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Walk Details
Long ago the village of Askrigg was a Roman garrison town, known then as Virosidum. Little remains of the Roman presence except the line of Roman Road, which travelled over Wether Fell to Ribchester (nr Lancaster) in Lancashire 30 plus miles away.
England’s shortest river – the Bain, runs along the eastern edge of the village.
We’re starting our walk along the main street and entering the churchyard, passing to the left of the church. Walk beyond the porch; pass in front of some cottages, eventually reaching the main road after crossing a field.
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At the road turn right, continuing beyond Low Mill Outdoor Centre and a school. Immediately beyond the school, cross the road to enter a lane (signpost). Hop over a stile and swing right.
Walking alongside the former Wensleydale railway, eventually make to the right side of a house and cross a footbridge (a short detour right will reveal the ancient Hockett bridge). Veer left towards Yore Bridge and then turn left along the road into Bainbridge.
Leave the village at the opposite end to the public house using the road bridge spanning the river Bainbridge. Take a moment to admire the splendid waterfalls, especially after wet weather. Continue beyond the garage to the road junction for Semerwater. At that point veer right and locate a stile – signpost Cubeck.
An uphill section commences, making diagonally towards the small cluster of trees on the hilltop. Superb views of Bainbridge, Askrigg and the surrounding countryside are presented from this lofty position. The exposed limestone ridge is Brough Scar.
Pass through the stile and swing left, commencing a level and straight route along the scar top. The path is clear and eventually enters a wooded area. Seek a signpost to Worton and descend through the woodland (lots of wild garlic in season) to a stile.
Follow the indication of the signpost beyond a wall end, continuing diagonally across the field towards the exit gate alongside the farm buildings.
Cross over the A684 road to enter the hamlet of Worton – noting the inscription on the gable end of the first house. The said Michael Smith not only built the house, but he quarried and carted the stone used. The house dates from 1729.
Swing left at a junction within the hamlet, descending to the road bridge. Cross the bridge and veer left through a stile – signpost Askrigg. An obvious path rolls out across the meadows, crossing the disused railway returning to Askrigg emerging in the main street.
Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Garsdale, Carlisle
