Many would agree that West Burton, with its large village green and picture post card buildings, is the most attractive village in the Yorkshire Dales. This West Burton walk also takes you along the quiet valley of Waldendale.
I have always found West Burton not overly busy considering its obvious attractions. This may be because there is no through road beyond West Burton. In effect, if you are not visiting the village, you will be unlikely ever to find yourself there.
It is possible to walk down to Aysgarth Falls from West Burton. However I prefer a walk the other way, up the Walden Valley returning via Walden beck. Very few people find themselves in the Walden Valley. The exception is the Forestry Commission. As an example of their influence they have recently cut down the Burton Planation. The result is a desolate landscape. Any photos are unlikely to attract many more visitors. The return along Walden Beck is lovely and the views from the higher land to the upper reaches of the dale and back down towards Castle Bolton superb. I enjoyed the riverside section of the walk with the path raised about 50 feet from the river itself. As a result there are views both down on to the water and across to the wild moorlands of Harland Hill and the Height of Hazelby.
Although not strictly on the walk, 100 yards or so from the village square are the impressive Cauldron Falls.
Certain walks have a lot stiles. This West Burton walk does! On a map look for footpaths that cross lots of boundaries (fences or walls shown by continuous black lines). The only way to avoid stiles is to walk along bridlepaths. These have longer green dashes than footpaths.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Δ
