Wensleydale
One of the northern dales this offers a mixture of gentle rural scenery at the lower end to upland fells. The area contains the picturesque comunities of Leyburn [really a small town], Bainbridge, Askrigg and Hawes. There are many walking possibilities and good public transport access.
From the west the 113 Hawes village bus connects with the Settle-Carlisle Railway line at Garsdale. There are various buses eminating from Northallerton. In addition the Wensleydale Railway is trying to re-establish a link into the valley.
See also walks to and from the Moorcock Inn located at Gardsale Head and Coverdale, an off-shoot of Wensleydale
Walk - Great Shunner Fell [716m] - 10 miles- This is a very straightforward walk using the Pennine Way. Park at Hardraw just beyond the bridge over the beck where there are plenty of roadside parking spaces on the way out of the village.
Proceed out of the village in a westerly direction and imediately past the school building turn right up a farm track signposted 'Pennine Way'. The track winds it's way uphill and the view becomes more and more open eventually arriving on top of the fells. There are several tracks and paths braching off but stay with the the Pennine Way. The terrain levels out slightly eventually to arrive at the summit of Great Shunner Fell where there is a windbreak. The views into Swaledale to the north are excellent on a good day whislt to the west can be seen Mallerstang and Wild Boar Fell.
The return is either by the same route or free range due south into a valley where it is possbe to pick up the Hearne Coal Road a track which eventually meets up with the Pennine Way and thence back to Hardraw.
Take time to visit Hardraw Force, the highest waterfall in England, which is accessed through the Green Dragon public house. A small entrance charge is payable.
Information: Equipment: All walks have significant exposure even in Summer. Full equipment including boots, waterproofs, map and compass would be advisable
Maps Ordnance Survey OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central and OL19 Howgill Fells amd Upper Eden Valley
Travel Information: www.northernrail.org- Leeds-Settle-Carlisle timetable - National Rail enquiries tel 08457 484950
Train services (Mon -Sat) - Normal morning departure is the Leeds 0849 Shipley 0902 arriving at Garsdale at 1020. The usual return train from Garsdale toward Leeds is 1729 [Sat]
Also, it is important to realise that the operator will not always point out the cheaper versions journey prices. For instance, by booking a return ticket to Keighley (within the Metro area) taking advantage of Metro off peak fares on weekends and then Keighley to Kirkby Stephen or Garsdale this can result in a significant saving. These can be checked out beforehand using the internet on sites such as http://www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Other travel information- A useful link for travel services in the Dales- www.traveldales.org.uk or www.dalesbus.org-This includes all bus and train services
The Hawes Village Bus service No 113 provides Monday - Saturday service between Garsdale Station and Hawes and will go on to Hardraw by request. The bus can be hailed from anywhere on route but it might be advisable to phone. The bus connects with the southbound ad northbound trains key bus times being 1045 dep and 1720 arrival [Feb 09]. The service is operated by Little Red Bus 01423 426655 or contact the driver on 07971 061133 - see the link from www.dalesbus.orgWensleydale Railway - details of the service operated by the Wensleydale Railway currently from Leeming Bar to Redmire -17 miles. The service can be used for walks in the Castle Bolton and Aysgarth areas. There is a bus service No 73 connecting Northallerton to Leeming Bar. The Wensleydale Vintage Bus runs between Garsdale station and Redmire several times a week for most of the year (details on the Wensleydale Railway website).
Castle Bolton - a short 20 minute walk across the fields from Redmire, the present terminus of the Wensleydale Railway
This page was last updated on 03-Jan-2010
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©John Carey 2009