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The
river walk alongside the Ure near the market town of Masham is about
as good as any in the UK.
That's
the opinion of Keith Wadd, vice chairman of the West Riding branch
of the Ramblers' Association, and few would argue with him.
He
guided me on this 10-mile walk starting from the market square in
Masham.
Soon,
outside the town we're on the banks of this magnificent waterway,
part of which is on the Ripon Rowel, a long distance circular walk
devised by the Ripon group of the Ramblers' Association.
 Listen
to Keith Wadd and Mike Kemp on the walk
The
"rowel" is a type of steel which was manufactured in the
area for use in spurs.
Along
the Ure
The
banks of the River Ure boast spring flowers in abundance including
speedwell and wood anemones. It's very broad and with the morning
sun glinting off the water, swans gliding effortlessly along, the
Ure really does offer a joyous spectacle.
But
this walk is not just about the Ure. After a detour to a bridge
to cross the River Burn we leave the Ure to head towards Hack Fall
Wood, which is about two miles outside of Grewelthorpe.
Keith
Wadd is no less praiseworthy of Hack Fall Wood and he's in good
company.
In
the wood's heyday, during the 19th century, writers and artists
visited this landscaped "beautiful wilderness". Many
couldn't contain their joy at what they found.
Unfortunately
this walk offers just a glimpse of the wood's splendour before we
head uphill, through Nutwith Common and to the edge of the moors.
Nature
spotting
On
the way we hear the trill call of the Curlew, Europe's largest wading
bird, recognisable by its long curled bill.
And
on the moorland we pass grouse butts before reaching the small village
of Ilton, after which we drop to Sole Beck in a hidden gem of a
valley.
We
drop down its flanks of brown bracken, to cross a footway over the
beck and zig-zag up the other side.
The
final leg of this walk crosses numerous fields and through or over
stiles, too many to count.
This
stretch is a special place for Keith Wadd. He helped open up the
footpath and clear the stiles of overgrowth that had made it impossible
to walk.
The
route takes us gently back into Masham having enjoyed what's described
as 'some of the best landscape Britain can offer' in the shape of
the Ure and Hack Fall Wood.
Discuss
your favourite walks on our Message Board
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It
is essential for both the success and safety of the walk that
an up-to-date weather forecast is obtained before setting
out.
