Circular Walk in Walden Dale

Geoff needed the car and so I set off from home to walk up Walden. A lovely, lovely circular walk with glorious views and quite easy going. In spring the wild flowers can be amazing.  The walk is just over five miles setting off from West Burton.

Do, as always, plan your route beforehand and take GPS, map, compass and whistle. Pack your essentials, food, drink, plenty of snacks to nibble and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Don’t forget the weather can change from setting off to returning so be prepared.

Park by the village green if coming by car and make your way down to the waterfall area. Here you’ll find the prettiest of waterfalls, Cauldron Falls. Lots of wild swimming goes on here, perhaps take a dip on your return? So…… Over the little pack horse bridge, I’ve always know it as Blue Bridge, and follow the path up hill, turn right once through the stile and continue on to the first signpost for Rookwith Bridge off to the right, south. Follow the path, through the fields, past Riddings, past Rookwith Bridge to come out onto the road, Walden South, Whiterow Road, and near to Cote Bridge. Turn right, over the bridge and then take the next footpath on the left, Grid Ref: SE 01770 85663.

From here follow the path through the fields to Cowstone Gill House. Follow the signs around the house then turn right onto the track and walk up to the road, Walden North, Temple Lane. Turn right and follow the road for a little way, north, past the entrance to Cross Farm and to the next footpath signpost on your left into the wooded area. It’s so pretty through here, take your time to enjoy. Come out into fields and keeping going more or less north, past the stile that is taking you nowhere, to a gate. Pause to take in the view and maybe catch your breath. Through the gate and again follow the path, through the young trees to the edge of the wood, It can be a little wet down here so be careful and pick your way through.  You can see into Bishopdale and across to Thoralby from here and down into Wensleydale. Once at Forelands, out on to the driveway, cross over and through the stile gate. You’ll pick up the stiles, or the way, as you venture downhill through rough grass and reeds. In the third field, I think it is, keep a look out for the stile on your left to take you down a steep, short hill. Head towards the tumbledown barn. Over the little stream, Little Beck, there is a bridge, through the stile gate and turn right again, keep going through the fields to come out at Town Head at the top of West Burton. Never tire of this view down the village, just wonderful!

Do come and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages and enjoy this walk and many others you’ll find on this blog. Call me, Nadine, or my daughter, Joanne, on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone or, of course, do book online if you prefer.

We are, as always, really looking forward to hearing from you!