A lovely Circular Walk from Leyburn

There are quite a few walks from Leyburn, along The Shawl, across to Middleham or Spennithorne and Harmby all in the glorious Yorkshire Dales and all the combinations you can make from going in those directions. It’s not very often though that we walk to Bellerby so for a change, we thought, lets do that! This walk is over eight miles, easy going apart from one sharp, short hill and I would think after a lot of rain there may be some boggy bits. Surprisingly lovely views, very open across Wensleydale and down to the North York Moors and for us we timed our walk just perfectly for all the wild flower meadows to be just about at their best and there were quite a few!

Even though it’s an easy going walk you will need to organise your route beforehand, it did seem a little complicated but looking back there were way markers, as sometimes once out of the National Park they can be few and far between. My trusty GPS and map were definitely needed as some footpaths seemed little walked with all the wild flowers to cover them in between markers which sometimes were out of sight for a while. Pack plenty to drink and eat, wear appropriate footwear and clothing and concentrate and enjoy!

Park in Leyburn and walk in the direction of Richmond on the A6108, it can be a busy road but it doesn’t take long to leave the traffic behind. Walk past Wensleydale School and between bungalows on the right you will see a footpath which goes through the houses, east. It does say ‘Keep Clear’ on the footway. Take this and follow until you come out into open fields. Follow on until you reach Cow Close. Turn left. Walk along this single track road, there can be the odd vehicle, until you reach Cow Close farm. At the corner of the fence just past the buildings turn sharp right, you will need to keep a look out for this path. Follow on now to Southfields Farm, there are way markers and things to help you through the farm, to come out in Bellerby. Again turn right, east. Follow the road for a few yards and then go straight ahead along the bridleway, Mill Lane. Follow on to Friar Ings farm keeping to the left of the little house on the way.

Once at Friar Ings, go through the large metal gate, turn left and traverse round the buildings, you will pick up way markers here. Where there is a choice take the bridleway, the concert road, still going east. As the road bend sharply to the left go straight ahead through the hedge, keep to the righthand side of the field and walk right around the field to come out onto the road to Barden. Again turn right, east. Walk along, past Barden Old Hall and when you come to the first houses on your left you will see a footpath sign on the left. Through here and up the hill and head for the east side of the wood at the top. Continue on to the gate and marker. Cross diagonally north west over this field, negotiate the stile (you’ll see when you get there!) and follow north west in the direction of East Barden Dykes. At the last field before the farm there were frisky milk cows so we diverted from the path and walked directly west to pick up the path on the other side of triangle, if you get my meaning! Through the gate, on to the little stream, follow for a little while, through another gate by this time the markers are showing again to come out on the road to Barden again.

Perhaps pause for a breather here but then cross the road, through the stile and head for the next stile, south west, it will come into view as you crest the little hill. Onward through another field to the next stile, through here and keep to the left along the fence with the stream on your right and cross the stream at the bottom. From here cross south west to the wood, again the way soon becomes visible, down through the wood, over Burberry Gill, this looked like there might be quite a bit of water in after rains, and out into a large field as you will see from the map. Head south west to eventually come down to a field gate. Along the track for a little way then veer off straight ahead into the fields again. It would seem easy now, the path is well walked and this will take you back to Bellerby.

Once in Bellerby walk along the green and leave the A6108 to go straight ahead, pass the bus shelter and telephone box and onward through the houses along Moor Road. Carry on for a few yards and just after Banks End you will see a footpath sign off to the left. Through here and continue along a well worn route to Leyburn. Admire all the stone work along here, there are courses held too if you are interested. Once you get to the houses cross the road and go down through a narrow snicket to the A6108 again.  

Come and join us and stay in one of our gorgeous Country Hideaways holiday cottages and enjoy 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.

See you quite soon!