Redmire, Castle Bolton, Carperby walking and hiking route
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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.
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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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