Wandering Walls

Only having lived wedged between the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales for 18 months, (if you don’t count the first 18 years of my life), there is so much yet to discover.  Including the back of Gummers How, here.

Dent is a tiny village on the Dales Way with Heriotesque cobbled streets and picturesque cottages straight out of a glossy brochure.  Add to that its Real Ale brewery and stunning scenery, and surely there must be something for every one?

We took a hike along this route  which climbed up High Ground towards Shake Holes and Wold End Moss. 

What wonderful names!  

The initial steep climb was through dark, lush woodland with trees of immense and strange proportions.

Opening on to rolling dales the  way was marked clearly by signs and for the most part we guided by the tramline walls on either side of the ancient roads.

The topography of the dales here is quite a contrast to the Lakeland hills.  The long finger ridges stretching across the horizon in a uniform line as opposed to the undulating peaks of the Lake land hills.  Each spectacular in their own way.

Foxgloves were still present, and down in the valley the wet weather must suit the wild geraniums with the clover growing to giant size

The route went under Weather Ling Hill and Tofts, crossing painted streams and miniature bridges, before finally reaching the River Dee and the Dales Way.  The valley was squelchy but not over our boots and having remembered to spray mine after a few wet walks, I had dry feet again.

Refreshment was at the George and Dragon, aka the Dent Brewery.  There are a couple of tea rooms but apparently closed beyond 5 on a Friday afternoon.   (It was about 6). 

Start from SD70487, use OL2, or print the route off from here.  Easy to follow afternoon/evening walk.  Enjoy.

More pictures here

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