Where to Walk in the Glorious Yorkshire Dales?

A little while ago someone asked me what my favourite walk was. Where to start! Long or short, just in between. Local, further afield? I needed to think and think quite hard. Over the years I’ve walked many miles and enjoyed them all, or I feel I have. Some footpaths walked countless times, others just maybe once. How can I choose? Impossible!

I suppose the way to start is to consider when I’m walking on my own or with friends. So from here in West Burton my go to walk would be down the village and up Morpeth Gate. Here you can branch off to go to the Templar’s Chapel, along that level and then down to Swinithwaite and then downhill even further to the River Ure, go west and arrive at Hestholme Bridge and return home via the south side of Sorrelsykes or to make the walk even longer, which can happen if it’s a glorious day, walk up to St Andrew’s church in Aysgarth along the river bank. Returning to West Burton over Eshington Bridge and whether by road or field is to be decided on arrival at the bridge. But sometimes the whim takes me to the top of Penhill, up Black Scar and along Flint Lane or just along the High Lane and then branch off down to West Witton, again returning along by the side of the River Ure or on Langthwaite Lane. Perhaps turn west in West Burton to walk up Walden, north or south Walden, decisions, decisions, but the boots just seem to keep going and it doesn’t really matter. The permutations seem endless. I know the hills and the footpaths locally and can go where the boots seem to take me and, now, have no need of a map. But not so when walking further afield!

When walking with friends it’s an opportunity to explore those footpaths never walked before and much further afield. Plan a route using OS Maps, download onto my phone, pack plenty of water and snacks and be ready for all weathers. Set off from Masham, from Hawes, from Askrigg. Over into Coverdale, Swaledale, Wharfedale, Littondale, Langstrothdale. Do the Three Peaks! How many wonderful memories of amazing scenery, interesting finds, getting lost (not often!!) getting wet, catching the sun.

Looking back at the list of walks, many you will find if you search this blog, just put in a place name and one may come up, makes me realise just how much pleasure walking in this amazing part of the world, the glorious Yorkshire Dales, can bring.

Come and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages and discover the pleasures of walking in the Yorkshire Dales. All our cottages have walks from the door,  no need to get in the car if you don’t feel like it. 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.

Joanne and I are really looking forward to hearing from you and helping you find the perfect holiday cottage for your stay.