Redmire, Castle Bolton, Carperby walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

This circular seven-mile outing is written to commence at Redmire, visiting three Wensleydale villages, east of Askrigg. Carperby is ideally situated for a halfway stop. Redmire is derived from reed mere, and centuries ago there was a lake south of the village. This became overgrown and was subsequently drained.

Make towards the Bolton Arms, noting on the left the small building with arched windows. This was the former Grammar School building - 1748-1873. Continue along the road towards the railway bridge, passing another old school building - 1873-1985.

Immediately beyond the bridge turn left, then use a footbridge to cross Apedale Beck. This is the termination point of the present day railway and hereabouts in springtime there’s a profusion of primrose and bluebell. Also, the early purple orchid is evident.

After crossing a stone footbridge go diagonally across the field towards a ruined barn on the right and locate a narrow ‘gap’ stile, left of the barn. With the huge castle in view cross the fields, passing a tin roofed barn. Emerging from the final field turn right and walk uphill towards the houses.

In the village swing left to pass between the castle and the church. Note the Victorian post box set in the wall on the left just prior to the church. The church dedicated to St. Oswald was built originally in 1325 predates the castle. Work on the castle commenced in 1379 and finished eighteen years later. Both are open to the public. Within the church bell tower there’s a memorial to Fred Lawson, a well-known watercolour artist who lived in the village.

Continue beyond the buildings to pass through a gate and follow the indication to Askrigg. Within yards a wonderful vista of Wensleydale is presented. The long, flat topped Penhill prominent across the valley.

The walk continues along an obvious route to arrive at some modern outbuildings, associated with sheep farming. Dipping and clipping takes place on the left. The other a maternity unit, known as a lambing shed.

Beyond these buildings pass through a waymarked gate and proceed towards a second gate (after swinging left). The track then descends and ascends to another gate leading onto the open pasture, the domain of curlew and lapwing. Swing left.

Continue westwards with the prominent outline of Wegber Scar and two masts directly ahead. Cross West Gill and continue to a gate where the indicatIon to Askrigg and Carperby is followed, treading a luxuriant green swathe. Scintillating views unfurl with every step.

At the next gate veer left towards a solitary hawthorn enroute to Carperby. (* To distinguish between Hawthorn and Blackthorn in springtime. Hawthorn, foliage appears before blossom; Blackthorn, blossom (white) before foliage). Walking time from Redmire about 1½hours.

Carperby is a typical Wensleydale setting. Almost a mile in length, with houses either side of a single road. The market cross was erected in 1674 and the Friends’ Meeting House in 1659. The village inn, The Wheatsheaf, (indicative of earlier times and corn growing) is where the real James Herriot (Alf Wight) and his wife spent their honeymoon.

On entering the village turn right for the buildings mentioned. The walk route turns left along the main road. Fifty yards beyond East End farm pass through a stile on the left - signposted Castle Bolton. Another stile gives access to a wide track and this is followed across several fields to pass to the left side of West Bolton Plantation. Castle Bolton will be in view. The chimney of the old Cob Scar smelt mill visible on the horizon.

Continue beyond the plantation heading towards West Bolton farm. Pass straight through the farmyard (often peacocks about!), towards an exit gate situated to the right of the farmhouse. After passing a second gate veer left to walk alongside the fence, with the imposing outline of the castle directly ahead.

Cross a footbridge (Beldon Beck) and several stiles, then after passing through an awkward gate veer half left towards the castle and a copse of trees. Within the copse there’s a signpost to Castle Bolton and a narrow stile. For the return to Redmire from Castle Bolton retrace earlier footsteps.

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.