The Occupation Road and the Wild Flower Meadows of Dentdale.

Start. Dent.

Route. Dent - Dragon Croft - Flinter Gill - Occupation Road (track) - Little Combe Hill - Nun House Outrake - Deepdale Lane - Peacock Hill Farm - Scow - Mill Bridge - Dales Way - Church Bridge - Dent.

Notes. Dentdale a simply charming deep valley, a mosaic of lush green fields, separated by dry stone walls with a scattering of typical Dales farmsteads dwarfed by souring fells. In contrast cutting across the flanks of these fells, clinging to the 1292ft contour is the Occupation Road, a green lane dating back centuries, an important drovers route. When the common land was enclosed in the 18th century the green lane became walled. This was a walk of two distinct half's, first between these walls through a spectacular landscape soaking up wonderful vistas, my return was made via valley paths through wild flower meadows in the company of the River Dee and Deepdale Beck.

More or less opposite the entrance to the main car park in Dent a road leaves the main street, this is Dragon Croft, I followed this to the foot of Flinter Gill the start of a steep climb. Passed the Dancing Stones I ascended followed by a Wishing Tree, further up the gill I visited High Ground Farmstead Barn followed by a restored lime kiln. Once clear of the tree cover the views started to open out, to my right atop a low mound a view indicator, I ascended into even better views. After taking a few snaps I continued my ascent of the gill, stopping at a memorial bench for a brew before joining the Occupation Road.

South I walked between the dry stone walls of this old drove road, stunning views accompanied every step, after just over a mile I reached a junction, a finger-post invited me to Nun House Outrake. This track descended over steep ground, I descended with it to reach the Deepdale Road near Peacock Hall Farm, just across the lane another finger-post, this promised passage to Mill Bridge. My descent continued through green pastures and wild flower meadows, passed the deserted farmstead of Scow then down to the banks of Deepdale Beck at Mill Bridge.

I then joined the Dales Way a long distance footpath, this in turn ushered me along the banks of Deepdale Beck through yet more wild flower meadows, I passed the confluence of Deepdale Beck and the River Dee, with the River Dee now my companion I wandered on, stopping at a set of stepping stones before reaching Church Bridge. Turn left at Church Bridge and your almost back in Dent, I continued along the river bank until reaching a footpath that lead directly back to the main car park.

view route map.

home.

Early morning over Dentdale.

The Dancing Stones, once used by the weavers of Dent to soak the woven fabric, thus fluffing up the fibres causing the fabric to shrink.

View taken from High Ground Farmstead Barn, over the Frostrow Fells to the Howgill Fells, taking centre stage the long ridge of Arant Haw.

Views into the dark depths of Flinter Gill.

The stunning view from the Flinter Gill path, to the left Combe Scar, to the right the Frostrow Fells backed by Winder.

Viewing little Helms Knott with the Howgill Fells dark across the horizon.

Sitting on a memorial bench, somebody's favourite place in life, sipping coffee drinking in fantastic views over Dentdale.

Rising high above the dale, Aye Gill Pike.

Striding out between the dry stone walls of the Occupation Road.

The timeless quality of a walk along the Occupation Road.

Looking back over the slopes of Little Combe Hill.

Adventures for another day, the grassy rolling summits of the Howgill Fells.

Descending Nun House Outrake enjoying magical views to Aye Gill Pike and Rise Hill.

Dropping into Dentdale through green fields lined with hedge rows alive with insects and bird song.

Whispers of a lost generation, trapped in time Scow.

Lime Kiln below Scow.

Green paths guide me through wild flower meadows, hidden in the woods, I know because I can here it and the map tells me so, Deepdale Beck.

Rambling along the banks of Deepdale Beck, enjoying the sound and smell of wild flower meadows, I neglect to mention the pesky insects buzzing around my head.

The confluence of Deepdale Beck and the River Dee.

The scene across Dentdale from the meadows near Double Croft, across the horizon Crag Hill.

Looking to Combe Scar with the summit ridge leading left to Barkin Top.

Over Dent, Combe Top dropping into the rim of shattered rock of Combe Scar with Bower Bank behind.

The long ridge of Whernside seen over the tree tops of Dentdale.

Church Bridge over the River Dee.

The 12th Century church of St Andrew dwarfs the tiny village of Dent, the not so old rusty roofed shed is what drew my attention.

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