Four Bridges walk in a circular manner from Middleham in the Yorkshire Dales

A very pleasant walk from Middleham taking in four well known bridges, crossing the River Cover twice and the River Ure twice, lovely views of the water and the surrounding countryside. Easy going for most of the way, nearly eight miles.

Please plan your route beforehand, wear appropriate footwear and clothing and take plenty to drink along with snacks although the route does pass a couple of pubs along the way and of course the walk starts and ends in Middleham.

Park in Middleham and set off along the Six Dales Trail on Canaan Lane to the east of Middleham Castle. Just a few yards past the castle take the stile your right and make your way through the fields, more or less in a westerly direction to come out at the Middleham end of The Gallops onto the road. Walk by the side of the road on the path passing Manor House Farm (Dante 1945) after here keep a sharp look out for a stile on your left by the first little bush. Over here and cross the large field in south westerly direction, over a stile and turning sharp left follow the footpath to bring you out at Hullo Bridge over the River Cover. Over the bridge and turn left, east, and follow a quite well worn the path with plenty of markers, to Braithwaite Lane. Follow the road into East Witton. Pause a while in East Witton if you wish. About a third to half way down the green just before the Methodist Chapel on your left follow the finger post to the left and make your way down the footpath to Cover Bridge, again over the River Cover. Once over the bridge turn right at the junction for Spennithorne. Over Ulshaw Bridge, which is quite an interesting bridge over the River Ure, and take the next footpath signed on the left at the junction. Follow the footpath to Spennithorne walking along the river side for a while but leaving the river the walk through arable land coming out onto Wood Lane. If in need of a little rest and refreshment, there is The Old Horn just a few yards off the path. Turn east along Mill Flatts lane, over a little footbridge, past Beggars Mouth, crossing the bottom of Middleham Lane (track) and continue on to Middleham Bridge and the A6108. Over the bridge on the road and turn at the sharp bend east along the track to Gel Pool. Pass here, there is nothing to see actually although it does sound interesting, and take the next footpath off to the left up a sharp little hill and through a gate. Continue up the hill, through various stiles coming out eventually in Middleham and back to your vehicle. If you keep to lower path, not going up the Park Lane although it doesn’t really matter, you will come to the Church at St Mary and St Akelda, follow the footpath through the churchyard to again bring you out into Middleham.

If you’d like to stay nearby we have some beautiful cottages for your holiday. Please call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone or of course you can book online if you wish. See you soon!