Henge hunting in the Yorkshire dales?

A friend from the village was asking me if I’d noticed a ‘hump’ in the fields above Sorrelsykes. The area, on the map, is called MountStritch and the hump can be found by walking along the footpath. We didn’t know whether it was a small henge or just debris, now overgrown, from a past small building. What secrets is it keeping?

But, whatever, it’s a lovely walk on there, amazingly beautiful views as you go along and so I’ve done a route for you to follow, or do make up your own as this will just be a short walk, four miles. Having walked along MountStritch today, the sun was shining, it was sheltered and it was really most enjoyable!

Set off from West Burton, in Wensleydale, and head down the village to the Cauldron Falls area, go over the pack horse bridge, follow the path up to the left, then continue up along the path to the next field. You have a choice here to go up and through Barrack Wood, very pretty with wild flowers or if really wet and muddy perhaps best to follow the path through the fields to come out onto Morpeth Gate lane Grid Ref: SE 02304 87215. Turn right here and walk up hill to where there are double gates on the left. Through here and walk on this level, this is MountStritch, walk past a private road on your left, through the next gateway and on your right you should see the little mound with the wall built right over it. All very strange I felt, why build the wall on it if it’s something special, perhaps it isn’t. If anyone has any information to give please do get in touch.

Continue on this level, through the little wood, out into open fields again and carry on to Temple Farm. Once on the long linear field before Temple Farm and associated buildings turn right, Grid Ref: SE 02304 87215, and progress up hill on the track to come out at Knight’s Templars, the remains of the Preceptory. Have a wander round here, not a lot to see but you might get the vibes and there is a good interpretation board. Then it’s off to the right, south west, along this next level up from whence you came and follow the path back to Morpeth Gate. The views along here are just something to behold, I never tire, whatever the weather, always different somehow, just wonderful. Turn right down hill and follow back to West Burton.

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