Giant’s Cradle near Askrigg

On a beautiful sunny, blue sky day a few of us set off to walk through the Giant’s Cradle just above Askrigg in Wensleydale in the glorious Yorkshire Dales. The others had all been before but not me and really only quarter of an hour or so walk from Askrigg. What a delight though, well worth seeking out, primroses, violets, speedwell and I’m sure plenty of other wild flowers too. I know some of you have already enjoyed a picnic there, just the perfect spot with views across to Addlebrough to complete the picture. Continuing on the walk you can see over to Yorburgh, Wether Fell and I think it was Dodd Fell, there were three hills to gaze upon across the dale.

A short walk of about three miles but just the start of how ever long you want to make it, always plan your route beforehand, take GPS, compass etc and wear appropriate clothing and footwear and take snacks, drinks. A picnic if that’s your fancy!

Park in Askrigg, I always try to get in the little car park at the east end of the village. A must is to go and look at the plants for sale next door, remember cash only. Wherever you’re parked make your way to The Crown on the main street and take the footpath to the left of the pub up steep stone steps to bring you out into open fields. Through the first field and the next keeping the wall on your left then into the next big field turn right and follow the path keeping the wall on your right. Through the next stile and in the bottom you will see a bridge over the stream, over the bridge then up hill, north, to the next stile. Through here, heading for Low Straights Lane making sure you go between the trees and beneath the little scar. This is Giant’s Cradle!

When ready continue on to Low Straights Lane and then turn left, west. Follow the track going over the stream via a little wooden bridge, pass one footpath sign, then another returning you to Askrigg and then take the third path. Really you can walk any of these to return to Askrigg but we chose the one to take you past Leas House, straight on past here to come out into Mill Gill. Again turn left and walk down the path which eventually brings you to West End. Continue along the road which takes you past the church. We stopped for cuppa etc at Bake Well, excellent!! Lunch time? Try the Middle House, also excellent.

Do come and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages and enjoy this walk along with many others mentioned in this blog. 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.

It would be lovely to hear from you really soon!