The Roman Road and Countersett walking and hiking route
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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.
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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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