From West Burton to Aysgarth in the Yorkshire Dales

A walk of up hills and down dales with just one longish pull above Thoralby otherwise pretty easy going. About five or six miles, as always wonderful views which are across Bishopdale and into Wensleydale. Three villages to walk through, a little low moor land and a little way on the road through Aysgarth. I’ve routed through Aysgarth so that you can call at Hamilton’s Tea Shop for a cuppa or indeed lunch, please note they are closed Tuesday’s and through the winter months.

Please plan your route beforehand, take GPS, map, compass, plenty to drink and plenty of snacks and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. There will be different terrains as you go along so do be prepared.

I suppose you could start at any point on this walk as we are walking through three villages but for me, living in West Burton, the easiest is from West Burton.

Park wherever you can in the village and perhaps start with leisurely peak at Cauldron Falls at the bottom of the green on the right hand side, or perhaps save this for your return! Head off in a south westerly direction up hill in the middle of the green to Town Head. At Town Head keep going straight along, following the stiles and sign posts, through Broats and the fields to bring you out onto a track which takes you to Newbiggin. Once on the track don’t turn left here but find the stile nearly opposite and take this footpath down to the road, Cross Lanes, B6160. Cross the road and follow to go to Thoralby. Over Mill Bridge, up the steep hill and at the top just after the mill, turn left for Littleburn to follow the footpath to Grid Ref: SD 99995 86438. Here take the footpath off to the right towards the houses in Thoralby.

Turn right at the road, Westfield Lane, walk a few yards and then take the right hand fork onto Humphrey Hill, walk up hill until you come to a narrow road off to the right. Walk a little way then veer off to the left and continue until  you meet another track, Haw Lane. Turn left, west. Continue on until the track turns sharp left, here keep going straight up the hill until you reach Folly Lane which eventually meets Flout Moor Lane. Carry on along here until you reach Thornton Road. Turn right and continue until you reach Aysgarth and the A684. Here walk in an easterly direction, stop at Hamilton’s if you so wish but otherwise follow the road until you come to the junction for Thoralby and the petrol station at Garths Lane. Walk a few yards along Garths Lane to a stile on the left, through here and follow the footpath to Eshington Bridge crossing Dykehollin Lane, all well walked and well signposted. Once at Eshington Bridge go over the bridge, turn right into the first field to again follow the footpath back to West Burton. Cross the B6160, up the concrete steps, turn right, walk along Back Nook until you come out on the green and to find your vehicle. Try the Fox and Hounds if in need.

Come and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages to enjoy this walk, all are cottages are well within easy travelling distance and in West Burton we have various cottages and apartments to choose from. Please do give me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne, a call on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice, or, of course, do book online if you prefer.

As always, Joanne and I are so looking forward to hearing from you!