Burnsall via Linton Falls
Explore one of the most beautiful areas in Wharfedale
Summary
Burnsall is one of my favourite little villages in the Yorkshire Dales. It is situated on the River Wharfe and surrounded by large rolling fells and vast grassy areas. Whilst in the village, take a stroll beside the river or relax in some of the nearby Dales cafes. There is also a lovely cosy pub ‘The Red Lion’ to quench your thirst whilst watching the world go by. The village itself is approximately 2 miles from Grassington (another favourite village) and 6 miles South East is Bolton Abbey, another great place to explore where you can hike up to Simons Seat! It’s a place that has extraordinary views looking over Appletreewick and Burnsall, but I’ll leave that for another blog post. From Burnsall, be sure to explore over to Linton to the ‘Linton Arms’ for some delicious pub grub, there is also Linton Falls not far from the pub ‘A popular waterfall on the River Wharfe’.
The Hike
From the heart of the quiet village, we began the hike through a narrow alleyway nestled in-between the stone houses. This brought us to multiple fields, where we crossed over a handful of stiles. I couldn’t help but stop and enjoy the area that sounded us, as pockets of sunshine splashed over the fells. The walking was easy, and It felt great to wander in the heart of the Dales.
As we continued through, we emerged into a small but quaint village called ‘Thorpe’, taking us along a narrow road. However, it wasn’t long until we were backcrossing more exposed fields. As the backdrop of the rolling fells surrounded us, we began to descend down into Linton for some pub grub at the ‘Fountaine Inn’. A great place to visit if you’re ever in the area.
Full of food, we followed a small path alongside ‘Linton Beck’ which would take us towards ‘Linton Falls’. From the beck, the route continued over vast areas of farmland fields and up a slowly rising hill. Offering a backdrop of Linton in the valley below. Gradually, we descended down to the River Wharfe to the hydroelectric power station. A turbine house that produces hydroelectricity to Grassington and the surrounded area. Something I didn’t know, until now.
Next to visit was ‘Linton Falls’, a mere 500 meters from the power station. I have never been to the falls before, but I could see why it is so popular. Standing over the bridge, looking down over the thundering water beneath made a dramatic but fascinating scene! As the water carves its way through limestone rock formed millions of years ago. That was great!
As we continued downstream from the falls, the route followed alongside the River Wharfe. A gentle section taking us slowly back into Burnsall. A much gentler way to end the walk, especially if you are still full of pub grub like we were.
Burnsall | Linton Falls | GPX
