Bedale Walks
Enjoy a walk along the pretty Bedale Beck on this easy beckside walk in North Yorkshire. The beck includes a pretty harbour, a waterfall and pleasant tree lined footpaths. It's a nice place for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
After visiting the beck you can stroll around the town and visit a unique 18th century Leech House, the 14th century Grade I listed market cross and numerous Georgian buildings. The town is also on the Wensleydale Heritage Railway which you can catch to Scruton, Leyburn and Redmire.
Bedale is located just a couple of miles north of Thorp Perrow Arboretum. The beautiful woods have a series of nice trails and a seplndid collection of rare trees and plants from China, Japan, North America, Chile, and Europe.
A little further on is the town of Masham where there are good footpaths along the River Ure and River Burn. You can also pick up the long distance Ripon Rowel here.
Postcode
DL8 1ED - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsBedale Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Bedale Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Bedale OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Bedale Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Bedale
- Thorp Perrow Arboretum - Explore 100 acres of woodland, gardens and lakes in this beautiful arboretum near Bedale in North Yorkshire
- Masham - A circular walk exploring the countryside and rivers around the small town of Masham in North Yorkshire
- Northallerton - This market town is located in the Hambleton District of North Yorkshire.
- Wensleydale - This walk takes you from the village of Wensley, along the River Ure to Redmire Force and the Aysgarth Falls
- Thornton Steward Reservoir - This walk visits the pretty Thornton Steward Reservoir near the small village of Thornton Steward in the Wensleydale area of North Yorkshire.
- Jervaulx Abbey - This walk explores the photogenic ruins of the historic Jervaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire.
- Constable Burton - This pretty village is located near Leyburn in the Richmondshire district of North Yorkshire
- Crakehall - Crakehall is located in the Hambleton District of North Yorkshire
Pubs/Cafes
Head to to the Green Dragon for some post walk refreshments. The inn is housed in a Georgian building and includes a beer garden to the rear.
They have a fine selection of ales and serve good quality home cooked food. You can find them on the Market Place at postcode DL8 1EQ for your sat navs. A few hundred yards away, the Wensleydale Railway's Bedale station offers regular heritage trains along the picturesque dale.
Dog Walking
The waterside footpath makes for a fine dog walk. The Green Dragon mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A few miles to the south west of the settlement you'll find one of the historic highlights of the area at Jervaulx Abbey. The 12th century ruined abbey is surrounded by 126 acres of attractive parkland with wildflowers, grazing sheep, a pretty pond and fine views of the surrounding North Yorkshire countryside. Just to the north of here you'll also find the picturesque Thornton Steward Reservoir where there's a peaceful waterside trail.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Yorkshire Dales Walks page.
Photos
Bedale Harbour. A canal basin was constructed here in the 18th century with strong harbour walls and iron mooring rings [visible in photo] as part of a grand scheme to link Bedale with the Rivers Swale, Ure and Ouse. The project ran out of money and was never completed, but Bedale was left with its 'harbour' and a straightened section of Bedale Beck. See also photos of other sites associated with this scheme at SE3976 and SE4382.
Bedale Medicinal Leech House, North Yorkshire. View from the Bedale Beck Bridge.
Bedale Beck. The weir still diverts water towards Crakehall Water Mill.
The Harbour at Bedale
Bedale Hall. The Hall is at the north end of the main street and its front looks northwards towards the countryside. The oldest part of the building is the 5 bay ashlar front [seen here] which dates from the 1730s, and was built for the Pierce family. The rendered wings to the left and right are later. During WW2 it was requisitioned for use by the armed forces and fell into disrepair once squatters moved in in 1948. The local district council purchased it in 1951 and began restoration work. It now belongs to Hambleton District Council and is used for functions, a library and a museum.
Bedale Market Cross
The 'new' grammar school. As opposed to the old grammar school which was in a 17th century building in the churchyard. This building, which appears to be in a vaguely Jacobean style, dates from 1888 and is now converted into a dwelling. Secondary education in the town is now provided at a comprehensive school on the south side of town.
Bedale Playground and Church Tower