10.1 miles.
Explorer Map 304, - Darlington & Richmond
The walk was made when the weather was overcast and damp,
and conditions underfoot were distinctly wet and muddy, - even though
a significant part of the walk utilises farm tracks and minor roads.
Although the walk can be considered a year-round walk, it would be highly
rewarding in sunshine with good visibility, as there are some superb
views along the way.
In mid to late February, there are plenty of snowdrops and aconites
to be seen in Kirby Hill (Kirby Ravensworth) and at Hartforth.
Both Kirby Hill (Kirby Ravensworth) and Ravensworth itself ate villages
of great charm, character, and historical interest and are worth a visit
at any time.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from the small parking area outside the church at
Gilling West (NZ18281 05105).
You may cut through the churchyard of St. Agatha's, to take the footpath
across fields to Waters Lane. Alternatively, walk down the main street
of Gilling West, heading Southwards, until you come to Waters Lane.
Follow Waters Lane past Crabtree House Farm until you come to a junction
with a farm track. Here turn left for a short distance, then follow
the farm track on your right to Hartforth Wood, and down to cross the
Smelt Mill Beck at a ford. Continue on the farm track until you come
to the gate at the field below Whaston Hag Farm.
Follow the footpath signs round the edge of the field until you come
to the minor road that leads from Whaston Hag Farm to Whaston village.
Follow the road through Whaston village.
At NZ147 062 there is a bridleway on your left, which takesyou up to
the minor road between Ravensworth and Richmond. Cross the road, and
then take the field footpath to Kirby Hill.
The footpath enters Kirby Hill by a narrow lane that exits immediately
in front of the church.
Continue along the minor road from Kirby Hill to Gayles, leaving the
road at a signposted footpath on your left (found just past a house
which had two huge dogs keeping guard in front of the house).
Follow this field footpath to Gayles, which you enter via small lane.
Turn right at the road, and after a short distance take the signposted
footpath to Ravensworth.
NOTE : This footpath is NOT "user friendly". The first section
crosses a very muddy, and fighly churned up, field. Passing through
a gate as per the path on the Ordnance Survey map, there are then few
indications as to where the correct path lies. It is essential to follow
field patterns on the map to find the correct way forward. Further complications
included poorly maintained, and difficult to use, stiles across fences.
Where this footpath meets the minor road, follow the road into Ravensworth.
Take the road Esatwards out of Ravensworth, and as you leave Ravensworth
itself take the lane Northwards which takes you to the field footpath
to Pond Dale Farm (follow field patterns).
From Pond Dale Farm take the track to Comfort Lane, and turn left once
you meet this minor road.
Just past the entrance to Grange Farm, take the track to the Hartforth
Beck, then follow the footpath that runs beside the beck to Hartforth.
From Hartforth, take the waymarked field footpath back to Gilling West.