Three excellent walks in Lower Wensleydale

Have a look at these circular trails in Lower Wensleydale, in or just outside the northern and central area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. They are all about 10 miles long and will take approximately 5 hours to complete. The walks include visits to some of the region’s most beautiful places such as Carlton, West Burton, West Witton, Leyburn and Aysgarth Falls.

---

One Ordnance Survey map covers these fabulous Lower Wensleydale routes

The best map to use is the Ordnance Survey map of the Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Area, reference OS Explorer OL30, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.

---

Walk 1 – Carlton and West Burton

West from the village of Carlton to Cote by way of Howden Scar. The path crosses the moor between Harland Hill and Height of Hazely. North to the waterfall at West Burton before continuing to Burton Bridge and heading north-east via Morpeth Gate to Morpeth Scar. East along High Lane to Penhill Farm and finally south over Melmerby Moor back to the starting point. A 10-mile walk in Lower Wensleydale.

---

Walk 2 – Leyburn Shawl and Preston-under-Scar

West from Leyburn to Preston-under-Scar via Leyburn Shawl and Tullis Cote, then on to the village of Redmire. South-east to West Wood to pick up a track which passes Bolton Hall and leads to Wensley, and lastly north-east across farmland to return to Leyburn. A 10-mile walk in Lower Wensleydale.

---

Walk 3 – West Burton and Aysgarth Falls

North from West Burton along Eshington Lane to the church near Aysgarth Falls, then north-east by the side of the River Ure to reach Hestholme Farm. Further north-east, generally following the course of the river, all the way to Wanlass Park, before turning south into West Witton by way of Flats Lane. West out of the village via Green Gate to Morpeth Scar followed by a south-westerly descent to West Burton. A 10-mile walk in Lower Wensleydale.

---

Look at these walking guides

Three very good paperbacks from the Amazon Cicerone store. There are many others to choose from. Although I make up my own walking routes, I regularly look at these guides for inspiration.