Walking in the Wensleydale from Bainbridge on to Worton and Askrigg and back

On another lovely morning in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales, promising to be hot later, we set off from Bainbridge for about an eight mile walk. A couple of climbs but nothing we couldn’t attempt. What a walk though, with wonderful views all the way round so plenty of stops to gaze in amazement at all before us. As always please plan your route beforehand, take the map and your GPS with you and wear appropriate footwear and clothing and as we did on a hot day plenty to drink and a good many snacks!

Park your car in Bainbridge and walk to the A684, over the bridge over the River Bain in the direction of Leyburn, past the garage and to the junction on the right signposted Semer Water and Stalling Busk. Turn into here and just a few yards after the junction you will see on your left a finger post. From here and follow the path, through the stiles to top of the hill, turn left and follow to the side of the wood, go through the wood and where the trees finish do not go through the stile into the field but take the left hand path down the rocky way, down through the trees coming out into open pasture. Follow the way of the finger post eventually coming out at Worton on the A684. Turn right.

Turn left in Worton after the bus stop, down the hill, over the bridge and follow the footpath sign on the right. Walk along the river bank, over a couple of little bridges, coming out at Nappa Mill. Turn left and then take the way to Nappa Hall and out onto the road. Turn left then turn right up Nappa Scar and Harr Gill to Heugh. Leave Heugh and take the next footpath on your left and follow down to Newbiggin. In Newbiggin cross the green and take the track straight ahead eventually coming out onto Moor Road. (Where it says Private Road take the narrow footpath on the left to open pasture.) Once out onto the road turn right.

Follow for a few yards then take the next footpath on your left and follow down to Mill Lane in Askrigg. Or if you would like to walk through the village just walk down the road and turn right behind the church onto Mill Lane. Keeping going to Mill Gill through the wood, if you look on your map you can see there are various routes to Skellgill Lane, take whichever one you fancy. Along Skellgill Lane to Skellgill, pass the houses to the Ford then swing round to the left, follow the track to Brockhill Cote, negotiate the footpath signs and follow to Wyrams and Breconbar and the road.  At Yorescott take the footpath through the farmyard, down over the disused railway line coming out at Yorebridge House. Turn right and the follow the road back into Bainbridge. Wonderful home made bakes at the Corn Mill Tearoom or try the Rose and Crown for something stronger!

If you’d like to stay in Bainbridge we have lovely Lion Cottage to sleep two, but with the option to sleep four if taking the Cub House, and of course most of our other cottages are nearby. Book online or call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly help and advice.