Start the day on the right foot by lacing up your boots and discover what this 6.5km walk has in store. Starting and finishing in the village of Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales, this walk boasts a vast array of gems ready to discover. The rolling hills and farmer’s fields offer a stunning patchwork masterpiece, whilst the wonderful woodlands and rocky outcrops of Upper Wharfedale are waiting to be explored.
Grassington is a small market town in Upper Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales. There are many independent shops, pubs and cafes, making it the perfect spot for a walk. Did you know it is also the film set for ‘Darrowby’ in the TV Series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’?.
The route starts from the National Park Visitor Centre where there is parking and toilets. From here, make your way towards the market town’s square and high street. The road will fork off to the left, following the beautiful dry-stone walls of Cove Lane past the many stone field barns (also called Cowhouses). There are around 6200 of these in the Yorkshire Dales and they have been known to support some special species like Bats, Barn Owls and Swallows.
Keep following the path towards the woods to a style. This will take you to the foot of Grass Wood Nature Reserve, a beautiful Ash woodland with forest glades and exposed rock. It’s a must-see, especially in springtime when the forest floor is full of colour and life. It’s a moderately challenging hill through the woodland but there are plenty of places to pause and enjoy your surroundings (or catch your breath!).
From here, you will turn right towards Bastow Wood. Once you’ve navigated a few styles, you will turn right again along the dry-stone wall back towards Grassington. It’s a beautiful view and the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee from a flask!
Take the main bridlepath back towards Grassington and treat yourself in one of Grassington’s many pubs or cafes.
This route guide is part of the Taylor’s of Harrogate Coffee Bag Adventures Collection and was created by OS Champion Tom and Essi Troughton
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