Villages of Coverdale

• 4 lovely Dales villages
• Quiet valley off Wensleydale
• Peaceful riverside walking

The best valleys are away from the main Dales and Coverdale is no exception. It is a wide valley set off to the south of Wensleydale with the moors set well back which makes this a good place to walk in all the seasons; it is also a quiet valley, longer than most, which makes it a fascinating place to explore. The walk I did links a number of pretty Dales villages (Horsehouse, West Scrafton, Carlton and Gammersgill) which has the advantage of using tracks on both sides of the River Cover. Further up the valley the landscape becomes wilder and narrower but the walks are really just one way. The stars of the show are the villages, Horseshoe and Carlton were main coaching centres in the 18th and 19th century as Coverdale was on a major north south route (look at an overall map of the Dales and it is easy to see why) whilst if there is a more immaculately kept village in England than West Scrafton I have yet to see it. West Scrafton was also the birth place of Lord Darnley, father of James 1 (I always thought he was true bred Scottish) whilst it is thought that the valley itself is named after Miles Coverdale who was the first person to translate the bible in to English in the early 16th century…all interesting stuff

Recommend: Guess the visitor, I spotted a private helicopter up at Swineside, there is money in Coverdale!

Download GPX file

© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central areas
Start Point:	048814. Horsehouse. There is limited parking in the village and then battle through a farmyard on the way to the river. Cross the bridge at Hindlethwaite Hall.
Terrain:	Clearly signposted although Turnbeck Lane is a nettle challenge for those in shorts.
Eating & Drinking:	The Thwaite Arms at Horsehouse is a truly friendly Dales pub whilst the Forester Arms serves good food. Check opening times though.
Similar Walks Nearby:	Penhill Beacon from West Witton Gallops of Middleham The Moors over Carlton
Places to Stay: