WENSLEYDALE is probably the prettiest of all the dales. At this time of the year it is even more so. Weather with a dusting of snow or just a low light brings out the best of Wensleydale, encapsulated by this short walk which links Hawes and the lovely village of Burtesett.
From Hawes walk through the town and turn south (left towards the hills) along a road which passes the Wensleydale Creamery centre. Carry on past Gayle Mill and into Gayle itself. The mill, which is not presently open to the public, generated electricity for a small corner of Hawes 100 years ago.
It was driven by the powerful water descending from the slopes of Wether Fell. The village of Hawes in the autumn (Image: Jonathan Smith) Where the road meets a T junction, turn left over the bridge and then immediately right, over a stile and on to a sloping field. Aim for the far corner of the field where there is another stile leading in to a further field, climbing gradually.
The path continues south east, crossing two more stiles before turning more in an easterly direction and contouring the hillside (this Wether Hill, climbable if you take the path heading directly uphill). A leisurely walk through the fields gives ample opportunity to enjoy the lovely views ahead and down Wensleydale. The winter light accentuates the soft valley sides, isolated farm buildings, barns and intermittent copses of woodland.
They combine to give Wensleydale the gentler image than that of its neighbours (Swaledale and Wharfedale).
