Walking from West Burton in Wensleydale in a circular manner, a short walk of about 4 miles

I suppose I have done this walk so many times I’ve never thought to relay it here but doing the route the other day felt it was just too good for anyone to miss. Easy going apart from a couple short ascents, lovely views so take your camera, along with your map of course if you’re not sure of the route. Quite a few stiles so if taking your dog think about how agile he is with these structures. Always wear suitable footwear and clothing if walking through the fields as you will be.

Park your car in West Burton, either by the green or at the waterfall area. If not parking at the waterfall make your way there. Over the pack horse bridge, known as Blue Bridge, turn left up the steps and follow the path to the field, ever onwards and upwards and into the next field. Keep going straight ahead in the direction of Barrack Wood and once at the wood turn left and walk along the well trodden path. This will eventually bring you out on Morpeth Gate, turn left and proceed down the hill, past Howraine farm coming out onto the road, the B6160, over another little bridge. From here turn right, cross the road to walk on the footpath and take the road to Aysgarth. When the footpath runs out you will notice a footpath sign, Eshington Bridge, through the stile and follow the wall side down to the next stile. Don’t go through the stile but turn left and walk through the fields, you’ll come to a stile, go through here and after a few yards another stile, go through here too.

Continue straight ahead until you eventually come to the B6160 again. Turn right and walk along the road a little way until you come to the righthand bend. Here you will notice a stile on the left hand side of the road, take this into the field and walk to the corner of the wall, follow the wall round until you come to yet another stile nearly by the little stream. Here is your next climb, through the stile and up the steep hill to next stile. Over the stile and cut across the field in a diagonal manner to the left hand side of the bungalows. You will soon see another stile which will bring you out at the top of West Burton. I love looking down from here so take a while to enjoy. Turn right up the hill and then at the farm, left up a track, Dame Lane. Go to the end which will bring you out onto a narrow road, right here and up the hill to the next stile on the left. Through here and walk diagonally to the right towards the line of single trees, past these and soon a little footbridge will come into sight. Over the bridge and Walden Beck, diagonally left over the field to the next stile. Again through the stile and follow the fence and wall to the next stile. Through here, over the little stream, keep going and pass below Riddings. The path is well defined, just keep going until you come back to the field and path you walked up from the waterfall area. Left here, down the hill to retrace your steps. Take a little while to enjoy the Cauldron Falls, if its hot take a dip!!! Great place for a picnic too.

Tempted to stay in West Burton? Find out more here. We’d love to hear from you as always!