Walk from Coverbridge Inn near Middleham, lower Wensleydale

Who knows how far we walked, some said seven miles, some six miles so we’ll call it six and half miles, all flat going, and really very, very pleasant. Lovely views to enjoy and walking on the sunny side of the dale!

Park in the Cover Bridge Inn car park, no restrictions and set off in the direction of East Witton over the bridge. Immediately over the bridge take the footpath on the left and walk along the riverside. Couldn’t see any wild life, perhaps it was too cold and everything was staying in doors, but there were geese honking nearby although we couldn’t see them. Continue on until you eventually come out onto A6108.

Again keep left, there’s quite a verge here to walk on and a few yards along brings you to Jervaulx Abbey, stop here awhile if you wish to explore. To follow the walk pass through the metal gate after the main entrance into the abbey. Walk along the track through the park with the abbey on your left and come out on a narrow road, again turn left. Keep going until you come to a pretty bridge with arches, Kilgram Bridge on the map, and turn left after the bridge through a large metal gate.

Continue to the little village of Thornton Steward (if wet skirt round the ploughed field, but you may be okay depending on the time of year and be careful when going through the farm yard. Sounds horrendous but really it’s all fine)

Start to enjoy the elevated views from here looking across to East Witton, Coverdale and with stately Penhill and even Addlebrough in the far distance. Through Thornton Steward, a very pretty village with village green and lovely cottages, follow the signs for St Oswald’s, dating from the 11th century and reputedly the oldest church in Wensleydale. Pass through a wood leading down to the park land of Danby Hall, walk in front of the house following the track, pass a converted mill on your left and keep going until you reach Ulshaw. Over the bridge and you’re back to Cover Bridge and the car park. Stay awhile at the Cover Bridge Inn famous for it’s ham and eggs if you wish or away up the hill to East Witton to the Blue Lion. Stay safe, plan your route and take your map and most of all enjoy!