Home > Walking in the Dales > Stunning linear walk from Askrigg to West Burton

30/07/23

Stunning linear walk from Askrigg to West Burton

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Walking from Askrigg to West Burton via Aysgarth Falls

The weatherman had promised good weather, there was one last survey of bees in the SSSI field in Askrigg (carried out for just six weeks of the year whilst the wild flower meadow is at its most beautiful) where I was meeting friends to help.  The feeling of needing to walk by the River Ure from Askrigg to Aysgarth Falls and back home to West Burton was too strong to resist and off I went, route planned, rucksack packed with plenty of water and snacks. The weather was going to be hot so sun cream was needed but even so I did have my usual fleece and waterproof with me just in case.

Because it’s a linear walk I caught the Little White Bus from West Burton to Askrigg, a very pleasant and convenient thing to do.

A walk of about six and a half miles, mostly level going, with amazing views across Wensleydale and with Penhill visible in the distance, the base of which was of course my destination. Please do plan your route beforehand and take your GPS, compass, map and do wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

After the bee survey was completed we all went to have delicious scones and coffee at Bake Well in Askrigg, for me essential before I embarked on my way home. We sat in the sun and chatted and watched the world go by.

The walk starts at Silver Street, just opposite and down the road a few yards from Bake Well. Walk along Silver Street until the road forks then veer off to the right and follow the path down to Worton Bottoms, part of the way is along a flagged path. Once out onto the road turn left, do not go over the bridge, and walk to the corner where the road turns left. Through the stile at the corner and into the next field. Follow to Nappa Mill along the river side. Negotiate the buildings and stiles, there are markers then follow the path turning onto the disused railway line. From here keep going, sometimes on the railway line, sometimes walking in pasture land, always with the River Ure in sight. I saw geese, goosanders, mallards, egrets, even a red start, heard the birds who were very happy that the sun was shining, gazed upon many wild flowers, contemplated amazing stone walls near Lady Hill. Eventually you come to the track down to the footbridge at Ballowfield. Cross the track, through the stile and head north east to pick up the railway line again. After a little while the path leaves the disused railway line and you walk through the fields to walk past the north side of Bear Park. Loop round and follow the markers back down to the railway line and wood and continue until you come out at High Force at Aysgarth Falls. I paused here a while to enjoy listening to and watching the water, the antics of a ‘raft’ of mallards (just Googled that, you learn something every day!) and had lunch.

Forever onward, continue on the path which brings you out onto the road at Yore Bridge. Turn right, go over the bridge, the Mill Race Tea Room was open so of course just had to call for an ice cream. Then up the steps into the church yard, follow on past the church, St Andrew’s, do look in it’s a beautiful church, then take the path in front of you, down and up through the coppiced trees and eventually come out onto the A684. Carefully over the road, through the stile, my destination really comes into sight now and as I progress along the path, down and back up again. The view is something I will never tire of looking down to West Burton, sometimes I really can’t believe that it is where I live. Over Eshington Bridge and take whichever route you choose back to West Burton, there’s a choice of two. Wonderful!

We have cottages in West Burton, Green Bank to sleep eight plus one dog, Ivy Cottage to sleep six, The Old Wheelhouse, Jesmond Cottage, Bridge View, Cherry Tree Cottage, Hazeley Cottage and Hill Top Cottage in Walden, all sleep four, Barton Cottage and Beck Side both sleep two and of course all our cottages are not far away. Do call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne to book over the telephone on 01969 663559 and for friendly help and advice or of course do book online if you prefer on our Country Hideaways website.

Hear from you really soon!



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Country Hideaways

Written By Nadine Bell

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