The Moors of Carlton

• Quiet and peaceful countryside
• Superb tracks to walk on
• Two different valleys

The moors that lie between Coverdale and the River Walden (Waldendale) are quiet and unspoilt with an airy almost eerie feel to them. Not many walkers tramp the excellent bridleways which link the two valleys which is a shame because this is a thoroughly enjoyable walk; the gradients are easy and the views extend over a number of the alleged 250 dales which exist. Yet again I was impressed with the dales which lead off the main valley of Wensleydale, I would go as far to say that with the exception of Littondale the valleys off Wensleydale offer the best walking around. The weather was still, if a little threatening, when I explored the walk but the abiding memory will be the excellent paths which, even after a deluge he day before, offered excellent underfoot terrain. Coverdale is a very open valley, known as much for its black grouse and excellent shooting as anything else which contrasts nicely with the steeper V that the River Walden carves out with Scar Foulds standing out nicely as I walked along the rarely used Whiterow Road. What I would call a ‘looking whilst walking’ walk, if only to avoid being shot!

Recommend: Enjoy the drive up Coverdale towards the high point, a genuine James Herriott experience.

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© 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:	063847. Carlton main street. Start by heading for the road veering right from the west end of the village and then a couple of hundred yards up take the right fork bridleway. An anti clockwise walk
Terrain:	Superb bridleways, a quiet stretch of road above Walden Beck and a track through the fields to finish.
Eating & Drinking:	The Forester's Arms in Carlton is the obvious choice but due to the lack of traffic in the valley is not always open for the thirsty walker
Similar Walks Nearby:	Penhill Beacon from West Witton The Villages of Coverdale Buckden Pike & Upper Wharfedale
Places to Stay: