Where to wander this month: Austwick Circular Walk  (Including Oxenber Bluebell Woods)

We have decided to repeat this walk from last year, as the bluebells really are beautiful on this walk, creating a sea of flowers flowing across the grass.

This walk is 4.7 miles which will take you approximately 1hr 50mins – unless of course you stop off at Elaines Tearooms for some delicious homemade food as a treat!

The route follows good paths and tracks, and climbs to a height of 170 metres providing beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Ingleborough and Pen-Y-ghent.

Starting at point 1 on the map, The GameCock , facing the pub turn right and head down past the school until you reach a barn on the right hand side of the road. Turning right here you will begin walking towards Oxenber Woods. The walled track takes you to point 2 providing views of Moughton Scar and Fountains Fell, and the Woods which are straight ahead.

Follow the bend to the left at point 2 and then shortly afterwards turn right up a short track and through a wooden gate. The path will then zig-zag up the hill and you will continue to climb towards a barn and wooden stile. You will continue to follow this track through a metal gate and Ingleborough will become visible on the left hand side.

Just before you reach point 4, the Ford, turn right along the public footpath. You will have Wharfe Wood on your right and Pen-y-ghent will become visible on your left as you climb.

As you come towards point 5 there will be a stile on your right hand side taking you into Wharfe Wood – there is a clear trail through the wood that will weave you down through Oxenber Wood and will bring you out in a field above point 7. This is the best route to take if you are wanting to see the amazing Bluebells on display – of course you can go through the woods a way and then turn back to rejoin the circular route.

Following the path down from point 5 takes you through Feizor, and past Elaines Tearooms – the perfect time for a pit stop! Once you’ve refulled continue down through feizor until you reach a singpost for the “Pennine Bridleway – Austwick 1 3/4 miles”. Follow this sign and stay on the track all the way back to point . At this pont you can finish the route you way you started or you can turn left onto Wood lane. This will loop you round into Austwick, over the bridge and past the Traddock Hotel, eventually bringing you back to the start, where a drink in the Game Cock will finish off your Walk perfectly!