Longer Circular Route from the National Park Vistor Centre at Aysgarth Falls

If you read the last blog you’ll know I was going to do a route past the stepping stones if the River Ure was too high to past over safely. This walk is really lovely, if not nicer as it takes you higher and the views in places into Bishopdale and Wensleydale are quite wonderful. A walk of about seven miles, mostly easy going but with a couple of short, sharp hills.

Please always plan your route beforehand, take the map, GPS and always pop in your compass. Wear appropriate clothing and good footwear, take plenty of snacks and drinks too.

We’re setting off from Aysgarth Falls again, so, which ever side of the river Ure you’re on, make your way to the front of St Andrew’s church, don’t forget to have a peek in if you’ve time, a wonderful church steeped in history. Then take the path along the south side of the church in an easterly direction. Follow this path through fields, woods and alongside the river, a really pretty walk, coming out eventually at Hestholme Bridge. Cross over the bridge and walk a few yards along the road looking out for a path off to the left by the metal gate. Through here, over a couple of fields, through the little wood behind Adam Bottoms and soon you’re through another stile with, on your left, the stepping stones. Once at the stepping stones pass by and follow the path to Redmire Force, such a pretty little waterfall, well worth a pause. Continue on through the wood, the path is well walked, and out into open pasture. Follow on in an easterly direction and then take the grassy track to Fairhurst’s Farm Shop, (it may still be marked to Berry’s) south, this in turn leads to a concrete track, follow up the hill and come out on the A684. If you’d like to stop at Fairhurst’s, always great food there, we love stopping for a warm freshly baked scone and a ‘cuppa’. Ever onwards going to the right, west, past the bus stop for a few yards then carefully cross the A684 to take the road/track opposite. Progress up the hill, it is quite steep in places but not unachievable. Once at the top of the first rise ignore the path on this level but go on further to the next, veering off to the right across an open pasture, it is signposted. Follow on here to Knights Templar, pause here a while to explore if you wish.

Continue on over the track from Temple Farm and walk along a long, long field with the wood on your right. Over the stile into open pasture land and along here are views to ponder over and enjoy, keep going, follow the path to come out on Morpeth Gate. Turn right and progress down the hill, past Howraine Farm to the bridge. You have come to the bottom of West Burton now, follow the road onto the village and pause awhile here if you like. Once on your way again walk down past the shop, up then down the hill to The Reading Room. Here you will see a stile and a gate on the left of the house. Through the stile, along the narrow path coming out on the B6160. Cross the road and take the stile just over the road. Cross the fields coming out at Eshington Bridge, over the bridge, round the corner then take the stile on the left. Up the field and through the stile to the left of the building, continue on the path, down into the deep then up the other side, through another field coming out on the A684. Cross over the road to take the narrow road down to the church and back to your vehicle.

I think you deserve at the very least an ice cream now! We have beautiful Country Hideaways cottages for you to enjoy, all well withing travelling distance of this walk. If staying in West Burton you can make your starting point from there. 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.

Hear from you quite soon!