A beautiful two dale walk between Malhamdale and Wharfedale over high pastures and through woods, with some moderate ascents. Careful pathfinding required so a good map is essential.
Map:
Distance: 9 miles Some steep ascents so care is needed.
Getting There: Bus 210 serves Malham from Skipton on Saturdays all year and on Summer Saturdays and Sundays runs to Malham from Leeds, Bradford and Skipton.
The Route: From Malham (cafes, pubs, shops, toilets) follow the Pennine Way southwards, then the popular path eastwards to Janet’s Foss. Turn right into lane to pass Gordale Scar entrance then steep climb up to where a track climbs to medieval cross at Weets Top (viewpoint). Take the stile, left, some 100 metres before Weets Top. Cross to woodland ahead with stile in the wall corner, then descend to Park House farm. Left past farm, bearing right past Bleak Bank and Low Laithe (barn) before path descends fields towards Bordley Beck, then left along path above Bordley Hall. Right over bridge the sharp left uphill to join track into the hamlet of Bordley.
Bear right through Bordley but as the lane climbs uphill, follow path right, signposted, which leads along wall climbing uphill before descending dry valley, then up again over stiles to Higher Height Holes past ancient field system. Path turns right at Heights Laithe, then left to Height House, descending alongside Cow Close Wood into Wood Nook Caravan site. Follow lane past quarry entrance, left at junction to Skirethornes, then path right through fields and alongside walls to Threshfield (village inn).
Continue past village green to Burnsall road (bus stop for services to Skipton and Ilkley), turn right for 50 metres to gate for fieldpath over old railway line to Threshfield School. Left along lane then first right to riverside path for bridge at Linton Falls and narrow enclosed way up to Grassington. Choice of pubs and cafes in the village
Getting Back: Buses 66A and 72 for Skipton, 74 and 874 for Ilkley all leave from Grassington Travel Interchange.
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, particularly that of the last return journey.