The Herriot Way: Things to do along circular walk in Yorkshire Dales inspired by James Herriot including admiring the waterfalls in Aysgarth and learning the rich history of village of Keld

There are plenty of things to do along the four-day Herriot Way walk that was inspired by James Herriot including scenic views in Aysgarth and exploring the history of Keld.

The Herriot Way is a 52-mile circular walk that passes through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales with many locations linked with internationally famous vet Alf Wight, known by his pen name James Herriot.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The route is normally walked across four days starting and finishing in Aysgarth and hikers can stop overnight in Hawes, Keld and Reeth.

The path runs through a variety of terrain from stunning valleys, high, open fells to rolling, heather-covered moorland.

People quite often cool down in the water at Aysgarth Falls. (Pic credit: Simon Hulme)People quite often cool down in the water at Aysgarth Falls. (Pic credit: Simon Hulme)
People quite often cool down in the water at Aysgarth Falls. (Pic credit: Simon Hulme)

Things to do along The Herriot Way

Aysgarth Falls

For more than 200 years, the waterfalls at Aysgarth have been attracting tourists from all over the world. Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy stopped off there while they were waiting for their coach horses. It has also set the scene for the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner.

Wensleydale Creamery

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Yorebridge House. (Pic credit: James Hardisty)Yorebridge House. (Pic credit: James Hardisty)
Yorebridge House. (Pic credit: James Hardisty)

Cheese-making has been a Wensleydale pastime since 1150, when French Cistercian monks first settled in the valley and the first creamery was built in 1897 by the local corn and provisions merchant, Edward Chapman. Now the creamery handcrafts more than 20 varieties of cheese and employs more than 200 staff.

Yorebridge House

The building is located in the village of Bainbridge, in the heart of Wensleydale and is sandwiched between two rivers, The Ure and The Bain. It was first bought in 2006 by David and Charlotte from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. The hotel and restaurant has since been quite a draw for tourists and received multiple awards.

The Black Bull

A cheese iron with  Wensleydale cheese made at the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes. (Pic credit: Gary Longbottom)A cheese iron with  Wensleydale cheese made at the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes. (Pic credit: Gary Longbottom)
A cheese iron with Wensleydale cheese made at the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes. (Pic credit: Gary Longbottom)

The pub dates back to 1680 and is considered Reeth’s oldest surviving inn. It overlooks the village green with breathtaking views of Swaledale and offers accommodation and an extensive list of foods freshly prepared as well as a selection of real ales and wines at the bar with regular live music and special events.

Keld Countryside and Heritage Centre

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This centre used to be a horse stable and coach room in the Grade II listed Literary Institute Building which was carefully restored.

It is now a location where visitors can learn about the village’s history of hill farming, local people, lead mining, architecture, wildlife conservation and the heritage of the chapel buildings.

Dales Countryside Museum

The museum was established in 1941 by artist Marie Hartley and writer Ella Pontefract.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is now managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and follows the story of the people and landscape of the Dales past and present with displays that illustrate the development of the Dales from the prehistoric era to the present day.

There are various categories including tourism, transport, communication, leisure, lifestyle, religion, farming, local crafts and industries.

Butt House in Keld

The B&B is owned by married couple Jacqui and Chris who bought the property in May 2014. Chris is the chef and creates his own recipes, while Jacqui hosts guests.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are six waterfalls nearby with seating for people who want to take some snacks with them.

Hardraw Force Waterfall

This is considered to be England’s largest single drop waterfall, with a 100ft drop and is set within the grounds of the historic Green Dragon Inn.

The Green Dragon Inn is famous for being featured in the popular Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small as the exterior of The Drovers Arms.

Reeth Toy and Book Shop

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This traditional toy shop is the perfect place to visit with your family and is located in the heart of the Dales village.

The shop specialises in farm, horse and country books, toys and gifts and more than 2,500 equestrian book titles and an extensive range of children’s books.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1754
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice