THERE are many lovely walking alternatives on this stretch of the River Wharfe, but I really enjoy this one which visits four contrasting villages, from busy Grassington to quiet Thorpe. All typify the area.

The Northern Echo: The exterior of the Fountaine InnThe exterior of the Fountaine Inn

Park in the main car park at Grassington and join a path at the southern end of the car park heading directly downhill to the river. The two-step falls are, in fact, the highest on the River Wharfe, which is odd as it really is not very high. However, standing on the bridge (the fourth built) after heavy rains is an impressive sight. Turn right after the bridge, through the houses then join a minor road heading uphill. Cross a second road and carry on into the first village, Linton. Set round a village green – and the Fountaine Inn – it is popular in summer and attractive all year. Make sure to have a look at the Palladian-style almhouse built to house the village poor in 1721.

The Northern Echo: Hebden storesHebden stores

Keeping to the east of the stream walk south to a footpath heading through the houses and uphill on to open fields. The path climbs south east for over half a mile past two copses, until it arrives at a stile leading into the walled Thorpe Lane. Turn left and follow the lane for a further half a mile into the quiet village of Thorpe. This is another pretty village, decked in classic Yorkshire stone. The only sign of life is an old sign for the past pub, the Shoulder of Mutton. Take the quiet road leading east from the village for 200 metres, then a footpath on your right.

For the next mile the footpath passes through fields of sheep, offering excellent views over the River Wharfe and valley, then on to the moors further north. Only a minor beck and a farm track interrupt the walk, although there are a number of stone stiles as you cross the fields.

Burnsall, the third village, is picture perfect. Set overlooking the River Wharfe its highlights include an interesting church, a wonderful Grade 1 primary school (which used to be the grammar school) and an excellent pub. It's worth dawdling on the riverside, particularly if you have a picnic.

The return to Grassington is along the riverside path. It starts under the road bridge on the southern bank. Follow the winding path for one mile to a suspension footbridge then cross to the northern bank. At this stage you can carry on alongside the river to Grassington, over two miles away. However, another attractive village, Hebden, lies a few hundred metres to the north, up a quiet road. There is evidence of a settlement here since the Bronze Ages, although today the most noticeable monument is the yellow phone box, signifying Andrew Tiggs Hodge rowing gold in the 2012 Olympics. The village hall is a more traditional building in this historic village.

Return to the river bank and continue west along the northern bank, through some woods and fields before taking the lane at a crook in the river leading in to Grassington.

The Northern Echo: Villages of Wharfedale mapVillages of Wharfedale map

WALK FACTS

Distance: Roughly 8 miles (850 feet)

Start: SE 003637. Large National Park car park.

Difficulty: Easy/Medium. Good paths or farm tracks, a short pull out of Linton is the most challenging section.

Refreshments: There is a café or pub at nearly every turn (except Thorpe). The difficulty is keeping out and completing the walk.

Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 2) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass (essential on this walk). You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

  • Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company in the Yorkshire Dales. He has just published a new book on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. It is his second book after the popular ‘Dales 30’. Available on his website and local outdoor/book shops

One and two-day navigation courses are available throughout the year in the Dales. The dates are on the website. Private guiding days in the Dales, Lakes and moors are also available.

For more details on other walks, courses or to buy the books visit his website at Where2walk.co.uk.