Discover Langstrothdale
Start this stroll through beautiful Langstrothdale by crossing the ancient packhorse bridge at Yockenthwaite.
See the historic rock formation at Yockenthwaite
This route is a circular flat route following the River Wharfe up towards Beckermonds. Discover a landscape of limestone pavement, glaciated valleys and flower-rich hay meadows.
Map
Start:
Yockenthwaite Bridge, grid ref: SD904790
1
Cross the bridge and follow the Dales Way towards Beckermonds. You will see a footpath sign up near a fallen sycamore trunk, which came down during a storm in 2005.
2
As you walk under some trees and through a gate you will pass a lime kiln. This was built for burning limestone, quarried from behind the kiln. The burnt lime, spread on the fields 'sweetened the grass' as the farmers say.
River Wharfe
The clean water of the Wharfe is a source of food for many birds. Keep an eye open for kingfishers, goosander, dippers and sand martins.
3
Soon you will pass Yockenthwaite stone circle. Just past this you can see water coming out of Yockenthwaite Cave. If you listen carefully near the entrance you can hear a waterfall deep inside.
Yockenthwaite Stone Circle
Yockenthwaite stone circle is possibly the base of a Bronze Age burial mound or maybe a ritual site. Either way, try and count the number of stones - do you get the same number of stones twice?
4
As you approach Deepdale you pass through hay meadows.
Hay meadows
In summer the hay meadows are full of wildflowers and beautiful smells. The barn in this field is where the hay used to be stored and cattle spent the winter.
5
At Deepdale walk down to the road and cross the bridge. Turn left and follow the river back to Yockenthwaite. It is great for a picnic along here and everyone will enjoy paddling in the limestone rock pools. Take care it could be slippy!
End:
Yockenthwaite Bridge, grid ref: SD904790
