BAINBRIDGE TO SEMER WATER AND COUNTERSETT IN A CIRCULAR MANNER

On a beautiful sunny day, Paul, our son, and I set off from Bainbridge in Wensleydale to walk to Semer Water. Quite a new route for me so really looking forward to it.

Walking towards Semer Water into Raydale the views were so different and so pretty but after a climb up to Countersett we’re up onto the Cam High Road and back into Wensleydale and again a different slant on well known views. Just sensational, and the weather was so clear, quite breathtaking. There were paragliders to the side of Wether Fell enjoying themselves too! A walk of about five and a half miles, some of the route easy going with some gradients to tackle but no long, long hills. Please always dress appropriately and wear good footwear, preferably boots. Take food and drink and of course your map whether it be in the paper or pre routed on your phone.

We parked in Bainbridge and headed back over the bridge on the A684, in the direction of Leyburn, which spans the River Bain. The River Bain powers the small scale hydroelectricity project in Bainbridge, look to your right to see the reverse Archimedean screw which instead of being used to push water uphill, water runs down the screw, forcing it to turn.

Pass the garage and after the last buildings, a few yards further on, there is a finger post on the right. Take this and follow a well defined path up the hill, through fields, over stiles, always keeping the River Bain in sight until you drop down to the river and you can begin to walk along side, such a peaceful little river, renowned to be the shortest in England. A surprise though, there were lily pads on the river, never have I seen that before although I suspect it is not unusual. The path eventually comes out at Semer Water. You can linger here a while if you wish but then its time to tackle the hill up to Countersett! Keeping to the road, over the little bridge, again spanning the River Bain, make your way up the hill, once at the top turn right and after a few yards turn left to follow the direction of the finger post. Make your way to Hawes End, come out briefly on the road and then back through a gated stile to take you to Cam High Road, the old Roman road. Turn right. Follow the track down to the tarmac road. Turn right here and progress up the hill to the equestrian centre at Gill End. Turn left into here, along the driveway keeping a keen eye out for another stile on the left to take you into the fields, down through a little wood and eventually coming out in Bainbridge.

Do stop for delicious food and bakes at The Corn Mill tearoom, which you will walk past, not to be missed!

We have lovely Lion Cottage in Bainbridge, just sleeps two, together with the option of renting the Cub House annex also sleeping two. Or of course we have lots of cottages nearby, do check availability on our website or call me, Nadine or my daughter, Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone.