Walk 3187 - Esklets and Rosedale Head from Westerdale

      
Click thumbnails for larger images.

This lengthy route explores the source of the River Esk, uses a section of the long since abandoned railway serving mines in Rosedale and offers superb views into four dales. The walk does not involve any steep climbs and despite its length is relatively easy with the option of stopping for a pub lunch half way round.

      
Click thumbnails for larger images.

The start is in the small village of Westerdale (Grid ref. NZ664058) where parking is available near the church. The walk starts by following the lane that leaves the main road through the village just north of the church. The lane bends right and then left past the hall. Continue straight ahead past Hall Farm, cross the infant River Esk and follow the lane right as it climbs to a cross track (Grid ref. NZ655051). Turn left here along the track towards New House Farm. Before reaching the farm, take the signed path on your left to “Esklets”. This leads across meadows, over the farm access track to Hill House and a further meadow to reach Wood End. The path goes to the right of this house and continues to reach a ford (Grid ref. NZ 651035).

Cross the footbridge beside the ford and turn right upstream. The path is very muddy near the start but improves as progress is made up the valley. The path is generally clear underfoot although chest high bracken made progress slow at the height of summer. The route is running on the east side of the river until a small footbridge is reached (Grid ref. NZ656022). Cross this and make your way through the deserted walled enclosures of Esklets Farm. The path becomes a track and this is followed uphill with a short steep section to reach the route of the old railway that served the mines in Rosedale (Grid ref. NZ653007). Turn left along the trackbed and continue for 2 miles. To your right there are superb views into Farndale and with easy walking on an excellent path you are free to enjoy the scenery.

Approximately 300 metres after crossing Blakeley Gill (Grid ref NZ672999) turn left up alongside a derelict wall towards the Lion Inn Public House (food and refreshments are available during opening hours). Reaching the main road, cross over and turn left and walk along the grass verge. To your right is Rosedale and you can see the continuing route of the railway on the far side of the dale. The road is generally relatively quiet and the walk not too tedious. After about a mile, turn right on the signed bridleway that crosses the flank of Wether Hill to White Cross (Grid ref. NZ681019). Cross the road and continue north on the bridleway to reach the main road. Continue north on the grass verge as far as High Crag (Grid ref. NZ682039) from where there is a beautiful view into Danby Dale.

Carefully cross the road and take the signed bridleway descending into Westerdale. The view ahead is superb. Reaching Dale Head, signs clearly direct you through the farm and you soon reach Broad Gate Farm (Grid ref. NZ671049). Continue through the farm yard and follow Broad Gate Road north. At the first junction turn left into Christy Gate Road. At the next junction a right turn will take you back to the start.

OS Map showing start

Ordnance Survey Map showing starting point of walk - Click Here

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL26
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 94

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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