recommended route
Wharfedale Loop via Burnsall
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Narrow lanes through Yorkshire Dales villagesPhoto: Sally Thompson, Macs Adventure
This is a circular walk out of Grassington and over the River Wharfe at Linton Falls. From here, the route goes through the pretty villages of Linton, Thorpe and Burnsall before returning to Grassington via the Dales Way.
Leaving Grassington Town Hall, the route leads out of the town and down to the picturesque Linton Falls on the River Wharfe. From here you continue on to the pretty village of Linton and over farmland to Thorpe and Burnsall. This is a good spot for lunch as refreshments are available in the village. The walk now follows the Dales Way alongside the River Wharfe, crossing by the suspension bridge further on. From here the route follows on the opposite bank of the river back into Grassington and back to the Town Hall.
Author’s recommendation
Today’s walk takes in some classic Yorkshire Dales villages. The picturesque village of Linton is a gem with its small stream, Packhorse Bridge, old pub and village green. Burnsall is a tourist honeypot with its bridge over the River Wharfe, cafes, pubs and open green spaces. Keep your eyes peeled on the river section or today’s walk and you may be lucky enough to see Kingfishers and Dippers along the Wharfe.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
The Corner House CafeThe Black Horse Hotel
Retreat Tearoom & Bistro
The Devonshire
Grassington House Restaurant
The Old Hall Inn
The Fountaine Inn
The Red Lion Hotel
Linton's St Michael and All Angels Church
Safety information
Route
There is very little climbing or descending on this walk. However, some parts are muddy and could be slippery. The road sections out of Grassington to Linton and at Burnsall require care. These routes can be very busy, especially during peak summer seasons.
For any river crossing - there are always normally stepping stones or an obvious way to cross - be careful when crossing as it can be very slippery.
The paths in the moors may be tricky to follow at times, especially in very bad weather (fog). Make sure to stay on the correct trail by concentrating carefully on your GPS tracks and maps.
Take care on the roads around Settle and Malham. Walk on the right side facing the oncoming traffic unless there is a right-hand turn, in which case you should cross to the outside edge to allow drivers the maximum chance to see you.
Map
If you wish to carry a hardcopy map, we would recommend buying the Yorkshire Dales Outdoor Atlas by Harvey Maps. Alternatively, you may wish to print the daily maps directly from our app.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Please see the interactive map for notable points of interest along the walk, including recommended pubs/restaurants and tearoom stops. Simply click the icons on the map for more information as you walk.
Food and Drink
Grassington is a small market town with a full range of facilities. There is a small supermarket, bank and cash point facility, post office and numerous small shops. There are a number of pubs and cafes as well as the National Park Centre. On this circular walk there is a pub at Linton and a café and pub at Burnsall, should you require refreshments on the way.
There are plenty of options in Grassington for an evening meal (ensure you book in advance).
Public Transport
Check https://www.dalesbus.org/ for timetables for buses between Burnsall and Grassington.
Recommended Local Taxi Services
Dales Cab Company: +44 (0) 7515 868 788
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provided a general overview below of the Wharfedale Loop via Burnsall route to keep you on track. The route is navigationally straightforward, however, please ensure that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day. The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***
DISCLAIMER: Please note, the distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the direct routes at the time our pathfinder walking them (this excludes walking to/from your accommodation to the start/end point, or for example coming off the path for lunch). There may be some slight discrepancies/small diversions that make the distances slightly out compared to your own mapping software (Strava/Garmin/Apple Watch).
0.00 km – With your back to Grassington Town Hall, continue STRAIGHT ON down Main Street to the bottom of the road. At the junction BEAR LEFT onto Hebden Road and past the Nation Park Centre.
0.50 km - Just past the car park TURN RIGHT into Sedber Lane and follow the footpath signed Linton Falls down to the river and over the bridge.
1.00 km – On the other side of the bridge, TURN RIGHT past the weir and up onto the tarmac lane. Continue STRAIGHT ON to the junction with the main road.
1.20 km – At the road junction, with the bridge to the right, continue STRAIGHT ON, up the hill. Cross over the cross roads towards Linton Village. Be careful on this section as the traffic can be busy.
1.70 km – Just before the bridge, TURN LEFT onto the smaller road keeping the river on the right.
1.90 km - At the end of the road by Grange Farm, TURN LEFT and follow the path signposted to Thorpe Lane around the farm.
2.00 km – By the signpost in the stone wall, cross over the steps and continue STRAIGHT ON across the fields following the footpath to Threapland. Keep the wall to your left and aim for the small stone barn ahead.
2.90 km – At the stone barn TURN LEFT up the gravel track and over a cattle grid.
3.10 km – At the road junction, TURN RIGHT onto the tarmac road and continue STRAIGHT ON up the hill.
3.80 km – At the farm, near the brow of the hill TURN LEFT over the wooden stile signposted to Thorpe. BEAR LEFT across the field to a yellow gate. Once through the gate, continue STRAIGHT ON over several fields.
4.50 km – At a metal gate, cross the small stream and continue STRAIGHT ON uphill to the wall. Cross the stone steps and BEAR RIGHT following the signposted path. The grassy path skirts round the small hill on the left and descends down to a wall.
5.30 km – At the wall, TURN RIGHT through the gate and continue STRAIGHT ON down the track into Thorpe. On reaching the tarmac road, BEAR LEFT into the village.
5.80 km – At the Y shaped road junction BEAR RIGHT past the Manor House and up the hill, taking care with traffic.
6.00 km – At the bend in the road BEAR RIGHT onto the footpath signed to Burnsall. Continue STRAIGHT ON down the hill and BEAR LEFT through the gate, following the wall down to a stream.
6.80 km – At the gate, cross over the stream and continue STRAIGHT ON this well defined grassy path, with the road on the left.
7.40 km – Arriving at a sunken lane continue STRAIGHT ON, over several fields and walls, towards Burnsall, in the same direction as the power lines.
8.30 km – Emerging onto the main road TURN RIGHT and follow the pavement around the bend and past the pub. Take care with traffic on this short section of road. BEAR LEFT down the side of the bridge and onto the Dales Way footpath. Do not cross the bridge. Continue STRAIGHT ON along this well defined path for approx 2 kms, with the River Wharfe on the right.
10.1 km – At the suspension bridge, cross the river and TURN LEFT. Continue STRAIGHT ON following the Dales Way signposted to Grassington for approx 2 kms, with the river now on the left.
12.4 km - Just past a farm and at a bend in the road, leave the Dales Way and BEAR RIGHT up the road.
12.6 km – At the junction with the main road TURN LEFT. After 100 m BEAR RIGHT onto a footpath signposted to Grassington. Continue STRAIGHT ON through the houses and across the green space onto Scar Street. Continue STRAIGHT ON up this narrow lane towards Town Head.
13.4 km – Arriving back at the Town Hall you have reached the end of the walk.
*** This is the end of our Grassinton Loop Walk via Burnsall route, Please use your included documentation to find your overnight accommodation ***
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy boots or walking shoes are recommended as the terrain is muddy in places. Walking poles may be an advantage on the muddy sections of the route, and if attempting to cross the River Wharfe by stepping stones instead of the suspension bridge. The weather is changeable in the Dales so waterproofs should be carried. Maybe pack an extra pair of socks in case of wet feet on the muddier parts of the route.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.
Please always ensure you have plenty of water and emergency food (energy bars/trail mix) with you at all times.
Statistics
- 13 Waypoints
- 13 Waypoints
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