A Circular Walk from Leyburn

We were definitely not quite sure what the weather was going to be so togged up and prepared, as usual, we set off from Leyburn on what eventually turned out to be a lovely sunny winter’s day! You never can tell! Our walk was six miles plus, no great hills to climb, wonderful views up and down Wensleydale and across to Middleham in the glorious Yorkshire Dales. Mostly through fields on footpaths and along tracks and a couple of quiet country lanes.

Please do prepare your route beforehand, take GPS, map, compass and plenty to drink and snacks for the journey. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear with a handy knapsack to put any discarded hats and gloves in along with your other bits and bobs.

Park in Leyburn market place, or even better in the long stay car park, and make your way to the A6108 and walk in the direction of Bellerby, north east, pass Wensleydale School and before you get to the junction of Dale Grove and Mount Drive you will see a footpath off to the right, east, OS Grid Ref: SE 11578 91076. Take this and walk through the houses to come out in the fields in the direction of High Side, careful to watch the route as it zigzags near the farm. Once onto Cow Close turn right and walk along here until you cross over the railway bridge and the outskirts of Harmby. At the A684 carefully cross the road to follow the footpath sign immediately opposite you. Walk down to waterfall, it can be so pretty down here, but keep to the left do not go over the footbridge, to come out into rough pasture again. Continue down the hill to go through the stile and out onto the road into Hargill. Continue down hill and at the next junction cross over, admire the new bell, pass the bus stop and turn left down the track, Middleham Lane. Follow the path to end then through the metal hand gate on the left along Beggar’s Mouth.

Continue on until you reach a stream crossing the way, over the footbridge, leave the track here and follow the footpath on the left into a field. Through the wood, keep going, over the little footbridge on the left, into the field, up the hill coming out in Spennithorne. Make your way through the houses to the main road through Spennithorne, turn left. Walk along the road, pass the school on your right, over a bridge, and up Bedale Hill. Turn left on Colliwath Lane and walk along here until you get to the wood and a footpath sign going off to the left. Cross the field, you will recognise this bit now as we are back the footpath leading from the waterfall. Retrace your steps, into the wood but turn off to the left to go past the waterfall and over the footbridge. Follow along here, up some sturdy steps coming out onto the road again. Here turn left and walk down hill, we paused a while on the bench then ever onwards to the post box and telephone kiosk and follow the next footpath sign on the right, past the houses and into a small nature reserve.

Carefully along here, then through the fields, turn left down to Walk Mill and on to Craken House, turn right and follow the lane to the A6108. Turn right and carefully walk a few yards along the road and before you get to The Cottage take the footpath off to the left. Keep going across the fields until you reach Low Wood Lane. Turn right and walk up here and continue until you reach the A684. Turn right again, walk up the hill into Leyburn and the market place and your vehicle.

We enjoyed lunch in the Black Swan but there are other places of course depending on what time of day it is. Do call me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne, on 01969 663559 to book one of beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages over the telephone and for friendly help and advice or, of course, do book online if you prefer.

We’re very much looking forward to hearing from  you quite soon!