West Burton and the Knights Temple Chapel walking and hiking route
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Walk Instructions
West Burton can truthfully be described as a
‘gem’. But the precise location has always been
a contentious issue. Wensleydale, Bishopdale and
Walden all seem to claim parentage to West Burton.
Walden’s claim is backed by the fact that Walden
Beck flows through the village. Wensleydale is the
older brother and pulls rank when the subject is raised,
but it’s generally accepted that West Burton belongs
to Bishopdale - often using its Sunday name of Burton
in Bishopdale.
Leave at the lower end of the village after passing the
famous Cat Pottery studios. Swing right at Mill House,
with the roar of Cauldron Force obvious.
Cross the bridge (1860) turning right, then left, to
climb the steps. Swing right at the small gate then
cross an open pasture heading towards Barrack Wood.
Cross the stile into the wood - signpost Hudson Quarry
Lane. The wood displays bluebell, primrose, violet and
wild garlic in springtime. Soon after passing a left
bend, pass through a stone gap stile. A long, upward
slog commences.
Follow a clear path, rising steadily upwards to another
stile. Veer half right towards a broken wall, then follow
the path which zigzags steeply up the hillside. The
vistas improve with every step, so pause frequently to
enjoy them! Spread your map out and pinpoint the
various locations.
From the next stile march straight ahead along a green
swathe making for the gate and Hudson’s Quarry
Lane. The hard work is completed.
Swing left toward Morpeth Scar and walk proudly
along a flat, green plateau enjoying this exhilarating
high level tramp. Hop over a ladder stile then maintain
the same course to reach Morpeth Scar and a junction.
Turn right at the junction.
The route continues eastwards along High Lane
hundreds of feet beneath the summit of Penhill on the
right. At a junction close to a large Hawthorn bush and
with a signpost to Black Scar (right) swing left into a
walled track. The track twists and turns and descends
towards Chantry Caravan Park. Seek a signpost to the
Templars Chapel on the left opposite the park entrance.
Pass through the gate to walk along a delightful route
known as Langthwaite Lane for almost a mile. Cross
a stile then walk with a wall to the left to enter an
open pasture with a stile in the right hand corner.
Castle Bolton should be in view across the valley. Cross
this stile and veer right to descend along a concreted
track. Vacate this on the left at the first bend, to cross
a grass swathe running between two plantations
to arrive at a gate with an ancient boundary stone
(1865) nearby.
Beyond the gate lie the scant ruins of the Templars
chapel. Pass through the adjacent stiles and head
towards Morpeth Gate ignore the track which goes
downhill to the right of the trees ahead, and instead
go forward keeping the trees on your right. Eventually
the path passes through a wide gate and descends
along a green track towards another gate. This leads
into a stony track known as Morpeth Gate - turn right
and descend to West Burton, which is reached by
turning left after the bridge.
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Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.
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