Walks by Bus and Train in the Dales

Wensleydale Walk 2: Redmire Circular

A short walk from Redmire Village to Bolton Castle, back to Redmire, then down Mill Lane to see Redmire Force, returning high above the river and down tracks back to Redmire village.

Map: OS Explorer Map OL30

Distance:  4 miles 

Getting There: Redmire is served by buses from Hawes, Leyburn and Bedale (bus 157, connections from Northallerton on bus 73) and during the summer months by Vintage Bus 127 from Ripon and Leyburn. Redmire is also the terminus of the Wensleydale Railway from Leeming Bar, Bedale and Leyburn.

Risk Assessment: An easy walk, suitable for beginners with a reasonable amount of fitness.

The Route:



Turn left when you get off the train [A], and walk to the Reeth Road. Cross the road, take the footpath to Bolton Castle, crossing the bridge over Apedale Beck and walking up the meadows, to come out at Castle Bolton Village [B]

After admiring the castle from the outside [C], turn around and walk back to Redmire, on the lane, at the East side of Castle Bolton village (East Lane). Return to Redmire, walking down the village to Mill Lane.

Walk down to the bottom of Mill Lane and turn right, to admire Redmire Force. this is a good spot for lunch [D]

Return to the gate at the bottom of Mill Lane and cross the lane, going over the stile and taking the footpath high above the river. At the end of the footpath turn left and forward through a large farm gate onto a rutted track. You follow this all the way back to Redmire village. The church of St Mary’s has a fine carved Norman door, and is well worth a visit [E].


Getting Back:  Return from Redmire on the Wensleydale Railway or bus 157.

Points of Interest:

[A] The station at Redmire was closed to passenger trains in 1954 but, thanks to the hard work of members of the Wensleydale Railway it re opened in 2004. It is hoped that the track will soon be extended to Bolton Castle and Aysgarth Falls.

[B] Redmire was the last place in Wensleydale which Turner visited on Monday 29th July 1816. He spent some time here, sketching, before continuing on his lonely journey on horseback, to Swaledale. Note how the cottages on both sides of the village green face south, to take advantage of the sun, and possibly the wonderful view too!

[C] Bolton Castle was built in the 15th Century for Richard Scrope, Richard 11’s chancellor. The beams for the roof were reputed to have been carried from Penrith. Bolton Castle’s most famous visitor was Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned here in 1568. Turner visited Bolton Castle on Monday 29th July 1816. He made several sketches from every angle, before continuing on his journey leaving Wensleydale to ride into Swaledale.

[D] Redmire Force is a series of small waterfalls on the river Ure, not quite as spectacular as Aysgarth Falls nevertheless they are well worth a visit!

[E] The name Redmire comes from Reedy Marsh, this part of the dale would have been marsh land in ancient times. It is a pretty village which over looks Penhill, 3 miles away. Until the middle of the 19th century coal from the moors above the village provided much of the village’s livelihood. Each miner also kept a cow and subscribed to a cow club. This paid the wage of a herdsman, who looked after the cattle.


Walk details provided by Leyburn Walkers are Welcome - June 2010

Public transport information is available at www.dalesbus.org

 

RETURN TO WALK INDEX

Return to Dalesbus Home Page

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 those of the last return journey.