Burtersett Near Hawes

Burtersett just to the east of Hawes in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales has quite an interesting history going back to Viking/Norse times. Sett then meant a temporary settlement and Burtersett is where farmers from down dale would bring up their cattle for summer grazing and who would stay with them until it was time to return back to the main farm in November. If you wander around the village you will still be able to see evidence of this activity of dairying and even cheese making. Conversely some research findings say that Burtersett means ‘the shieling by the alder trees’ but I suppose it works out the same as ‘shieling’ means mountain hut used by shepherds at their summer pastures.

In the nineteenth century the village expanded and stone quarries appeared on the hillside under the summit of Yorburgh and Wether Fell which were extensively worked.  After the opening of the railway fifteen thousand tons of stone flags were sent from Hawes station every month having been carted down by wagon and horses from the Burtersett to Hawes.  You can still see evidence today of the stone used in Hawes as well as Burtersett and surrounding villages to build houses. Some in Burtersett look far too tall and grand to be in such a small village.

As always though with villages in the dales, there are some wonderful walks radiating from here. Up Wether Fell via Yorburgh, over to Semer Water, into Hawes along the ancient flagged path followed by many a work man and woman.

I feel it might be time to get the map out again and look up some routes and to explore Burtersett a little more!

We have beautiful Burnside View in Hawes, sleeps four, no pets, with its own dedicated parking for one car and of course all our cottages are well withing striking distance of Burtersett . Come and explore, seek out the ancient signs of past dairying and gaze upon the houses made from stone from literally a few yards away. Call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book a beautiful Country Hideaways cottage over the telephone and for friendly help and advice. Or of course please do book online if you prefer.

See you quite soon!