The Roman Road and Countersett walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

The walk to be described can be commenced from either Askrigg or Bainbridge. Starting at Bainbridge will shave about three and a half miles off the complete circuit. Whenever I visit Bainbridge I detect a mood of openness and colour. A pretty village in every sense of the word. One of Wensleydale’s gems. Yet it hasn’t always been the tranquil village we see nowadays.

From Lodge Yard turn right to walk down the main street and enter the churchyard. Proceed beyond the porch, pass the row of cottages then follow the ‘paved’ field path towards the road. Walking away from the village pass the outdoor centre and the school, then cross the road to enter a short lane. There’s a signpost.

Cross a stile, swing right walking alongside the disused Wensleydale Railway (note the former station building and platform). The trackside course is followed some way to pass to the right of a house and over a foot-bridge. Before striding diagonally left towards Yore Bridge, deviate right to inspect an ancient footbridge, known as Hockett Bridge.

Reaching Yore Bridge turn left along the road towards Bainbridge. The first point of interest (left) is the Quaker Meeting House, built in 1836. The Rose and Crown (1445) overlooks the extensive village green where the stocks remain. The large, green mound behind the houses is Brough Hill, on which stood the Roman fortress.

Leave the village at the far right hand corner, following the road towards Countersett. After ¾ mile leave the road to enter a rough track on the right - signposted Beggarman’s Road. This is the line of the old Roman Road and is to be followed slavishly, beyond a crossroads, until a signpost to Marsett is reached on the left.

Follow this path until you get to a signpost which points right to Marsett, Carry straight on along the path to walk along the backbone of this untamed fell. Supreme views are soon in the frame! Semerwater and Marsett the principal attractions.

The path eventually tilts downwards and arrives at a road - turn right to follow the road into the sleepy hamlet of Countersett. The roadside verges are colourfully decorated with water avens, blue cranesbill and germander speedwell in season. Pass through Countersett keeping to the road.

Follow the road out of the hamlet passing Holly House, then Semerdale Hall. A short distance beyond the latter pass through a stile alongside a ruined barn on the right - signposted Gill Edge (the farm across the field). If this is closed, continue down the road until you come to a left hand bend. On the right, at Gill Edge, a signpost points to Bainbridge. Walk down the drive and take the style on the left before the cattle grid. Follow the well-defined path across fields, through some trees and across more fields into Bainbridge.

Use the ladder stile then pass to the left side of the farm buildings. Cross another stile - signposted Bainbridge, to march across the field soon passing the right hand side of a large barn (in sight). Walking in the company of, but high above the river Bain, pass through a stile then drop into a driveway of a most desirable residence to enter Bainbridge once again.

* Note the plaque indicating a former Dame School, affixed to a cottage on the right. If you opted for the long distance version simply retrace earlier footsteps back to Askrigg via the Rose and Crown (not literally) Yore Bridge and the former railway.

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.