Redmire to Castle Bolton, Dent’s House, Preston under Scar and back

I know I keep on saying this but I am still amazed as to how many footpaths I haven’t walked, it’s really quite mind boggling as to how many miles of paths and tracks there are in the glorious Yorkshire dales and Nidderdale and how they intertwine with one another. Make long walks, short walks, whatever length of walk and you could still put in a stretch that’s unwalked although most certainly by many others past and present. Please plan your route beforehand, take the map and perhaps a compass if you’re unsure.

Our walk on a mid January day was to set off from Redmire, we planned to meet just after nine o’clock making it convenient for me to catch The Little White Bus from West Burton. The others, they parked in the park at the north end of the village. Booted up and with hats and gloves on, we set off down and around the green to go past The Bolton Arms, up the hill to the ‘new’ houses and finding the finger post on the left hand side of the road. Follow the well trodden path across the fields with Bolton Castle always in view, over the disused railway line and onwards up the hill. Once in Castle Bolton turn left and then make your way up the track in front of the cottages to turn right along the bridleway at the corner of Park Lane House (403479,491889). Follow the track and make your way always uphill, the way is quite visible. From here the views are just tremendous across Wensleydale, into Bishopdale and Walden, totally breath taking and well worth a stop and a gaze.

Continue ever upwards well onto the moor, the view to the left (west) into East Bolton Moor was completely stunning, all pinks and soft umber, just had to take yet another photo! You soon come to Dent’s House (403036,494239) in a little dip, here turn right to follow Apedale Road eventually coming out onto the road, Hargill Lane. Turn right, follow down the hill to the next track on the left and then proceed along here. Continue past the disused mine workings, Cobscar Mill, and forgotten flue, there’s a little manmade lake too, keep going until you come to a cattle grid, do not go over the cattle grid (406856,492939) but turn sharp right, over the stile and follow the broken wall to the wood, through the wood and ever onwards coming out on the road. Turn right, ignoring the footpath opposite, and after a few yards take the footpath on the left opposite the start of the wood which is on the right hand side of the road. Follow through stiles, down the edge of a wood and eventually coming down into Preston under Scar. Right again on the road and through to the west end of the village. Ignore the first finger post but continue to the next (406736,491211) and make your way down the fields keeping a sharp look out for the green footpath marker by the road. Turn right on the road and walk a little way along until you come the next footpath sign, perhaps hidden a little on the bank on the left hand side. Again follow the signs, over the railway line, (don’t forget to whistle!) and come out in the Jonas Centre then onto the road into Redmire. A few yards on and you’ll see a finger post hidden in amongst the trees on the left, take this, down through the fields coming out on the green in Redmire.

Lunch beckoned so off to the Bolton Arms where we found a very cosy welcome with the log burner burning brightly and a good selection behind the bar.

Nearly nine miles, a long climb out of Castle Bolton but other than that easy going. We said we would like to do it the other way round next time so we wouldn’t miss any of the views above Castle Bolton. As always, dress appropriately, take a drink and snacks and most of all I hope you enjoy!