Leyburn & the Ladies Shawl

Leyburn is an attractive Yorkshire Dales market town and a good base to explore Wensleydale. The best of Leyburn is shown though by a walk from the town along ‘The Shawl’ and returning alongside the River Ure. Its tame countryside but full of history, country houses and tranquil scenery.

The Walk

Leyburn is an attractive, but often very busy, market town in Lower Wensleydale. The easy access from the A1 to the east makes it a popular place to stay and visit. However walking out of Leyburn is usually limited to the path above the limestone scar, commonly known as ‘The Shawl’. The name probably derives from the geological outcrop itself, but more fun is the story that Mary Queen of Scots, whilst imprisoned in nearby Bolton Castle lost her shawl here. It is also a place where the Victorians took their tea! You can understand why. The views across Wensleydale from here are superb.

However this walk takes you further afield. After the Shawl and woodland drop in to Tullis Cote, full of the heritage of Wensleydale. The chimney, site of a waterwheel and old mill buildings are a good reminder of the Smelt Mills in the 19th century. In contrast to the drab but interesting surroundings are the pretty village of Preston-under-Scar and the vast colonial grounds of Bolton Hall, more reflections of the past history of this part of the Yorkshire Dales. The final section of the walk is through fields and close to the River Ure. An interesting mix.

Recommend

Normally I am clear whether to do a walk clockwise or anti clockwise. In this case I am not! It works perfectly well with a finish along The Shawl but reversing it does leave a long steep section in the middle.

Navigational Tips on the Leyburn walk

Did you know that the only place in this country where footpath signs are legally needed is when a footpath leaves or arrives at a road/tarmac. There is no requirement in the fields and hills, it is at the whim of the local authority. Do not expect them, even at path junctions. They may be there or they may not.