Husband Geoff had asked if I could take the car to Aysgarth Garage, at Aysgarth in Wensleydale, for its MOT, so instead of hanging around for an hour thought a walk was in order. It was a lovely sunny, hot even, morning and I left the car and set off west up the little hill on the footpath between the garage and the garage workshop.
The path to Seata Quarry, I have to admit, I had not experienced before and also have to admit I was so looking forward to an ice cream from the Mill Race Tea Shop at Aysgarth Falls! The walk is easy going, about three and a half miles with lovely views and an opportunity to stop for a picnic at Aysgarth Falls. There is a lay-by in Aysgarth village where you can park and further parking round the little green where the war memorial is.
From the garage follow the path through the fields until you come to a track going north/south. Turn north and head off down the hill. On your right there is a Quaker graveyard which you may like to have a walk around. Out on the path again, continue downhill eventually coming out onto the road which takes you to Thornton Rust. Turn left in the direction of Thornton Rust and look out for a finger post on your right. There are two choices here but I took the path still going west and coming out at the Nature Reserve at Seata Quarry. Walk through here, again follow the path which is well walked, and keep going to Lowgill Bridge past Seata Farm. Here we are at the busy A684, please be very careful on here, there is narrow verge to take advantage of when a car approaches and we’re only walking on here for a matter of yards.
A footbridge on your left will be a welcome sight, over here and then a few yards further on take the footpath off to the right, walk diagonally, north east, towards the disused railway line. Again well walked so follow the footpath to walk behind Bear Park and the private tennis courts, through the fields still eventually coming down to the disused railway line in a little wood. Here there is a gate with a funny stile on the left, over here but please be careful as there is a protruding stone from the old railway bridge just at head height! Ouch! Not nice! Down through the wood, still following the path coming out at Aysgarth Falls. Stay awhile if you wish, but I had an ice cream calling me so over the bridge, Yore Bridge, a quick look at the falls, totally desperate for rain, and into the Mill Race Tea Shop. A two scoop ice cream is absolutely enormous, be warned and how pleased I was to have picked up napkins as I was in a bit of mess by the time I’d managed to consume it all which was nearly back at Aysgarth.
Anyway, back to the route. The nicest way to go is up the steps to the church yard, do have look in the church if you wish, it’s usually open, and explore the graveyard, there are some really old graves to be found. Whichever path you take make your way to the main gate to the west of the church and back to the road. Straight across from here you will see a stile. Take this and follow through the fields to Aysgarth, past the little caravan park, Colmans. Once to Field House and onto the road follow to the chapel and for me I turned left to take me back to the garage.
Oh, and you may be interested to know, yes, the car passed its test!
If you’d like to stay nearby then come and stay in a beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottage. Call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly advice. Or of course you can book online if you prefer. See you soon!
Written By Nadine Bell