Quite an eventful walk the other day a lesson in being prepared for just about anything! We set off from West Burton on a relatively calm day and our planned walk was about six and a half to seven miles, a walk of sensational views into Walden, Bishopdale and of course Wensleydale. We knew we had hills to tackle but we weren’t only battling up hills but as we turned to the west we were battling against the wind too. At one point I just wanted to sit down with my head in my hands and try and make it all go away but…… that wasn’t going to help anything or anyone so hood up, arms swinging strongly and off again! Please do always go prepared, wear appropriate clothing, or have it available in your pack, and good footwear, plenty of snacks and drinks. Prepare your route beforehand and take the map, GPS and compass.
We set off from West Burton and it would have been nice to walk to the waterfall, up the fields and east along Barrack Wood but we’ve had quite a bit of rain recently and the path through the wood can be very muddy and slippy so walked down the village to the junction of the B6160, headed in the direction of Leyburn and turned right over the little bridge opposite Grange Farm Cottage and signed to Witton Steeps. Follow the road, which quickly turns into a track, marked as Morpeth Gate on the map, past Howraine and here the way starts to get a little steep, head down and carry on through the trees to the next level, keep going, the way starts to climb again and then you will notice a little metal gate on the left, SE 02672 87516, through here and you’ll find some easy going flat land for a while. The views along here of Bishopdale and Wensleydale are just quite wonderful, take your time to enjoy.
Eventually you reach a track which comes from the direction of Temple Farm, over the track through the stile and in front of you are the remains of a Preceptory, Knights Templars, known locally as Templar’s Chapel. Spend some time here if you wish to investigate this small area. Our route then heads up hill, do not follow the tree line as before, head for the large metal gate in between the trees. Through here, the gate can be quite awkward but achievable, follow the track and come out onto a concrete single track road. Turn right and walk up hill, really quite steep here, to come out onto the High Lane, SE 03796 88130. Turn right. For us the wind really started to hit us but wasn’t anything out of the ordinary up there. We walked along, enjoyed the view and the downward track coming to a junction of ways. Follow the track to the left in the direction of West Burton. Here I might say a little of this finger post, for me I don’t agree that you should be sent up this way, going down the Fossil Field can be quite slippy and is very steep. Far easier if going to West Burton to continue down Morpeth Gate. Enough!
Follow the track past Nancy Nick and Knarlton Knot (what wonderful names) to Hudson Quarry. By this time the wind had really picked up but we felt we were intrepid, of course! Give it time! We are now into Open Access land and there is no official path from this point. Through the quarry which is literally just a few mounds now as it is all overgrown, through the gate and pick up the tracks left by quad bikes, keep going, through another gate always heading for Thupton Gill in Walden. At this point I was beginning to give in but I knew we were nearing where the land starts to descend. Carefully follow the quad bike markings, down and down, over a little stream, I presume Thupton Gill itself, up through the break between the two new plantations on the grassy swathe to find hidden behind the trees a gate! Through here, turn right, again follow the way and come out onto the track SE 02409 85287. Pause to take in the vista opening out again, over Walden and into Wensleydale. Through the gate here and carefully descend down the stony track towards the disused chimney. Out onto Walden Road, follow over Cote Bridge, keep going and eventually come down into West Burton again where all was calm as before.
Do come and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways cottages and enjoy this walk. Please call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice or of course book online if you prefer. See you soon!
Written By Nadine Bell