Hawes - Bainbridge

Andy Hibbert

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Hawes is the focus of much activity in the Northern Dales and not just for visitors. It is an important market and the biggest town for some distance around. Red Land-Rovers may not quite outnumber family cars with bike-racks and roofboxes (in summer at least) but there are plenty nonetheless.

This walk starts right in the middle of town and heads up behind the churchyard towards Gayle, leaving traffic behind almost immediately. This first section is always busy as it leads past Gayle Creamery - a possible first (and very early) stop. From Gayle, we head sharply uphill under the shadow of Wether Fell to join the Cam High Road. For those who haven't seen Semerwater, I recommend a short diversion to see over into Raydale - it may tempt you to visit another time.

The main route now follows the Roman road descending majestically and slowly towards Bainbridge. All the time we have the ever-changing scenery of the River Ure valley - Wensleydale - and the commons above, painted and repainted by the passing clouds. It's a glorious walk on a sunny day, summer or winter; your reward is the picturesque village of Bainbridge.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales - Wensleydale

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant

8/31/2021 - Iain Forsyth

4 of us did this walk in August 2021 on a sunny but very blustery day. Which meant we felt a little exposed on the climb, though it is not steep enough to feel dangerous. We curtailed it slightly by starting at the car park nearer the Creamery and taking a more direct route into Bainbridge at the end. Strava still clocked it as 5.7 miles so I think the distance is understated here. The climb from point 7 on is pretty steep, and the directions are slightly vague. There wasn't a 'clear path' between points 7 and 8 and we went slightly astray - quickly corrected - our OS map came in handy. If in doubt head upwards! But don't forget to stop, catch your breath and take in the views. The Roman Road when you first see it is quite something and quite a relief. The descent is gentle though the path is quite rough with large stones - and in this occasion shared with a few motorcyclists. A good day and we felt we had earned our tea and cake at the Corn Mill Tearoom in Bainbridge!