Richmond to Marske Circular Walk
Enjoy a circular walk from Richmond to the pretty village of Marske, a few miles west of the town. The route runs for just over 7 miles with some moderate climbs on the way.
It visits Whitcliffe Scar and Whitcliffe Woods with a nice riverside section along the River Swale. From the high points there are fine views over the surrounding Yorkshire Dales countryside.
The walk starts in the town and heads north west past Hurgill to Whitecliffe Wood and Applegarth Scar before turning south west to Marske. On the way you'll pass Whitecliff Scar where you can climb to the Willance's Leap where there's a monument to Robert Willance who plunged over the cliff and survived during the 17th century. There's excellent views over Swaledale from the elevated position of the scar. In Marske there are lots of pretty cottages, an old church and the 13th century Marske Hall to see.
After exploring Marske you retrace your steps to Applegarth where you turn south east to pick up trails along the River Swale. You'll pass Lownethwaite Farm and the Caravan Park before returning to Richmond.
Richmond to Marske Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Richmond to Marske Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Richmond to Marske Circular Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Richmond to Marske Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Back in Richmond head to The Castle Tavern for some well earned refreshments. It's conveniently located at the Market Place, close to the castle at a postcode of DL10 4HU for your sat navs. They have a fine selection of real ales and great home cooked food.
Dog Walking
The woods and country trails make for a good walk for fit dogs. The Castle Tavern mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area you could visit the National Trust's Hudswell Woods on the southern side of the Swale.
The circular Gilling West Walk starts from the neighbouring village. It passes the Georgian Aske Hall which lies just to the north of the town. Gilling West is well worth a visit with a number of historic listed buildings to see including an 11th century church.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Yorkshire Dales Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Wainwrights seat near Whitcliffe Wood. The seat dedicated to Alfred Wainwright, with inscribed plaque on which AW extolls the views from this point on the Coast to coast walk.
Willance's Leap : above Whitcliffe Scar. In 1606, a horseman named Robert Willance plunged over the cliff edge in a mist. Willance's horse was killed by the fall, but he survived with two broken legs. To keep alive until help arrived, he cut open the horse's body and crawled inside. This saved his life, but he lost a leg. The leg was buried in the churchyard where the rest of Willance was buried nine years later.
River Swale, Whitecliffe Wood to the left
Applegarth Scar
Snowdrops and Marske Beck
Paddy's Bridge. This footbridge over Clapdale Beck was constructed by YDNPA staff and others in 2003 as a memorial to Paddy Fleming, one time Yorkshire Dales National Park volunteer, a leading light in the local Ragged Robin conservation group, lover of Swaledale scenery, and much respected resident of Richmond. The title 'Paddy's Bridge' is carved into the handrail.
River Swale near Whitecliffe Wood. This photograph shows a view of the River Swale as it makes its way pass Whitecliffe Wood en route for Richmond Bridge. The picture was taken looking in a south-easterly direction towards Lownethwaite Farm.
Marske Hall. The Hutton family were responsible for building Marske Hall around 1597. They were still living there in 1730 when the house was rebuilt and extended in classical style.