An easy and very lovely circular walk in Low Row

A lovely circular walk in Low Row

I have written up this walk primarily with Hillcrest Cottage guests in mind however it is such a lovely walk I thoroughly recommend it to Pry House Farm B&B guests too.  Its not a long walk and easy going.  Allow approx 2 hours and perhaps combine it with a visit to Reeth or Richmond.  A perfect day out.

There are two tracks running parallel to Hillcrest.  Take the lower track past the copper beech tree.  Do not take the left hand fork down to the road but carry straight on along the track and past Mellbecks Cottage and the impressive Brass Nappa House and Hall.

You may think you are walking very close to these lovely properties but it is a public footpath.

Having past Brass Nappa follow the track till the end and turn right.  The path passes through a wooded area which reaches a small ford.  Depending on how much water you encounter either walk through the ford or take the high wooden foot bridge on your right. 

After a few yards you will come to a waymarker with blue marker for bridleways and a yellow marker indicating a public footpath.  Follow the yellow marker (public footpath) the follows the wall.

Peep over the wall. You may be in for a surprise!

Another Mrs Calvert owns these alpaccas and takes visitors 'Alpacca Walking' around Low Row Alpacca Walks Its a very peaceful and relaxing pastime and great fun too.  Cath is very knowledgeable about the area.  This is a great way to gain insider information from a local.

Once again the path takes you through woodland, through a gate and down some steps to the main road.  Turn left and you will straight away see the village sign for Low Row.

Walk along the road approximately 50 yards and take the road on your right signposted Crackpot and Summer Lodge.

In a very short while you will come to Isles Bridge.  Do not cross over the bridge but go through the little gate on your left with finger post to Reeth.

Keep the river on your right all the time.  The path follows the river for just over a mile.  There are plenty of places to come off the path and sit by the river to listen to the birds but be aware that the River Swale is a deceptively fast flowing river and dogs & children must be supervised at all times.

Shortly after leaving Isles Bridge the path suddenly is the top of a retaining wall! Built to keep the river from flooding the fields it is broad enough to be safe but strong trainers or walking boots are required.  I'm afraid there's nowhere in the dales suitable for walking in flip-flops!  Stone paths can be slippery at any time of year, tree roots and rabbit holes can catch you out so please wear suitable footwear. 

The wall top walkway is only a short stretch and then reverts to a more normal path.

You are now walking back towards the village with the river on your right and Low Row on the left.  At the first gate look up and left.  Hillcrest is visible between the two copper beech trees.

The path winds it way along the riverside, over wooden bridges that spanning small becks full of water making its way to the river. The landscape varies from pasture, meadow and woodland.  Finally the path curves left, over a wooden walkway to steps that take you up a winding path to the road. 

Where the path meets the road turn left and walk back to the village taking care to be facing the oncoming traffic.  The B6270 isn't a busy road and it is easy to hear cars coming.

The Punchbowl Inn is the perfect resting & refuelling stop.  Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday (best to book on Sundays) my soup was delicious.  

If you are not holidaying at Hillcrest then The Punchbowl Inn is a good place to park and start your walk.  Walk west along the village and turn right up the little road on which a red telephone box stands.  You will see Hillcrest Cottage and the path as described at the beginning of this blog.  Enjoy!