Walking in Yorkshire: A Very Pretty Circular from Kettlewell. . .

The little village nestled in this valley is Kettlewell, roughly in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the start of our ramblers group walk last Sunday.  The Liverpudlian was leading the B walk, and while I wasn't with him for the recce, he had assured me that this was a walk I would like. And he wasn't wrong.

We started climbing up the hills behind the village on a lovely path - tufty grass, not too boggy and very soft underfoot.

We were heading for that dark ridge in the distance: Great Whernside (not to be confused with Whernside, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks).

Up on the top, we had lunch as there were plenty of boulders that served as seats.

Then there was a short ridge walk and an easy descent.  I love the rich moorland grass colours. It's not as intense as heather in bloom, but it gives the landscape a soft pink hue that is very relaxing on the eyes.

Looking back at Great Whernside.

I love how you can see for miles and miles in every direction and hardly see a soul.

We then headed north, again on an easy stone path, towards the hamlet of Starbotton.

I love the ripples in the landscape.

And the ridges caused by the sheep paths over many, many decades.

Once we reached Starbotton, we turned back towards Kettlewell, joining the Dales Way and a very pretty route along the River Wharfe.

There's no mistaking the Yorkshire landscape when you see the criss-crossing of drystone walls.

There were no towering peaks or dramatic views, just fresh air, mostly dry weather, good company and pleasant terrain for the ten miles we walked. A lovely way to spend a Sunday (and plenty of coach time for knitting too).