South Stainley, North Yorkshire
Although this walk was planned for January and was cancelled due to snow, we almost cancelled again because of the snow! Nine of us made the journey to the newly refurbished Inn at South Stainley. We were booked in for our late lunch so were able to park and begin the walk from here. After our coffee break at the Inn we headed towards Burton Leonard through South Stainley village.
We were delighted to see a small herd of Alpacas, recognised by their shorter, pointed ears. We will see these lovely creatures again at the return of the circular route. Turning left just after the church, the route goes slightly uphill.
It became quite slippy round the borders of the fields, some were wishing they'd brought a stick with them! Everyone was okay though as we approached the wooded section of our walk. It was all uphill from here and enjoyable, as we headed into a cold front. Burton Leonard was soon in view, and is a perfect stop at nearly half way. The Royal Oak is a great little pub, and walkers and dogs received a very warm welcome.
As we progressed on our route, we entered the Burton Leonard Nature Reserve which has been a lime quarry, and still has old kilns on the site, and an obvious old railway line that was used many years ago. From there we returned to the signposted track. The route took us through the Stainley estate, and soon Stainley Hall could be seen on the hill. The way sign was not obvious but as you walk through the field following a line of trees, a metal kissing gate can be seen on the right towards the Hall. From here the track goes left, but take a right turn at the lefthand side of the Hall, followed by a stile into the next field.
Soon we were in South Stainley again, timing perfectly for our late lunch. The Inn was nice and warm, the meal was one of the best Sunday roasts I can ever remember.
Below I have included the links for both pubs, and a map of the route.
We were delighted to see a small herd of Alpacas, recognised by their shorter, pointed ears. We will see these lovely creatures again at the return of the circular route. Turning left just after the church, the route goes slightly uphill.
It became quite slippy round the borders of the fields, some were wishing they'd brought a stick with them! Everyone was okay though as we approached the wooded section of our walk. It was all uphill from here and enjoyable, as we headed into a cold front. Burton Leonard was soon in view, and is a perfect stop at nearly half way. The Royal Oak is a great little pub, and walkers and dogs received a very warm welcome.
As we progressed on our route, we entered the Burton Leonard Nature Reserve which has been a lime quarry, and still has old kilns on the site, and an obvious old railway line that was used many years ago. From there we returned to the signposted track. The route took us through the Stainley estate, and soon Stainley Hall could be seen on the hill. The way sign was not obvious but as you walk through the field following a line of trees, a metal kissing gate can be seen on the right towards the Hall. From here the track goes left, but take a right turn at the lefthand side of the Hall, followed by a stile into the next field.
Soon we were in South Stainley again, timing perfectly for our late lunch. The Inn was nice and warm, the meal was one of the best Sunday roasts I can ever remember.
Below I have included the links for both pubs, and a map of the route.