A Circular Walk From West Witton

Our little group of walkers are thinking that perhaps we should do one of the National Peaks again ‘Before we get too old?’ was a response but there it is, perhaps so. In view of this Den and I have been spurred on to do more challenging walks starting with scaling the heights of Penhill. We’ve done this numerous times in the past but it’s still quite hard and the challenge we set ourselves was to walk from West Witton to the top with no stopping! A bit silly but never the less it does keep you putting one foot in front of the other when the going gets tough!!

Our walk was just over eight miles with a good steady climb of about three miles and then once on the top of Penhill the rest is more or less downhill. Sensational views all the way and on a clear day just breathtaking. It seems a shame not to stop from time to time to enjoy the view so walk as you wish. Please do go prepared, it may be sunny and warm in West Witton but on the tops it can be a very different story. Take lots of water, snacks, wear appropriate footwear and clothing, don’t forget the waterproof. Always plan your route beforehand and take the map, GPS and compass.

If walking from West Witton it’s always a good plan to park in the large layby to the east of the village OS Grid Ref: SE 06589 88454. Walk in a westerly direction along the A684 and turn left at the first junction walk along here to nearly the last house on the right, follow the footpath sign and walk through the fields until you come to pond by the A684 opposite the Wensleydale Heifer. Turn left walk a few yards to the next junction on the left and walk up the road. The gradient soon starts to change as you ascend, follow the road then changing to a track and keep going to you reach the High Lane, cross here, through the double metal gate and continue to follow the track with your sights on the top of Penhill, it does eventually get closer! Once through the last gate the way can be a little confusing, cross the little stream and take the narrow path over the moor land but once you get to where a path coming from the west and crosses over your path turn right. Follow now until you reach the top and the next gate OS Grid Ref: SE 04325 86685. Time to properly pause and take in the views, have a rest and some refreshment.

Through the gate and follow the track which takes you over the moor with views into Coverdale, along the grouse butts, over Ramsgill Head. Proceed along the track until you see posts on the left with white tops. Here you will see two ways off to the left, take the righthand narrow footpath through the heather OS Grid Ref: SE 06408 85784. Continue on until you reach the road, turn left and to the cattlegrid. Keep going on the road to Penhill Farm, turn right here onto Common Lane and walk to the next footpath on the left OS Grid Ref: SE 07604 87455.

Over the stile, down through the wood, into the field and into the next. This field is usually farmed for crops so it’s best to walk round the edge, keeping to the left pick your way round. Once to the bottom turn right and once opposite the stile you have just come through you will find the way down to the next field. This too can sometimes be a little tricky with crops but make your way to the stile in front OS Grid Ref: SE 07569 88011 and then turn left to walk to the next stile or even just to this stile if that’s the best way. Through here and follow the path down to West Witton, we timed our walk just right as all the wild flowers were blooming and loads of different grasses to identify of which I am hopeless but just wonderful and complete treat. Once back onto the A684 turn right and walk back down to your vehicle.

We have super Country Hideaways cottages all well within striking distance of West Witton and this lovely walk. Call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly help and advice or of course do book online if you prefer.

Hear from you quite soon!