Walking in the Yorkshire Dales - A Walker's Guidebook

Guidebook to 50 of the author’s favourite walks in the English Yorkshire Dales. All the walks are circular, and range from 4.5 to nearly 8 miles. They vary from simple valley strolls (ideal as half-day ‘family rambles’) to strenuous fell expeditions. Hand-written and profusely illustrated in Jack’s highly distinctive style

View Sample Route Map

1 - Marske Beck

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Distance: 5½ miles
Parking: Marske, 4 miles W of Richmond. Parking space (honesty box) at W side of bridge. Grid Ref: 104 005

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The exquisite valley of Marske Beck, although not large enough to be regarded as a separate Dale, is a microcosm of Swaledale itself. From the superb green track along the top of Telfit Bank the scene far below is one of sylvan beauty, with the sparkling beck winding its way through woods and meadows below a splendid limestone edge. There's a long, steady climb from Helwith to Munn End Gate; all the rest is easy walking.

Route Directions

1. Cross bridge and go L down steps. In 80yds take small gate on R. Follow path ½ L uphill, skirting to R of hollow.
2. Go L along farm road, which soon becomes a woodland track.
3. When track forks keep L (straight on - blue arrow). Through gate and along green path.
4. At farm go sharp L down concrete road. At road junction by large modern barn go straight on (BW sign) to follow farm road to Telfit Farm.
5. At farm fork L (wm) through gate (wm) to rising cart-track. When track swings L go straight on through gate in wall. Keep straight ahead, descending a rough, rutted path.
6. On nearing stream go L to gate (wm). Follow clear path along valley, ignoring any paths going L uphill.
7. Ignore footbridge. Go straight on through crumbling wall, then turn sharp L to climb stony cart-track (broken wall on L).
8. Pass between two wooden posts at wall-corner and go L along track. Keep straight on at junction of tracks. Broad green track eventually comes alongside wall on R.
9. Turn R down tarmac lane. Take stile on L (FP sign) by small building. Cross field diagonally to stile, then forward alongside fence on L. Keep straight on to bridge.
10. Cross bridge and turn R to follow LH of two paths, which leads you back to small gate used at start of walk. (Note: Before reaching this gate keep L above trees to avoid a boggy section).