West Witton in glorious Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales

West Witton is a linear village perched on the lower slopes of Penhill in Wensleydale, a settlement known to have been here since Anglo Saxon times. Stone cottages, Georgian houses, a hint of Victorian, new builds all add to the mix of this vibrant little village with its thriving community. St Bartholomew’s Church is tucked away down a narrow side street and well worth seeking out. There are two hostelries, the Fox and Hounds and the Wensleydale Heifer both a very different experience but you’ll find a very warm welcome at either so why not visit each one in turn! A village shop, duck pond (I think there are ducks on there!), village hall and don’t forget West Witton is famous for Burning of Bartle an ancient tradition still carried out each year.

Extract from Wikipedia explaining Bartle ‘The village is famous locally for its "Burning of Bartle" ceremony held on the Saturday nearest 24 August, St Bartholomew’s Day. A larger than life effigy of 'Bartle' is paraded around the village, complete with glowing eyes. Bartle stops at various strategic places to recite the doggerel, before finally being burnt at Grassgill End to much merry singing.’ Sounds rather gruesome but there is fun to be had on the night.

Many footpaths take you down to the river, up Penhill, across to Middleham gallops, west further into Wensleydale. The views can be quite stunning and far reaching. Explore our blog and you’ll find lots of routes to explore. Just this last month we were on the hunt for the mosaics on the Bartle Trail. Time to get the map out!!

If you’d like to stay nearby we have stunning cottages in Wensleydale, have a look on our website for ideas and availability or do call me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice.