Holidays: 3 Day Trail Ride

The Wharfedale Meander

Total 43 miles

This trail passes through Malhamdale, Wharfedale, Langstrothdale, Littondale and back. The big circular tour starts from Malham along the lanes past Janet's Foss and Goredale Scar. Leaving this dramatic limestone gorge scenery behind, you climb up over Weets Top to drop down across Hetton Common, past Winterburn reservoir and onto the old drovers road which takes you to Hetton for lunch. From Hetton after lunch you cross Boss Moor to travel over to Kilnsey. This first day follows the same route as the first day of the Hawkswick Clowder trail.

The second morning follows the River Skirfare up to Arncliffe to then make the steep ascent up over Old Cote Moor and make the dramatic descent into Wharfedale and Kettlewell. After lunching at the "Racehorses" we journey on through the village and up onto Cam Pasture. From Cam Head we drop down to Starbotton to follow the road up to Buckden and then onto our second nights stop at Hubberholme and a lovely nights meal at the George Inn.

The morning of the last day takes you up to Ramsgill and then the amazing climb up Horsehead Moor which provides a summit of breathtaking views. A lunch in the unspoilt village of Litton gives chance for a mourning of the passing trail ride, but the ride back over High Cote moor raises spirits with some wonderful turns of speed as the ponies sense the journey back home to their waiting companions at home base.