and the large bridge over the River Ure. Spend some time here if you wish, go and sit by the water through the gate but come back the road and bridge. Over the bridge and follow the road up the steep hill or take the long flight of steps in front of you to take you up into the church yard of St Andrew’s. Once at the church gates look right, or straight ahead if in the church yard, to find a stile, through here and continue through the fields to come out on the east side of Aysgarth and from here you’re soon back onto the village green.

A wonderful walk and easily achieved, come and enjoy this walk 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, if you prefer, do book online.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you quite soon to welcome you here in Wensleydale in these glorious Yorkshire Dales!