Walking round Marfield Wetlands, Masham

Another sunny morning and another lovely walk from Masham this time we will actually go through Marfield Wetlands. A walk of about three miles, all very easy going, with lovely views across the lakes and the countryside, birds galore, lots of wild flowers. Another adventure, you know it doesn’t take a lot, exploring a footpath not previously walked by me.

Do always wear appropriate clothing and footwear, plan your route beforehand, take GPS, map and compass and pack drinks and snacks in your rucksack. Plenty of parking on Masham market place or at the cricket field on the north side off the town opposite The Avenue.

Wherever you have parked make your way to The Avenue and to the right hand side of Bank Villa. Here there is a little road that takes you up quite a steep incline to the Black Sheep buildings. Look to your right by the staff carpark and find a footpath sign that takes you between the Black Sheep Brewery and the row of houses. Continue along here through fields and stiles following the way markers until you come out onto the road down to the Wetlands and the Old Fever Hospital from Leyburn Road at OS X (Eastings) 422092  OS Y (Northings) 481830. Turn left and continue in the direction of Leyburn Road. As you near the road there is a pathway going off to the right with a sign saying how far the Hides are away along the path and now my adventure begins. Being very ignorant about the ways of bird watching wasn’t even sure what a Hide meant, so ever onwards……. The path is a little overgrown but very passable, keep going to the first hide which is little bench, an interpretation board of what birds you may be able to see and the perfect place to sit, have a snack if you wish and ponder the day overlooking the wetlands, very, very pleasant. When you’re ready continue along, the next hide is signposted off to the right if you want to explore. The path soon turns sharply to the right, continue on down through the wood the next ‘proper’ look out point over the wetlands. Again ponder a while if you wish then off on the path again.

Once out of the wood turn right, south, and continue along by the water, so very pretty on here, for me there were mallards with chicks although quite grown up now and I could hear geese to the left on a larger lake, there were wild flowers everywhere. Explore the area more if you wish but end up coming out at the Old Fever Hospital at the entrance to the wetlands. Through the gaps for people, continue along the track until you reach the metal hand gate on the left where you originally came out of, through and back in the direction of Masham, the church steeple is there to guide you, take the right hand option to take you back to the front of Black Sheep Brewery but the choice is yours. You can retrace your steps if you wish by veering to the left.

Lots of places to eat and drink in Masham, so explore for a while, after all you’ve only done three miles! We have lovely Country Hideaways holiday cottages in Masham and of course all our cottages are well within travelling distance to hear. Call me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne, on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly help and advice or, of course, do book online if you prefer.

See you very soon!