This is a relatively easy walk taking in 3 charming dales villages in Wharfedale. The walk can be started from Burnsall, Thorpe or Grassington. I chose to start at Burnsall as I consider Burnsall to be one of the most beautiful villages in the Yorkshire Dales and home to a great dog friendly pub, The Red Lion Hotel , perfect for a tasty pint at the end of my walk!
The Route:
Burnsall has a handy pay and display car park in the centre of the village. From the car park head in the direction of the bridge past the tea room on your left. As you reach the bridge turn left on the Grassington road, passing the Red Lion Hotel.
Follow the road around the bend and then after around 15 yards take the gate on the left to the footpath signposted to Thorpe. You shall cross a series of fields to Badger Lane. Cross Badger Lane and continue across three larger fields and over Startop Beck at the far side.
After the Beck keep to the right of the next two fields and through the metal gate to an enclosed track. This track leads to a surfaced lane, turn left onto this lane to the small village of Thorpe.
Once in Thorpe you shall pass the village green. Bear right at the village green and you shall reach a ‘Y’ fork. Turn left at the fork along Thorpe Lane. After about half a mile take the second footpath on your right signposted to Linton.
Follow this footpath across another series of fields. You shall eventually reach a farm track. As you approach the farm there is a pedestrian gate to a footpath on your right about 100 yards before the metal gate near the farm buildings. Follow this footpath across the corner of the field. This will take you through a second pedestrian gate leading you on a path between the buildings. This path emerges in the centre of Linton.
When in the centre, turn right towards the bridge. At the junction turn right again and follow the road in the direction of Grassington. You shall reach a cross road, continue straight over crossing the B6160. Follow the road down the hill. At the foot of the hill the road curves left, continue a head towards the hamlet of Linton Falls.
When you reach the first building on your left you shall see a footpath that runs alongside it. Follow this footpath which leads to a footbridge to cross Linton Falls and the River Wharfe. Once over the bridge turn left and follow the riverside footpath to the road. Bear right into the attractive village of Grassington. If you feel in need of a refreshment, Grassignton is the ideal place to stop as has plenty of cafes and pubs to grab a quick bite. There is also a host of gift shops and a museum.
Once in the centre of Grassignton continue along the road past the National Park Visitor Centre and out of Grassington. As you exit the village the road begins to bend, on this bend Hebdon Road leads off it to your right. Follow this road down the hill. This road leads you past some cottages and then through a pedestrian gate to the riverside path. Follow this path all the way back to Burnsall crossing a narrow suspension bridge over the River Wharfe. This suspension bridge replaced the stepping stones that can still be seen and used by those who want to chance getting wet!
The riverside path leads you back into Burnsall by the Red Lion Hotel.
