Bedale Beckside and Harbour Walk

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.
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.
Walk Report October 18th 2026 By Anne Fletcher:
We headed down to Bedale Beck for a gentle afternoon walk, and it turned out to be just the sort of place where you can slow down and enjoy being outdoors without having to go far.... The beck winds through the edge of this North Yorkshire market town, with leafy banks and footpaths that feel surprisingly peaceful despite being close to the centre. I particularly liked the sound of the water as we followed the path, with the trees providing welcome shade and a few fallen leaves gathering along the banks.
One of the nicest features is the little harbour beside the beck. It is a charming spot to pause for a moment and watch the water, and the small waterfall adds a bit of movement and sound to the walk. Nothing here feels grand or dramatic, but that is part of its appeal. I enjoyed taking our time, looking out for birds among the trees and watching the water ripple around the stones. It would make a lovely short outing if you fancy some fresh air without committing to a long country walk.
After exploring the beck, we wandered back into Bedale itself. The town has plenty of character, with Georgian buildings, independent shops and a traditional market-town feel. The old market cross is particularly striking, dating from the fourteenth century, and it is worth taking a closer look as you stroll through the centre. I was also intrigued by the unusual eighteenth-century Leech House, a reminder of the days when medicinal leeches were kept for use in medical treatments. It is not something you come across in every Yorkshire town!
Bedale has another attraction for anyone who enjoys railway history: the Wensleydale Railway. Seeing the heritage railway running through the area adds to the town's old-fashioned charm, and services operate on parts of the line towards places including Leyburn and Redmire, depending on the timetable. It would be easy to combine a visit to Bedale with a short train journey on another day.
I came away feeling that Bedale Beck is a lovely little discovery, especially if you are already visiting the town or exploring this part of North Yorkshire. The beckside paths, small waterfall and leafy setting make for a relaxing stroll, while the historic buildings and unusual Leech House give you plenty to look at afterwards. It is an easy walk to enjoy at your own pace, with no need to hurry and plenty of interest packed into a small area.
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
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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.
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.

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Thorp Perrow Arboretum Masham Northallerton Wensleydale Thornton Steward Reservoir Jervaulx Abbey Constable Burton Crakehall

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

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