Circular Walk from Wensley Bridge

The day may have looked a little inclement, but no way was it going to deter us from our first walk together of 2024. A short walk to start off with, some of us haven’t been doing the walking we should have been doing for a while so nothing too strenuous to start our new year. A walk of over four miles from Wensley to Preston under Scar and back in a circular manner, no steep hills, river side walking, a little road work on a quiet lane, woodlands, wonderful views both to the head of Wensleydale and to lower Wensleydale and for me, great excitement, a footpath never walked before. It was only a few yards long but who cares!

Although a walk of just over four miles please do wear appropriate clothing and sturdy boots. This time of year you need to be especially careful of what might be underfoot and of course the weather can change when you’re least expecting it to. Take plenty of snacks, and why not, and something to drink. Be sure to plan your route beforehand and take map, compass and GPS along with you.

Plenty of parking to be found on the west side of Wensley Bridge at Wensley near Leyburn in the large layby. Once togged up and ready walk towards the bridge and take the footpath from the layby side of the bridge and head west along the side of the River Ure. Continue along the footpath, there are little diversions as you go along but stick to the main route and all will be well. Beautiful along here in spring and summer with all the wild flowers. Come out of the wood, walk by the side of the field and eventually you will come out onto a track turn right here and head for Lord’s Bridge. Over the bridge and follow the track, at the crossing of ways walk straight ahead up the hill eventually you will come out onto the road from Wensley to Redmire. Cross over the road, through the narrow little pathway by the house out into open fields, over the railway line and keep going to come out in Preston under Scar.

Turn right, follow the road for a few yards then bear right again. Down hill now, over the railway line and after the last cottage on the right follow the footpath off to the right through the gate. Across the field coming out on the road again, again turn right and walk to the next footpath sign on your left into the wood. Through the wood following the signs for Hellgill Cottage but immediately before the cottage take the footpath off to the left. Continue down the long, long field coming out onto Bolton Park driveway. Here turn left and follow to Wensley. Turn right to take you back down to the bridge and your vehicle.

We were looking forward to having lunch at the Three Horseshoes but it was closed so we popped to Leyburn and enjoyed our soup at Black Swan on the market place.

Come and stay in one of our beautiful cottages and enjoy this walk and many others too! Call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly help and advice or of course do book online if you prefer.

See you soon!