West Burton to Aysgarth

Three of us set off for a five mile walk from West Burton. It’s autumn and we expected the weather to do anything but our day was still, not a breath of a breeze, a little overcast and very pleasant for walking in the glorious Yorkshire Dales. Park by the green or at the waterfall area in West Burton wherever you can safely leave your car. As always, wear appropriate footwear and clothing, take snacks and drinks, plan your route beforehand and take your GPS, map and compass.

A couple stopped me the other day to ask the way to walk to Aysgarth, I asked if they had a map, but no, hadn’t even looked to find a route and were going in completely the wrong direction. They could have got to Aysgarth the way they were headed but I feel it would have been very difficult if not going via a more direct route. They did expect it to be sign posted, some routes are but not this one, there are too many and too varied routes for everywhere to be signed. So please do be prepared!

We set off from West Burton and were headed for Newbiggin in Bishopdale, going up the village, south west, past the cross, do not turn for Walden, past the village hall on the left, to Town Head Farm. Straight on through the farm yard, down and up, through the metal gate (the bridge has collapsed) and out into open fields. Continue along the footpath with Little Beck on your left and through Broats which will bring you out onto a track coming from Newbiggin at Grid Ref: SE 00347 85805. Cross the track, I’m sorry I can find no name for this, through the stile almost opposite and make your way down to Cross Lanes. Cross the road and turn right for Thoralby.

Walk down the road, over the bridge, up the short steep hill, when I was little we always used to call this Hell Fire Pass, don’t ask me why, then straight on. At the sharp bend off to the left leave the road and take the track in front of you then cross the narrow road at Low Green and walk along to the Ford marked on the map, there is a footbridge here, and continue on to come out on the road on the east side of Thoralby. Turn right. Walk now up hill on the road to Tom Gill Bridge. Just after Tom Gill Bridge there is a stile off to the left, through here and again follow the footpath up hill, quite steep but not far. Follow the footpath to Poor’s Land and follow to come out into Aysgarth on the Thornton Rust road. Turn right.

Ready for a cuppa? Not far to Hamilton’s Tea Room from here, well worth a stop. We had delicious cheese scones, ‘as light as love’ with heavenly cheese and chutney. We did stay and chat for longer than anticipated so felt it wise to take a shorter route back to West Burton than previously intended but still just as enjoyable and wonderful, wonderful views. Leave Hamilton’s turn left and walk along the road to the garage, leave the A684 and walk towards Thoralby. A few yards after the junction go through the stile on the left and follow the path to come out on the narrow road, turn left, then nearly immediately right through another stile and follow the path down to Eshington Bridge, down and down through the fields. Over the bridge, through the stile on the right, straight on through the fields back to West Burton.

Do come and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages and enjoy this walk, just one of many. 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’re really looking forward to hearing from you!