Masham, past the Marfield Wetlands, Fearby, Six Dales Trail and back to Masham

On a truly beautiful October morning a little group of us set off to do a circular walk from Masham. Easy going walking, about eight miles, and the enticement of lunch at the White Bear in Masham to finish off with. Please do as always plan your route before you set off and take the map and GPS route if you have this. Snacks, drinks and appropriate footwear and clothing are essential.

I was a little worried about the state of the ground when we set off as the weather the day before had been appalling and quite a bit of the route was unknown to me. The first obstacle being Swinney Beck at Low Spelder Banks, but I needn’t have worried it was just a little stream and there were a few stepping stones to take you over safely. Also Dawson’s Lane is reputed to be muddy but again it was fine and very passable.

So, it being market day we thought it easier to park at The Home by the cricket ground on the north side of Masham, OS Grid Ref: SE 22607 81015. Walk back out onto the A6108 and turn right towards the bridge in the direction of Ripon.  Before the bridge and to the left of it you will see a footpath and footpath gate, follow through here walk along the river bank to High Mains Farm. In front of the farm go through the gate and cut across the little field to the next gate then sharp left onto the track to High Mains Cottages, follow on here, crossing over the bridge with a view of Marfield Wetlands and out onto the road at Mile House Farm.

To the right of the farm house take the track to Low Spelder Banks, through the farm yard following the way markers to the right and through the gate and carefully over Swinney Beck. Up the long field by the wood and to the top right hand corner over the stile into the wood and Dawson’s Lane, follow to the road, Feary Cross. Straight on over the junction and follow the road for a few yards to Fearby and its expansive village green. A few yards into Fearby and you will see a finger post off to the left, take this and go down the long field to the left hand corner, left here, east, and follow the path out onto the single track road again. Turn right down the hill to Micklebury Lane, right down the lane and take the path which indicates Masham Golf Course 1 miles on the left.

Follow the path as best you can, there is a large arable field here which was ploughed and carefully seeded so we skirted round the edge to eventually bring us back to a stile and the path. Cross the field to Shaw’s Farm and associated farm buildings, wend your way in between buildings following the track and still follow with the wood on your right. After a few yards after leaving the buildings you will see a little footpath going through the undergrowth on your right, there is way marker for you to find to reassure you you are on the path! Go on through Shaws Wood until you come to the golf course. You will see on your right a metal bridge, so pass the bridge and immediately you will see a way marker, follow the way which doubles back to the bridge. Over the bridge, click, clack, rickety rack, and turn left into the wood. Pick you way carefully through here, it was little slippery and there were tree roots to negotiate but quite passable. Out onto the golf course again, keep going straight ahead, the bridge soon comes into view and a stile to the right of the this.

Over the road to the stile directly opposite and keeping to the river side, the River Burn, the path soon leaves the golf course but we’re still walking by the river. Follow along until you come to Low Burn Bridge and Thorpe Road. Turn left, cross over the bridge, then right on the Ripon Rowel Walk. After while we leave the River Burn and come back the River Ure, follow along here past the Sewage Works and back to the houses, here double back on yourself to find the path down through the wood and back to the Ure, follow along which brings you nicely back to the cricket ground and your vehicle!

We have some lovely cottages and the surrounding area, have a look on our website or call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne for friendly help and advice on 01969 663559 or of course you can book your chosen cottage online. See you soon!