Bradley Moor and the Dales High Way
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After a VERY soggy attempt at this stunning walk got cut short in March, we revisit this route at a much more promising time of year. Near Skipton there are some beautiful rolling hills along with open moorland overlooking the Aire Valley and Wharfedale; the breathtaking scenery and friendly locals mean this is a walk not to be missed. So, here's another chance to discover the glorious countryside just south of the Yorkshire Dales, just hopefully with better weather this time.
Our meeting point for our walk is close to the edge of North and West Yorkshire. Located in the village of Bradley, physically in North Yorkshire but oddly given West Yorkshire postal town and area codes! It is from here we will take a hilly but scenic 12 mile walk over fields and moorland, with beautiful views along the tops of the moors. Come along and experience the stark beauty of God's own country.
We start by heading up through Bradleys Both, across fields, through woodland and up the marshy hills to the walk's summit on Skipton Moor, with views back towards the Aire Valley behind us and down over Skipton ahead. We continue onwards over the moor, heading down to join the Dales High Way, which has the feel of an old Roman Road. A rather straight and relatively flat stretch of path takes us towards Addingham, looking out this time over Wharfedale at the opposite side of the moor to Bradley. At this point we will stop for lunch, during which we may get to hear, if not see, one of the trains chugging along the Embsay and Bolton Abbey steam railway in the valley below. Following lunch we continue heading along the Dales High Way, skirting around the edge of Addingham, before joining the Millennium Way for a short distance as we head back towards Bradleys Both. Then it's over rolling farmland and on to Bradley Moor, with a quick visit to Jubilee Tower monument which has spectacular views over the Aire Valley, finally finishing the walk back beside the canal beneath Low Bradley.
There will be the option to visit the local village pub in Bradley too. With food and a good selection of local ales available, along with a friendly welcome and a real fire, a nice relaxing end to the day before heading home is assured.
Feel free to bring along your furry friends, although remember it is a fairly long walk for little legs and there are a few stiles along the route. Please remember to keep them on a lead through fields with animals roaming free and to pick up after them. Thanks.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch. There is a pub near the end of the walk too if you would like a drink or snack before heading home at the end of the day.
Please bring plenty of water, suggested at least 2 litres.
Snacks, for any small food and drink breaks along the walk.