Six Dales Trail- part 3

We picked up the trail where we had left it in Pateley Bridge today to make a start on part 3 of the Six Dales trail.  After a stop at the butchers for plenty of baked goods to power us through our walk we followed the river Nidd up to Gouthwaite reservoir.

A cute little bridge over a stream that feeds into the River Nidd
Gouthwaite reservoir

Walking was so easy and a lovely path.  We continued onto Bouthwaite where I stopped to swap my socks and apply a couple of blister plasters as I could feel a hot spot on my heel.

Miniature horse at Bouthwaite

At Bouthwaite we then started to gain some height and climbed up to Fountains Earth moor. 

Look back at Gouthwaite reservoir whilst climbing the hill

We then followed a really good track over the moors.  I love the moors.  I just find them very peaceful.  There were lots of ground nesting birds being very active today.  One flew right in front of Rachel and made her scream.

Awesome track on Fountains Earth moor

We left the track sadly and followed our trail which took us onto Low Ash head moor and some cool looking rocks which had a shooting houses almost looking like they had been built into the rocks

We could then see Roundhill Reservoir in the distance and knew our walk was coming to an end.

Roundhill Reservoir in the distance

We tracked along following the path and then the road towards Leighton reservoir where we had parked.  

Leighton reservoir

This has been my favourite section of the six dales trail so far.  I’m looking forward to tomorrow when we will finish the walk off.  I’ll be even happier if my new boots don’t rub me!

17.4km walk, with good paths.  I will probably come back and walk this section again as it was so enjoyable.

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/25310425/Six-Dales-Day-3

5 responses to “Six Dales Trail- part 3”

  1. James Elkington avatar

    Great! I have spent some time on Fountains Earth Moor looking for cup and ring marked rocks. Found a few new ones too. It is just so bleak up there!

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    1. Kirsty Blakemore-Ash avatar

      It is quite bleak out there. Awesome views on a clear day though. I didn’t see any cup and ring marked stones whilst up there so good spot!

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      1. James Elkington avatar

        This is one of the few weeks found up there, also a couple of standing stones. https://www.thenorthernantiquarian.org/2021/05/18/mackenzies-stone/
        I am enjoying reading your blog especially as I love locally

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  2. Kirsty Blakemore-Ash avatar

    Looking at that map we would have been in the area on this walk but missed it. Glad you are enjoying the blog.

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    1. James Elkington avatar

      Yes, it is nice to see the local sites too from someone else’s eyes. You are doing lots of walks that I can no longer do so it is interesting to see the photos and descriptions.

      Liked by 1 person

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