A lovely circular Walk from Wensley going West Further into Wensleydale

On a very beautiful day in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales we set off from Wensley to walk about six miles towards Redmire, round to Preston under Scar and back to Wensley. The weatherman said the day was going to be hot, but not hot hot, so we felt we would be okay and set off with hats, some in shorts, appropriate footwear, plenty to drink, snacks. The route planned beforehand, map, GPS, etc all packed and we were off. An easy going walk through woods, along beside the river Ure, green fields if looking a little crispy, villages, it seemed to have everything apart from steep climbs!

Easy parking in Wensley, perhaps the best is on the lay-by to the west of the village on the A684, otherwise there is parking at Bolton Park gates in the village. The walk starts to the south side of Wensley Bridge a few yards from the lay-by, follow the path going in a westerly direction through Miller Wood and along the side of the river Ure. Follow this path until you come to a track which takes you down to Lord’s Bridge SE 07541 89225. Over the bridge and turn immediately left to follow by the side of the river again but on the other side. Walk along the path, quite well worn, and look out for a wooden footpath gate to take you across the field to the corner of West Wood.

Cross the field and walk along the edge of the wood to another track, turn right then left and start to climb up through the wood. Keep going then take the footpath off to the left and through the funny iron gate into the fields. Continue along here to join with Well Lane. Walk into Redmire if you would like and have an explore but come back to the point where the road forks. Now going east walk past the church and continue on to Wood End Lane. Look out for a gate/stile and finger post on the left, SE 05482 90633, carefully follow the path, going over the railway line and eventually coming out on the road in between Redmire and Wensley. Turn right at the road and walk just a few yards to two footpath signs, follow the way of the green metal sign. This path takes you into Preston under Scar, cross the road once in the village, go up along the flags and onto the road where the telephone box is. Convenient seats here to have a break, if you have younger children they may enjoy the playground for a little while.

Onward, still going east, bear right where the road forks and follow up then down hill, past the few houses by the side of the road and then look out for a stile and gate on the right hand side, SE 07896 90695. Over here and down to the railway line. Cross carefully, into the next field and follow down to the road. Turn left. Follow the road for a few yards then cut off into the wood, easier to take the second footpath, keep going  on the path, over a cattle grid and at the next cattle grid follow the sign off to the left. Through another little gate and then you’re into the long, long field, diagonally cross here, south east, into Wensley Park and out onto the driveway to Bolton Hall. Go left and soon Wensley comes into sight and you’re nearly back to your vehicle.

We were having lunch at the Three Horse Shoes and very fortunate for us Barry and friends, Two Well Worn, were playing so it was very pleasant being with friends, sitting in the sun, having lunch and listening to easy music. The perfect end to a lovely walk. We have lots of cottages in Wensleydale, do call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book over the phone and for friendly help and advice or email us at info@countryhideaways.co.uk or of course book online. Hear from you quite soon!