Leyburn Shawl and Wensley

Leyburn Shawl and Wensley - 5 miles circular.

This is one of Leyburn's and Wensleydale's most renowned and popular local walks - and it is easy to see why! Accessible, easy-going with great views.

We parked up in the main car park in Leyburn and made our way to the western end of the High Street, walking the short distance along Shawl Terrace until we reached the entrance gate to the "Shawl".

Dog friendly, the route starts on a large open grassy bank with a series of benches perched on the edge allowing for stunning far-reaching views of Penhill and Wensleydale. We could sit and gaze here for hours!

The footpath heads away from Leyburn, remaining on the edge of the hill - the valley now obscured from view by the trees that offer some shade and respite from the heat on such a warm sunny day. Along the path we encountered various butterflies that were happily fluttering around us.

At the end of the "Shawl" we went through a gate and followed the path downhill through fields towards Tullis Cote, passing an ancient Settlement and Field System along the way. Winding our way down the track we passed the derelict Preston Smelt Mill - an impressive building and chimney that provided lead for the roof of Jervaulx Abbey in the 13th Century.

Soon after, we crossed the (for the time being) disused railway at the site of the former Wensley Station. Following a couple of paths through fields dissected by a quiet road we reached the pretty woodlands of Bolton Estate before emerging on to a vast and beautifully maintained field that rolled down towards the Estate's main gates and the quaint village of Wensley.

We strolled through the village, passing the church and numerous fields containing several friendly sheep and horses before crossing the railway line again and following the path through the graveyard and back in to the centre of Leyburn.

We thoroughly enjoyed this walk that has been "on the list" for a while. The views did not disappoint and the route was easy to follow. Plus, with an array of pubs and tea rooms waiting for you at the end, what's not to love about this wonderful walk!