Walking Along The Shawl from Leyburn

It’s been ages, maybe even years, since I’ve walked along the Shawl, a path leading from Leyburn towards Bolton Castle, however long, it’s been far too long. The Shawl is one Leyburn’s most cherished, and well walked, footpaths leading west from the town along a limestone ridge. To try and describe the views is not truly possible but magnificent could be a place to start, sweeping views across Wensleydale, across to Pennhill, up to Addlebrough and beyond to imagine where Hawes may be. Of course the name, The Shawl, is wrapped in local legend telling the tale of Mary, Queen of Scots who was held captive at nearby Bolton Castle in 1568 and as she attempted her escape across the ridge she dropped her shawl on the way. Some feel the story is untrue but it’s nice to have legend, true or false, floating in the air as you walk.

My friend Den and I thought I was time to walk together in a circular manner starting from Leyburn. A walk of about five miles, not too arduous, and, of course, truly amazing views. Please do plan your route beforehand and take GPS, compass and map  Wear appropriate clothing and footwear and take drinks and snacks to sustain you until you return to Leyburn.

Park in Leyburn, wherever you can, or even better in the Long Stay carpark, if travelling by car. Look to the west of the market place to Commercial Square with Campbells grocery in the right hand corner. From here carry on straight ahead along Shawl Terrace which in turn leads to The Shawl. Take your time and enjoy the experience of walking along here to the full, continue along the well walked path to go into the little wood and when you come to a fork on the path go down hill into open fields, The Scars, follow on until you reach Tullis Cote. Onwards along the track and down hill, past the chimney and disused buildings to come out onto the road from Preston under Scar.

Walk across the road and into the field, then it’s over the railway line and down to the road. Turn left, walk a few yards and turn right into the wood. Vere off to the left where there is the Private Road sign and just before the bungalow turn left through a stile gate. Again follow the path down into Wensley Park and a concrete road. Turn left and continue on until you reach the A684 and Wensley. Head down to the church, then left heading for Masham, over the little bridge and turn left up the hill along the single track road turning sharp right. Eventually on your right you will see a stile gate and open fields. Here on the gate post is a little commemoration to Italian POW’s May 1944.

Through the fields now, through the wild flower meadow, through stiles to eventually come out on the A684 near to Leyburn. Turn right up the hill and soon you’re back to the market place.

A wonderful walk with magnificent views, just stunning. All our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages are well within travelling distance to Leyburn. Please do book, 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.

We are very much looking forward to hearing from you.