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Askrigg Walks

5 miles (8 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy riverside paths, waterfalls and moderate climbs on this walk around the North Yorkshire village of Askrigg. It's a figure of eight walk but you could complete as two separate circular walks if you prefer.
The walk starts in the pretty village of Askrigg with its cobbled streets and old church. The village has become notable through its role as the fictional Darrowby in the BBC TV series All Creatures Great and Small.
The western part of the walk visits the waterfalls near the village including Mill Gill and Whitfield Force Waterfalls. On this section there's some nice woodland trails along the rushing waters of Whitfield Gill and Paddock Beck. There's also some good climbs with great views across Wensleydale from the high points.
On the eastern section of the walk there's some lovely riverside footpaths along the River Ure to enjoy. The walk heads along the river to Nappa Mill before returning to the village through the countryside, passing Askrigg Beck on the way.
The long distance Herriot Way runs through the village. It takes you through areas of the Yorkshire Dales associated with the vet and author James Herriot. You can pick it up to extend your walking in this lovely area. If you head west you can visit Hardraw Force and Hawes. Follow it east and you can visit the splendid Aysgarth Falls.

Postcode

DL8 3HQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Askrigg OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Askrigg Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Crown Inn is an historic pub dating back to the 18th century. The friendly local inn serves quality bar meals sourced from local suppliers.  There's a cosy interior with many original features and a fire. You can find them on the Main Street at postcode DL8 3HQ for your sat navs.
Just up the road is the Grade II listed King's Arms. This fine old pub starred as The Drover's Arms in the original 'All Creatures Great and Small'.

Dog Walking

The woodland and riverside paths make for a fine walk with your dog. The two local pubs mentioned above are also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just a few miles to the south there's a lovely circular walk to try around Semer Water. The beautiful lake is notable as the second largest natural lake in North Yorkshire, England after Malham Tarn. Near here there's also the worthy village of Bainbridge. The village includes views of the River Bain and a 15th century hotel which is one of the oldest in Yorkshire.
The circular Garsdale Walk starts from the nearby Garsdale train station on the Settle and Carlisle Line. It's a beautiful place with trails along the Grisedale Beck and more pretty waterfalls to see. The area lies just a few miles to the north west of Hardraw. Near here there's also the noteworthy Uldale Force. This impressive waterfall is located in a striking limestone gorge on the River Rawthey. There's also a series of smaller waterfalls so the area is well worth a visit especially after rainfall.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Yorkshire Dales Walks page.

Photos

A view of Askrigg - geograph.org.uk - 318953

Hills and countryside above Askrigg Village. Photo taken from a footpath from Newbiggin.

Askrigg village centre

Askrigg village centre. The house to the right, Skeldale, is known from the TV series "All Creatures Great And Small"

The River Ure near Worton Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 75564

The River Ure near Worton Bridge. The River Ure in quiet mood, between Worton Bridge and Nappa Mill in Wensleydale.

Mill Gill Force - geograph.org.uk - 94452

Mill Gill Force Waterfall. This waterfall is situated in a tranquil little gill less than a mile from Askrigg village.

Footbridge, Whitfield Gill - geograph.org.uk - 3154388

Footbridge, Whitfield Gill

Whitfield Gill Lower Falls - geograph.org.uk - 2217696

Whitfield Gill Lower Falls

Entering Askrigg - geograph.org.uk - 4060772

Entering Askrigg. The name Askrigg is of Old Norse origin, consisting of the combination of askr (ash tree) and hryggr (ridge), meaning the ridge where ash trees grew, denoting the existence of Viking settlers and their farming.

Crown Inn, Askrigg - geograph.org.uk - 3513871

Crown Inn

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Askrigg.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Askrigg.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)