Walking in the Yorkshire Dales

There is no better way to appreciate the true beauty of our Yorkshire Dales location than by getting out there on foot. You'll discover a whole host of natural delights including waterfalls, wildlife, rivers and forests right on the doorstep of your luxury lodge.

WALK ONE: RIVER SWALE AND RICHMOND

There are many interesting and varied ways to walk into Richmond from our site but by far the most satisfying and rewarding is this charming river walk that takes you into the heart of the town along the river Swale, with some spectacular riverside glades and classic views of the castle and town itself.
 

• START/FINISH: Coast to Coast path
• DISTANCE/GRADE: 1.5 hours, leisurely
• TERRAIN: Fairly level, uphill on return
• CIRCULAR WALK:Yes

1. After crossing the stile that marks the boundary of our site turn left onto the Coast to Coast route and follow the road down for approximately half a mile until you find an access gate on your right into steep grazing pasture.

2. Go straight down and slightly to your right towards the gate at the bottom of the pasture that is immediately evident. Once you have passed through this gate continue a short way down the road through the houses until you reach a main road. At this point turn right and walk along the road until you see a car park sign across the road to your left.

3. Enter the car park and walk through past the toilets until you reach the bridge across the river. From here the walk affords you wonderful views of the river Swale in both directions. Once over the bridge turn left along the clearly marked path. This will take you along a scenic walk with the river to your left and Round Howe Wood to your right.

4. Follow this path for approximately one mile until the river and wood come together and then step carefully across the giant stones that hug the banks until you arrive at the edge of the town with dramatic views of Richmond Castle ahead of you.

5. Walk up the side of the bridge to the edge of the town and then you are presented with a choice of walking into the town itself or working your way back up along the Coast to Coast path at Westfields to arrive back where you started. For those looking for a more strenuous fi nish you can travel back up Hurgill road itself which offers a long uphill walk back to the top of our site.

WALK TWO: WHITECLIFFE WALK

A relatively short walk that offers huge variety and a microcosm of all that is wonderful about the Yorkshire Dales. It contrasts wonderful views of Swaledale with dark forest walks, river trails and dramatic cliffs with a dose of historical sites thrown in for good measure.
 

• START/FINISH: Coast to Coast path at bottom of site
• DISTANCE/GRADE: 2 to 2.5 hours, moderate
• TERRAIN: Fairly level, some uneven parts, sharp inclines
• CIRCULAR WALK: Yes

1. Leave the site at the intersection with the Coast to Coast route. After crossing the stile that marks the boundary of our site, turn right onto the Coast to Coast route and follow the road up for approximately 80 metres until you find a lane on your left.

2. Walking down this lane past Low Leases cottage the path turns fi rst to the right then left at which point superb views of the dales and Richmond Castle in particular can be seen to the left. At the bottom of the lane turn right and follow the path up and around past Lownethwaite Farm and then enter Whitecliffe Wood.

3. The wood broadly follows the path of the River Swale and after a short but rewarding walk, emerges into a wide riverside pasture. This is a perfect location for a picnic by the river, but if you choose to press on, cut across the meadow following the path of the river until you eventually come across a caravan site across the river. The views from here towards Marske are worth the trip alone.

4. At this point bear right up the shallow hill, passing a farm to your right (the path curves around the farm rather than through it ), until you reach a narrow tarmac road. At this point the cliffs themselves which give the walk and woods their name rear up before you.

5. Turning left the road crosses a cattle grid and works its way back to a main road. Instead of taking this route we recommend instead turning right and picking up the Coast to Coast route once more which bears left onto a grassy path just before East Applegarth Farm. Once higher on this path you can enjoy the most spectacular views of the walk with Swaledale to your left and the countryside leading to Marske to your right. Little wonder then that ancient inhabitants chose this location to site a fort, although nowadays it is little more than earth mounds, sited just before you re-enter Whitecliffe woods.

6. The woodland track eventually emerges onto a single track road which takes you past Whitecliffe farm and shortly afterwards to the start of the walk again, at the stile at the bottom of our site.