A delightful walk through lower Swaledale along the route of the Coast to Coast path.
Map:
Distance: Approx. 10.5 miles from Reeth or 9.5 miles from Grinton.
Getting there: Bus service 30 operates between Richmond and Reeth on Mondays to Saturdays.
The Route: From Reeth Green walk back down the road to Reeth bridge, cross over Arkle Beck and continue along the pavement for a few yards to the first path on the right which leads past the old Fremington Mill and across fields to Grinton Bridge.
It is worth a short diversion over the bridge into Grinton to view the church and the old cottages, though the main route keeps to the left bank of the Swale and follows it downstream to eventually emerge on to a narrow tarmac lane leading to Marrick Priory. The priory buildings, now restored and extended are used as an outdoor education centre, but once this was home to a group of Benedictine nuns, being established in the 12th century.
At a farm gate just beyond the priory take a path to the left which slopes uphill to enter the delightful Steps Wood where a stone flagged path (the Nun’s Steps) leads upwards to a field, then into a lane which brings you into the little community of Marrick. At the east end of the village follow C to C signs which lead initially to the right, then back left behind farm buildings.
Cross a series of pastures, passing Nun Cote Nook well to your left, then descend gradually to Ellers beck and the isolated cottage of Ellers. The path continues in the same general direction, passing close to a plantation at Hollins Farm to eventually reach the Fremington to Marske road.
Walk down the road to the ancient Marske bridge, then up through the attractive small village and out along the old Richmond road for some 600 yds to where the path enters fields at a bend. Cross several fields & stiles to reach the course of Clapgate Beck which is quite deeply incised into the landscape. Descend to the beck, cross by a recently constructed footbridge, then continue by ascending to the farm track which leads to West Applegarth Farm along a pleasant shelf below limestone scars and with a fine view across the valley. From West Applegarth the path contours along the hillside to pass behind East Applegarth below Willance’s Leap before reaching Whitcliffe Wood.
A good track is followed through the wood, rising gradually to reach open hillside at High Leases from where there is a view of Richmond ahead. A tarmac lane now leads all the way into the town, but a finer, if somewhat longer finish is to descend Green Lane to the main road, walk east for a few yards, then cross the Swale by the footbridge next to the car park and toilets. A fine path now leads along the wooded riverside to reach Richmond Bridge below the walls of the imposing castle. Cross the bridge and wander up through Richmond’s ancient streets to reach the Market Place
This webpage is provided by the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group, you are advised to confirm details of bus services with operators before travelling. Please check bus and train times carefully, as there is only a limited service on route 30.