Mossdale Falls

Picture: Frank Knowles

Long walk Saturday 19th June. 11 miles. Hawes, Hardraw, Cotterdale, Thwaite Bridge, Mossdale, Appersett, Gayle and Hawes.

O.S. Explorer Map OL30 & OL19

Catch Dales & District Bus from Leyburn 9.40 arrive in Hawes 10.23

Dales & District Bus back from Hawes 16.45 arrives back in Leyburn 17.29

1. Walk up Brunt Acres Road, on the left hand side, to a gate, with a sign for the Pennine Way. Walk on this paved path, across a meadow to come out just before Haylands Bridge. After crossing the bridge turn left and walk over field paths to Hardraw (no time to visit Waterfall on this walk.) Walk through the village and turn right, onto a lane with a sign Pennine Way. A.

2. This is a steep climb up the Pennine way. Turn left, soon after going through a large farm gate to leave the Pennine Way after 1 mile, signed Cotterdale. Go on this rough moorland path, above Cotterdale to Cotterdale village. B.

3. Near the end of the village turn left after crossing Cotterdale Beck and gradually walk up hill to the minor road which you cross. Now climb steeply up Low Rigg over rough moorland, crossing The High Way and down hill to Thwaite Bridge. Cross the A684, and climb up to Mossdale Waterfall. C. Stop for half an hour for lunch. Set off for Appersett.

4. Field paths beside Mossdale Gill and the River Ure to Appersett. There may be a flooded stream to cross.

5. At Appersett cross the bridge over Widdell Beck and take the “No Through Road” lane on the right to Thorney Mire House. D.

6. Just after Thorney Mire House take the bridleway on the left and, when the path divides, continue on the right hand path. Coming out on the B6255. Cross the road and go slightly left and take the footpath which skirts a large barn. Follow this path through several meadows, going through gate stiles in the walls, to come out at Mossy Lane which you cross, continuing on to Gayle. E. Walk down the road from Gayle to Hawes. 11 miles total. 16.45 Bus back from Hawes arrives Leyburn 17.29

Risk Assessment a difficult walk with steep climbs, moorland, difficult stiles and heavy gates! A walk for experienced walkers only.

Points of Interest

This was one of the remotest sites visited by Turner. He arrived late in the afternoon of Saturday 27th July 1816 and did several sketches; the Watercolour which he later painted makes Mossdale Falls look very dramatic.

A. Pause for a rest as you climb up and turn around to admire the view of Addleborough.

B. Cotterdale refers both to the dale and the village, it is a very quiet peaceful place where Cotterdale beck can be seen meandering along the valley bottom.

C. Mossdale Head looks very different now from when Turner visited, the railway between Hawes and Garsdale was built in the late 1870’s, and this rather attractive Viaduct, is all that remains now.

D. There is another good example of a Victorian Viaduct along the lane.

E. The often derelict field barns which you pass were used to house 4 or 5 cows in the winter. Their food was stored in the loft above and the farmer would walk from the farmhouse to milk them each day.