The Druid’s Temple at Masham was a folly built by the local landowner 200 years ago. It is an impressive stone circle. The walk is across pleasant countryside with good views across the area.
There are a number of fine walks near Masham. In fact so many it can be difficult to choose. However I was interested in the Druid’s Temple and felt it was worthy of a visit. It is. Today (2025) there is a cafe, paid parking, a mountain bike route and a proper mini community near the folly. It is pleasantly set up but has commercialised the area. Therefore I started in the walk in the pretty village of Fearby, adelightful place. The walk to and from the Temple is through woodland and farmers fields but makes for a more satisfactory approach.
The Druid’s Temple is a folly created by William Danby in 1820. It is situated in woodland, high above Pot Beck and was apparently built simply to keep the local population busy and occupied. I am sure it did and the folly and surrounding area is still an intriguing place today. It is worth exploring the woodland around the folly but I suggest you do this on a quiet day (not school holidays).
I reached the folly after climbing through fields but at one stage passing a strange gateway surrounded by a small but very high wall. The views improved as I climbed and is excellent all the way to the Temple. However the walk becomes more straggly (not a word but somehow appropriate) as it passes the cafe and alongside a small beck below Irton.
St Paul’s Church at Healey is an extremely presentable church and well worth a visit.
The walk to the Druid’s Temple is on non access land so you must stick to the public footpaths. In addition the path next to Sole Beck is difficult to follow. However if you stick close to the river and after crossing look for the stiles in the walls which signify the path.
Many thanks for forwarding this walk and other walks . Iintend to give it a ‘go’.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Δ
