A Wensleydale walk
A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire, England, about 14.40km (8.95 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:15h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
388m (1272ft)
Descent
390m (1279ft)
Max. Elevation
540m (1771ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
778m (2551ft)
Start & End
Bainbridge
Distance
14.40km
(8.95mi)
(8.95mi)
Duration
~5:15h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
This walk packs in several of Wensleydale's highlights - a waterfall, cosy villages, and steep hillsides and scars for which the landscape is so famous. This route circuits the hills above the town of Bainbridge. There's a bit of off-path walking, so make sure you wear good boots.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
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A moderate, linear walk (riverside) starting in North Yorkshire, England, about 9.80km (6.09 mi) long, duration: ~2:45h.Apedale from Aysgarth
A moderate, circular walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in North Yorkshire, England, about 19.70km (12.24 mi) long, duration: ~6:45h.Walk Map
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Waypoints
OS Grid SD933903
Take the Dalesbus along Wensleydale to Bainbridge.
OS Grid SD934909
Cross over the river and follow the road north.
About 0.63 km (~0.39 miles) from 
OS Grid SD933914
Head up to the hamlet of Helm.
About 0.47 km (~0.29 miles) from 
OS Grid SD935918
Just north of Helm is Whitfield Gill, one of the dale's many impressive waterfalls.
About 0.45 km (~0.28 miles) from 
OS Grid SD929917
To avoid getting stuck on the steep slopes, retrace your steps from the waterfall and to the end of the track.
About 0.55 km (~0.34 miles) from 
OS Grid SD917927
A steady climb along the bridleway leads you up on to the escarpment. Pause to enjoy the views along Wensleydale as you go.
About 1.61 km (~1 miles) from 
OS Grid SD916937
Leave the path and cross over Whitey Gill. If it is in full flow, just head uphill until you can cross.
About 0.98 km (~0.61 miles) from 
OS Grid SD922938
Once you cross the valley across to Askrigg Common, head for the edge of the plateau and pick up the bridleway that hugs the edge. More great views of this wonderful dale.
About 0.63 km (~0.39 miles) from 
OS Grid SD932930
The path continues past Cogill Closes and above Bainbridge.
About 1.28 km (~0.8 miles) from 
OS Grid SD948929
Cross the road heading over the common and keep heading east, parallel to the dale. A footpath runs across to the second moorland road.
About 1.55 km (~0.96 miles) from 
OS Grid SD960927
Across from the road, head on to the open land of Woodhall Greets, above Ellerkin Scar. There are two options here; follow the road down back into the dale, or walk along the edge of the scar and drop off the end. There's no path, but nothing too tricky. Just make sure you have reached the end before climbing down!
About 1.20 km (~0.75 miles) from 
OS Grid SD962917
At Heugh, pick up the path to Newbiggin.
About 1.01 km (~0.63 miles) from 
OS Grid SD949913
Continue into Askrigg, my favourite village in Wensleydale - all the charm without the tourism overkill.
About 1.37 km (~0.85 miles) from 
OS Grid SD939908
Follow the riverside path back to Bainbridge, nicer than the road.
About 1.14 km (~0.71 miles) from 
Bainbridge againOS Grid SD933901
Back to Bainbridge for the bus home.
About 0.88 km (~0.55 miles) from 
