Wensleydale

Cotterdale from Appersett

7.8 miles | 12.5 km | 306 m Ascent | 9.3 Naismith miles | Mary Taylor
How many Dales are there in the Yorkshire Dales? It sounds like the sort of question that should have a definitive answer, but not so – the consensus is at least 20 but maybe up to 60 depending on what you define as a Dale, and what geographical limits you accept. What is clear, is that some are less well known as others, and one that is often overlooked is Cotterdale; Not because its unattractive, but probably because it’s a “dead end” dale – the road leads to the village of Cotterdale and then stops, so there is no through traffic.
In our opinion, the lack of traffic is a good reason to visit – but it’s not the only one. This moderately challenging walk also offers a lot more: great views over Wensleydale almost as far as Garsdale Head, a lovely dales village, the potential for a short diversion to a perfect picnic spot, excellent views from Cotter End down to Hawes, before a tranquil riverside stroll back to the start with railway viaducts, a hidden waterfall, and the opportunity to add a visit to Cotter Force, all available on the return leg.

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Appersett Mosaics

6.4 miles | 10.3 km | 270m Ascent | 7.8 Naismith miles | Kate Rowe
This easy walk offers great views and includes a number of the Millennium Mosaics placed around Hawes in 2000.
The route starts by crossing the Widdale Beck, then the River Ure before climbing up to Hardraw. From there we go to Simonstone and take a path along the fellside into Sedbusk Village. We start back on the Sedbusk lane, but soon divert left to head down to the River Ure at Haylands Bridge.
We then follow the river upstream until we meet the A684 where we walk left along the road for a very brief spell before heading up onto the fells again at Thorns. A path along Spillain Green Sike offers good views of cascading waterfalls before we head back down to a minor road at Appersett Viaduct. From there we follow the road downhill back to the cars. On route we see eight of the twenty two mosaics.

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Semerwater from Bainbridge

9.8 miles | 15.8 km | 492 m Ascent | 12.3 Naismith miles | Sandra Craggs
Our walk starts from Bainbridge and initially follows a Roman road known as the Cam High Road up Wensleydale until we overlook Burtersett. We then cross the ridge into Raydale, and head down to Marsett where we cross the river, walk through a nature reserve and over toward the atmospheric old church at Stalling Busk.
From there we track round Semerwater – again in a nature reserve – to visit the lake shore at Turner’s seat. The final part of the walk sees us follow the river Bain back to Bainbridge, with good views over the site of the Roman fort of Virosidum.
Although quite long, and steep in places, this walk offers great views, and an opportunity to explore some of the quieter parts of the Yorkshire Dales.

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