Burnsall circular walk directions

To be used alongside a map.

1. Beginning at the Red Lion pub, head over the packhorse bridge and along the road (this is a fairly busy road, so take care), after 200 yards, turn right and head into the field (which is signposted Appletreewick 1 mile). You will be heading into the field that is often used for car parking, so if you have parked here, then this is your starting point (It’s called Wharfe View Car Park, it’s open during the Summer).

2. There is a barrier entry system for the car park immediately in front of you as you enter the field through a little gate in the wall. Head through the wooden posts on the left hand side of the barrier system that indicate the route of the footpath, and continue straight on across the field. Keeping the toilet block to your left and the river to your right, head across the field following the path towards the trees and to a gate.

3. The path heads through this, and runs parallel to the river (which is on your right). Follow the path which is clearly visible, and well walked, passing through another gate and heading downhill a little and finally heading through the middle of a field (which is fenced either side) until you get to a wooden footbridge. Cross the footbridge and through the gate on the other side. Here, the path splits into two. Take the left fork and head up the access track, away from the property up to the road.

4. At the top of the track, you will spot a wooden gate directly opposite. Next to the gate is a signpost pointing to New Road 1 3/4 miles. Head through the gate and follow the bridleway. It is wide and clearly marked, with additional signs from the farmer, so it is really easy to follow!

5. After starting as a walled stone lane, the path soon turns into a grassy track, and you will see another sign marked bridleway pointing up the hill. Follow this as it winds its way around the base of Kail Hill (the hill on your right) loosely following the line of the dry stone wall on your left. Ignore the offshoot farm track to the left (there are additional signs from the farmer here, to keep you on track) and follow the path as it gently winds upwards and round to the right.

6. Head through a gate that is waymarked as a public bridleway. At this point the path is enclosed by walls on both sides, making it really easy to follow. It eventually reaches some farm buildings and another wooden gate. Continue through that gate, and head left, continuing along the walled track. There are views here ahead to the rocky outcrop of Simon’s Seat and behind you, to Elbolton Hill.

7. Continue through a metal gate and after 200 metres or so, you will reach a wooden gate and another crossroads. You need to turn right (signposted Appletreewick 3/4 mile) and head along the clear track across the field, heading in the direction of the dry stone wall and farm buildings.

8. Once at the wall, head right and follow the line of the wall, as it first bends round to the left, then right heading through a gate, then rising slightly. You will see some further farm buildings as the track turns stony and then bends right. Head down this, until you reach The Craven Arms in Appletreewick.

9. Outside the pub are a set of stocks… (if you have a whinger like me, you might be tempted to leave them in them!) At the pub turn right and head down the road in the direction of Burnsall.

10. After 300 yards, turn left onto the walled path, which runs alongside Masons campsite. It is signposted Riverside, 100 yards. When you reach the riverside, turn right, and head back along the path which runs next to the river.

11. If you want to explore the river for a picnic spot, we thoroughly recommend turning left here and making your way down the river a little way. There are lots of paddling spots and picnic areas to try. Just remember to head back to Mason’s Campsite to continue the walk back to Burnsall. (If you decide to picnic, remember to leave no trace and take all rubbish home with you)

12. Pass through several gates until you reach the signpost pointing right. Follow that until you reach some farm buildings.

13. The path heads to the right of the farm buildings and to the left of a walled field, heading through another gate and towards the farmhouse up ahead. Here it will begin to look familiar, as this was where we were at point 3! Head back across the wooden footbridge, crossing the field and head back to Burnsall the way you came!

Last walked January 2024