The Leaf Walk round Masham

You might have heard of the Leaf Walk round Masham, you may even have done it or when you walk it find that you have done parts of it. That was how it happened with me, each part of the walk has been previously walked but alas never realising that I was walking the leaves. Some are very prominent, you can’t miss but others are tucked away and take some finding. A walk of three miles, all easy going, with open views across the countryside and of the River Ure and the River Burn. Masham is just on the edge of the glorious Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale AONB, a wonderful place to explore a little, or a lot! It’s really great fun trying to find the leaves, fun for all.

Even a local, short walk with the church spire nearly always in view please do plan your route beforehand and take GPS, compass and maps. Always have something to drink and eat packed and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Set off from Masham market place, find the school in the east corner. Here search for the first leaf, the Acorn, then head south to St Mary’s Church. If you wish spend a little time here even look inside the church, it’s a lovely church to wander in. Perhaps the nicest route to take is the right hand path which takes you right round the church yard to leave here via a metal kissing gate to take you more or less north. Once in the field, there will be number two of your quest, the Standing Tree. Follow a well worn path down the hill to join with the Ripon Rowel Walk. Turn right and walk along the path by the river Ure, keep going on the path towards the wood in front of you. Along this stretch leaf number three is about, pass two benches and between the second bench and the wood you’ll find, hopefully, the third leaf, the Floating Leaf.

Into the wood leaving the River Ure behind, follow the path out to the road, turn left, over the bridge, cross the road and take the path on the left hand side of the bridge to walk along the river bank again, the River Burn. Continue along this path heading towards the golf course, number four leaf, the Shrine, is along here, before you reach the golf course by the river. This is the one I couldn’t find, it is quite overgrown along here, perhaps a winter walk will reveal it! Onto the golf course and head for the road. Once onto the road turn right, over the bridge and walk to the main entrance, into here and follow round to the right, across the course and up the little hill. Keep a look out for a finger post and rough steps to take you to a stile and out into pastureland. Continue along, up the hill and soon number five, the Enclosure, comes into view. An interesting one to walk around and catch the different shapes it makes.

Onward along the path, through the hand gates and following the way markers eventually you will come out onto a track, turn right, follow the road, pass the grain mill, over the little humpback bridge over Swinney Beck and continue down to the road from Fearby. Turn right to the main road and walk in the direction of Ripon and Masham Bridge along The Avenue. Take the footpath on the left before the bridge, through a hand gate follow the path and soon leaf number six will be revealed, the Footbridge. Retrace your steps back out to the road and make your way into the market place. If you turn left down the road into the Long Stay car park at The Holme towards the cricket field you can get into town that way by following the tarmacked foot path. You might even be lucky enough to see a cricket match being played. There’s a children’s playground, tennis, boules, spend some time here.

We have lovely Country Hideaways holiday cottages in Masham and others all within travelling distance of Masham. Call me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne, on 01969 663559 to book over telephone and for friendly help and advice or of course do book online if you prefer.

Looking forward to hearing from you very soon!