Distance: 10 miles
Getting There: Bainbridge is served by buses from Bedale (connections from Northallerton on bus 73) and Hawes and Leyburn (buses 156/157). On Summer Sundays and Bank Holidays there are DalesBus services from York, Leeds, Ilkley and Grassington (bus 800) and Hawes, Northallerton, Bedale and Leyburn (bus 856). In the summer months there's also Vintage Bus 127 from Ripon and Leyburn.
Risk Assessment:
A moderate walk, suitable for experienced walkers.
The
Route:
1. From Bainbridge walk towards Leyburn on the A684, crossing over the bridge,
and admiring the river Bain cascading down the Waterfall [A]. Take the path on
the right, which climbs to the brow of Bracken Hill, before following the river
side path to Semerwater [B].
2. Cross Semer Water Bridge and walk up the road to Countersett, and then take
the footpath to Hawes End, climbing uphill and then turning right, once the road
is reached, and then after around a mile turning left onto the Roman Road [C].
3. Look for the Marsett sign on the left hand side of the Roman Road, and take
this steep path up the hill. Stop at the top of the hill, to admire the view.
This is a good place for lunch. Set off again, down hill to Marsett.
4. Follow the stream on the right bank and go over the fields to Stalling Busk
ruined church [D].
5. From the church follow the footpath, on the eastern side of Semerwater. Come
on to a lane opposite Low Blean Farm. Turn left on the lane and follow it to
Semerwater. Enjoy the views of the lake once more, and return on the outward
path back to Bainbridge [E].
Getting
Back: Return from
Bainbridge on bus 127, 156, 157, 800 or 856.
Points of Interest:
On the afternoon of Friday July 26th 1816, the artist J M W Turner stopped by
the Carlow Stone on the edge of Semerwater Lake to sketch the scene. He had
travelled from Wharfedale, over Stake Pass where he encountered rain, wind and
sunshine. His destination for the night was Askrigg.
[A] At just over 2 miles long the river Bain is reputed to be the shortest river
in England.
[B] There is a legend which says that a beggar asked for shelter at a village
which was next to the lake. No one wanted to help him, except one kind old
couple who took him in. The next day all the people of the village had drowned,
and their homes had disappeared into Semerwater, the only ones to be saved were
the kind old couple.
[C] There were a number of roads from Bainbridge, built by the Romans. This one
went west to Ingleton, and on to Lancaster.
[D] Stalling Busk Church was built in 1722, it was built on the site of an
earlier church, and the ruins are still attractive, the stone arches overlooking
Semerwater.
[E] Just before you arrive back in Bainbridge note Brough Hill in front of you,
which is the site of the Roman Fort Virosidum. It was occupied for more than 300
years.
Walk details provided
by
Leyburn Walkers are Welcome - June 2010
Public transport information is available at www.dalesbus.org
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.