Stunning Circular Walk from Aysgarth

On yet another glorious morning in the Yorkshire Dales we set off from Aysgarth village in Wensleydale to walk about five miles. An interesting walk and one that can be done at a leisurely pace to enjoy everything before you. Park in Aysgarth, there is a lay by opposite Hamilton’s café, one to remember for later, the café that is, or anywhere you can get. Sometimes good to park by the little triangle of village green where the war memorial is.

Please do plan your route beforehand, take GPS, map, compass, wear appropriate clothing and footwear and always take drinks and snacks.

From Aysgarth village leave the A684 and head off in an easterly direction with the bus stop on your left and then the chapel on your right. Continue down this narrow road to the first stile at Field House, the white house on the left, through the stile on up to the next and then along a narrow lane to reach open fields. Keep going, through the stiles to come out opposite the church gates, Grid Ref: SE 01197 88494. From here, by turning left, you can walk down to the falls if you wish, stop for a cuppa, if you’re ready, at the Mill Race Teashop, look in the gift shop where you’ll find lots of beautiful items to ponder on but then it’s back to the church yard by ascending the steps opposite the cafe and the church yard. Make your way to the church and turn left.

For those who didn’t venture to Aysgarth Falls, cross the road and enter the church yard, follow the path to the church, have a peak in, it’s a beautiful church and usually open. Follow the path straight ahead, down the slope coming to another stile and open fields again, east. Head for the wood in front of you, more stiles, through the wood, into the fields again and continue on to Hestholme Bridge, gates and stiles to negotiate but so pretty down here. Not only are you walking by the River Ure but you can also see the drumlins on your right. I’m always fascinated by these smooth humps, just left there from the eruptions of many millennia ago.

Once at Hestholme Bridge and out onto the A684, turn left and walk the few yards over the bridge. Immediately over the bridge turn off the road on the right to walk up hill through a little wood and then a long field which will bring you out onto the B6160 and Edgley Farm. A few yards down the road take the stile on the left. Continue on now walking more or less south, behind Sorrelsykes, past the obelisks, up a short hill, over a stream and through a stile. Cross the field and through the gateway, down a short hill, past a barn and through another gate. From here continue to West Burton on the well walked path. Out onto the single track road, over Burton Bridge and onto the B6160 again at the bottom of West Burton. Turn left and walk along the cobbled path continuing along the road to the junction, bear left into West Burton and continue up the hill taking the right fork into the one way system. After a few yards there is gate, the second gate, with stile attached next to the Reading Room You can, of course, walk into West Burton to explore, look at the pretty Cauldron Falls, call at the shop, call at the Fox and Hounds but eventually come back to The Reading Room. Through the stile, walk along the narrow path and out to the road again, the B6160. Cross the road, veering a little to the right to find another gated stile. Into the field here and continue until you reach Eshington Bridge.

Over the bridge and walk straight ahead along Eastfield Lane for a few yards, to the sharp bend, and then go through the stile at the corner on to the next stile and up the steep hill, keep going following the footpath eventually to cross over Dykehollin Lane and then over and down to Garths Lane and to Aysgarth garage. Pass the garage, cross the road where you can to the causeway and back into Aysgarth village.

Just a stunning walk with wonderous views and plenty of interest. Do come and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages and enjoy this walk, along with miles of others to find! Call me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne, on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone or, of course, do book online if you prefer.

We’re very much looking forward to hearing from you quite soon.