Circular Walk from Marske in Swaledale

Again we set off on a beautiful clear day for a new adventure from Marske in Swaledale. Marske is a tiny village perched in amongst the trees with a church and surrounding cottages and Marske Beck running in the bottom. Our walk was about five miles mostly on well made up tracks with a bit of a climb at one point but any excuse to stop and look at the view . It’s best to park in the parking area at the bridge over Marske Beck rather than go up into the village, whichever direction you come, Hard Stiles or Cat Bank, you will see it at the junction, NZ 10389 00431.

Please do as always go prepared, the walk does take you high onto the moor, appropriate clothing and good boots. Prepare your route beforehand and take the map, GPS and compass in your pack and don’t forget the all essential snacks and plenty to drink.

Once parked and togged up set off over the bridge and turn immediately left through the little gate to walk along the beck side through the trees coming out into open pasture. Follow the way markers, pass Pilgrim Bridge, and check on your map to eventually come out on Clints. Turn left once on the track, again through the trees and where the path forks take the lower fork to keep you on the right path. Again we come out into open pasture and at Orgate Farm follow the concrete road off to the left, over Orgate Bridge and coming out, briefly, on to the road, NZ 08987 01633. We are going to walk around Telfit Bank now. Walk straight ahead then sharp right to take you to Telfit Farm, pass the farm, keep on the track, ever upwards, gets a bit steep here, the way straigtens out after a while but keep a look out for the track off to the left at Munn End Gate, NZ 08124 02410.

Continue along here, wonderful views back down the way you have come from Marske, so pretty. At the next gate, it’s a mile or so, NZ 08416 01627, don’t go through the gate but turn right, south, south, west, you will see a way marker on the gate post on your right. Through here and carefully make your way to Moor House, the fields hadn’t yet been cut and the grasses were wonderful to see, all shades of green and pinks and browns gently moving in the breeze. Through the farm yard and where the track veres to the right turn left, east, again following the way marker. The wild flowers down this narrow little path were just stunning, take your time to ponder, through the trees and come out onto Skelton Lane at Skelton Farm. From here turn right and walk along this narrow road back to your vehicle.

In need of refreshments? Try the Bolton Arms at Downholme, but please note at the moment it is closed at lunch time on Mondays . Do stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways cottages and enjoy this walk. Call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly help and advice or do book online if you wish. See you soon!