Swinithwaite to Swinithwaite!

It’s pouring it down this morning so very pleased we did plenty of walking last week but I have to tell you that I have entered into a Mighty Hike, a half marathon, to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support which is being held at the end of June. All the more reason for getting out the map and deciding where to walk. Living here I feel so lucky that I can walk from the doorstep and whichever direction I take know it will be just wonderful but not all walks radiate from West Burton and if you would like to browse our blog you will find lots of wonderous walks to enjoy, some long, some short but all in the most amazing countryside of the glorious Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale AONB.

If you feel you would like to sponsor me on my Mighty Hike, please follow the link here to donate on my JustGiving page. Many, many thanks.

But back to our walk last week! Deciding we hadn’t walked from Fairhurst’s in Swinithwaite for a while we met there, plenty of parking and of course a welcome ‘cuppa’ or lunch on our return. A walk of about six and half miles. Please always wear appropriate clothing and footwear, be prepared, snacks, drinks and always, always plan your route beforehand taking GPS, map and compass with you.

After parking and making sure we had everything we set off down the track which goes past the entrance door into Fairhurst’s in a north easterly direction OS Grid Ref: SE 04429 89228. Be careful down here it can be quite slippery when wet, follow the track down to open fields but turn left through the last gate before going through into the field in front of you, there is a finger post. Continue down here, following the track, veer a little to your left when you come to the trees in front of you and carry on to the right hand corner where you’ll find a stile. Through here and continue down hill towards the River Ure. Soon a wonderful little waterfall comes into view, Redmire Force. Sit here awhile to be mesmerised by the water flowing past if you wish. Then follow the path up the steps and at the top turn right, west. Follow along here until you come out at Hestholme Bridge, passing the stepping stones and walking through the little wood behind Adam Bottoms as you go. As we walked along here it was delightful, we saw geese, curlews, oystercatchers, herons and heard the little birds singing their spring song, just wonderful.

Once at the bridge, A684, turn right, go over the bridge and carefully walk along the road until you reach a stile on your left just as the road starts to bend to the right. Through here and again following the water, now Bishopdale Beck, look out for the confluence of the two becks after a few yards, Bishopdale Beck and Walden Beck, and keep going to walk through the lodges eventually arriving at Eshington Bridge. Turn left and make your way to West Burton. Once in West Burton and opposite the first house, turn left up the steps to go over Burton Bridge and continue along here to walk up Morpeth Gate. Walk for about one mile and half up the hill and turn left at the track, OS Grid Ref: SE 03791 88138, to take you down to Swinithwaite. Once to the A684, turn right, cross over the road and you’re soon back to Fairhurst’s and your vehicle.

Do come and enjoy this walk, 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 on our Country Hideaways website. We’ll look forward to hearing from you quite soon!