|
British Trails
|
|
Wainwrights Way
|
|
Alternative Coast
to Coast
|
|
West Highland Way
|
|
Cornish Coast
Path
|
|
Cotswold Way
|
|
Hadrians Wall
|
|
Cleveland Way
|
|
Isle of Wight
Coastal Path
|
|
South Downs Way
|
|
Norfolk Coast
Path
|
|
Rob Roy Way
|
| |
|
|
Total
distance 110 miles. 10 -13 miles per
day with a maximum daily ascent of 2,000ft. This walk offers a
gentler way to cross England from west to east at a more leisurely pace
than Wainwright's more familiar route. Keeping to lower ground and
covering less distance each day, the reward is a memorable journey
across northern England. Although the route is easier than the
difficult Wainwright Way, the walking day on the alternative route is 6
-7 hours. It is important for your own enjoyment and that of your fellow
guests that you can maintain the pace.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival
day
Day 2:
Arnside to Kirkby Lonsdale - 20km (12½ miles), 515m (1,700ft) of
ascent
Transport takes us to Arnside Pier where our walk begins after a
ceremonial toe-dipping in the Irish Sea. After a short road walk we
cross the railway line, which runs from Carnforth to Barrow-in-Furness.
A short walk along the towpath of the Lancaster Canal enables us to pass
under the M6 and at Holme Park we start the gentle climb over Holme Park
Fell to Hutton Roof. Our route continues east via High and Low Biggins
to arrive at Kirkby Lonsdale.
Day 3: Kirkby
Lonsdale to Ribblehead - 20½km (13 miles), 600m (2,000ft) of
ascent
We leave Kirkby Lonsdale crossing the River Lune via Devils Bridge. We
follow the spring line on the shoulders of Ireby Fell through the
hamlets of Leck, Ireby and Masongill. A further section of road walking
takes us to Kinsdale Valley below Whernside, where we cross Kingsdale
beck. A short climb takes us to Twisleton Scar End. Our destination is
the Victorian Ribblehead viaduct, on the Settle-Carlisle railway.
Day 4: Ribblehead
to Bainbridge - 21km (13 miles), 420m (1,400ft) of ascent
A bridleway takes us to the foot bridge over Gayle beck, giving access
to the old Roman road which used to join the garrisons of Catterick and
Bainbridge in Yorkshire, with Ribchester in Lancashire. We climb
steadily via Cam Pasture, Kidhow and Bardale Head.
Day 5: Bainbridge
to Leyburn - 21km (13 miles), 425m (1,400ft) of ascent
We cross the River Ure at Yorebridge House, proceeding along the disused
railway. We cross the line at the old Askrigg Station before entering
Askrigg Village. At the end of the village we start our climb through
beautiful Wensleydale, which takes us via Newbiggin to the Heugh. We
continue on the shoulder of Carperby Moor and far below us flows the
River Ure with the famous Aysgarth Falls. Continuing above the valley we
pass through the village of Preston under Scar before entering Leyburn
via Leyburn Shawl. We are now halfway across England.
Day 6: Leyburn to
Bedale - 19km (12 miles), 135m (450ft) of ascent
Leaving Leyburn, we continue south-east passing through the hamlets of
Harmby and Spennithorne. We are now starting the crossing of the Vale of
York as we continue to the town of Bedale.
Day 7: Bedale to
Brompton - 17km (10½ miles), 115 metres (380 feet) ascent
We leave Bedale on a minor road and cross the busy A1 at Leases Bridge.
A bridleway takes us on to the hamlet of Scruton. The River Swale is
crossed at Moreton-on-Swale before continuing on to the village of
Yaffoth. We next cross the main east coast railway line east of
Greystones and after crossing the A167, footpaths lead us via Highfield
Farm into Brompton.
Day 8: Brompton to
Swainby - 16km (10 miles), 400m (1,300ft) ascent
From Brompton on the A686 where a short road walk leads us to Hallikeld
Farm before we begin ascending the North Yorkshire Moors. A woodland
path leads us to Chapelwood Farm where we join the Cleveland Way. We
then descend to Scarthwood Gap and continue to Huthwaite Green, near the
village of Swainby.
Day 9: Swainby to
Great Ayton - 21km (13 miles), 515m (1,700ft) ascent
We leave Huthwaite Green and climb via Faceby Bank onto Holey Moor. A
short climb takes us to the view point of Cringle Moor where an old HF
Holidays' plaque can be seen. Leaving Great Broughton we continue along
the valley. A short section of road walking takes us to Station Farm and
then we continue to Easby. A steady climb now takes us to Easby Moor and
Great Ayton.
Day 10: Great
Ayton to Saltburn-by-the-Sea - 21km (13 miles), 430m (1,410ft)
ascent
From Great Ayton our first objective is the distinctive summit of
Roseberry Topping. A good forest track takes us on to Hutton Moor and
then into Guisborough Wood via Highcliff Farm. We skirt above the
village of Guisborough to the A171 road at Slapewath. A short sharp
climb leads us to Airy Hill Farm and into the village of Skelton. Our
final destination is the seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, where the
celebrations can commence.
Day 11: Depart after
breakfast |
