Section 1 of 4, Six Dales Trail
Middleham to Breary Banks
8.3 miles (13.3 km). About 3½ hours, moderate.
Start: SE 126 877. Finish: SE 151 802. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Diversion in place on this route. On section 3 (Wath to Blubberhouses), not this one. The details are on its page.
Up and down
About 353 m of climbing and 273 m of descent; highest point 289 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Middleham.
- Bus stop
- West End Methodist Ch, 90 m from the start. Directions SE 126 876
- Car parks
- Car park (free), 90 m from the start. Directions SE 127 877Car park, 90 m from the start. Directions SE 126 876Car park (free), 240 m from the start. Directions SE 124 876
Getting back
The section finishes at Breary Banks. We found no bus stop within 3 km of the finish and no station within 10 km (from OpenStreetMap), so plan a lift or a taxi back.
Planning the Six Dales Trail
- Planning the whole trail: wawotley.org.uk.
- The guidebook the trail recommends: Six Dales Trail guidebook (Walkers are Welcome (Otley)).
What to expect
Underfoot: earth, rock and mud 24%, paved or flagged 11%, grass 9%, gravel and tracks 8%; the rest (47%) isn't recorded.
About 10% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 5 stiles, 1 kissing gate, 34 gates, 6 stream crossings, 4 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 79 m in a kilometre (1 in 13), starting 4.5 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- The Black Bull, Middleham: at the start. Food.The Dante Arms, Middleham: at the start. Dogs welcome, food, seats outside.Richard III, Middleham: at the start. Food, seats outside.The Cover Bridge Inn, East Witton: 2 miles in. Food, seats outside.
- Café
- The Castle Keep Tea Room, Middleham: at the start.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
Walked it? Log it
Something wrong or missing?
Tell us what to change about this section: a wrong distance, a moved start, a path that's closed.