THERE is a fine and straightforward section of riverside walking at Burnsall.
The one mile section follows the River Wharfe to Hebden where there is a choice of return. I would recommend the higher level return via Hartlington Raikes with the unbeatable views across Wharfedale.
Start the walk in Burnsall. It is a popular village set on a lovely bend of the River Wharfe. Head to the Red Lion pub and between the pub and river some steps lead down to the riverside path. Turn left and the path continues next to the river on an excellent path. The first section of path is accessible for all until passing through a kissing gate. From then the path is a little rougher, climbing a few metres from the river itself. However on my last visit the banks were occupied by many including swimmers, paddlers and those just sat there content to watch the river.
After one mile a suspension foot bridge crosses the river. When the river is low there are also some stepping stones before arriving at the bridge. Take your pick and arrive on the north eastern bank. Head away from the bank towards a gate leading to a lane, signposted to Hebden. Turn left on the lane and head up in to the village of Hebden.
Hebden is lovely, it is certainly worth stopping at the tea rooms located in the old school on the right. The village itself has probably been habited since Roman times, a recent discovery of 33 silver dinari coins backing this theory up.
Just below the café a path drops down to a small river (Hebden Beck) and follows the river down a lovely dingly dell. There are the remains of an old mill on the left before crossing the small river and reaching a junction of paths at a large sign post.
Here there is a choice:
* Continue along the path next to the river through woodland to reach the lane which headed up to Hebden. From here you can either return to the far banks and return to Burnsall via the riverside path or turn left along the lane which contours the slopes above the river for one mile until arriving at a second road just above Hartlington. Turn right and return to Burnsall over the road bridge. The lane is quiet and the views good in places.
* My favourite option however is to take the left path at the multi pointed large signpost headed towards Hartlington Raikes. Cross the step stile and cross the next open field towards the farmhouse on its far side. Continue through the farm and though a gate to a field of sheep and cows. Do not follow the obvious farm track but the fainter tracks leading uphill to the far corner of the field.
Cross the stile and head across a second large open field towards a wall on your right. Follow this to the far right corner of the field, turn right over a stile and almost immediately left over a second stile. The views from here across Wharfedale make the climb worthwhile.
The path then crosses a field and joins a quiet road at Harlington Raikes. Turn right and follow the road as it winds past isolated farms for half a mile to join a second road, turn right and cross the bridge back in to Burnsall.
* Fact Box:
Distance: Three miles returning via the river, four miles on the higher route
Height to Climb: It is a 90m (300ft) climb on the second route.
Start: SD 032612. There is parking in the village but it soon fills up. There is more at cost across the village which open up when busy.
Difficulty: Easy if returning low/Medium if taking the higher route.
Refreshments: Red Lion and cafes at Burnsall but also the lovely café in Hebden at the half way point
Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL2) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass (essential on this walk). You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors.
Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.
* Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales. He has published two books on walks in the Dales, The Yorkshire 3 Peaks and The Dales 30 mountains. Available from the Where2walk website.
Book a Navigation Training day (Beginners or Intermediates). All dates and information on the website. Next available date July 2.
Leisurely guided walks up Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. Next dates are July 7, 8 and 9.
Jonathan’s popular website, Where2walk.co.uk, also features hundreds of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.
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