The Rawthey, Dowbiggin and Clough River.
Start. New Bridge, Sedbergh.
Route. New Bridge - Straight Bridge - Burnt Mill - Ghyllas - Hebblethwaite Hall - Hebblethwaite Hall Gill - Sarthwaite - Fellgate - Wilkinstile - Spout - Clough River - Garsdale Bridge - Straight Bridge - New Bridge.
Notes. Today with Sue for company I'm on a valley walk, a ramble along the banks of the River Rawthey followed by an easy ascent to Dowbiggin, our return followed the meandering Clough River. A day of tumbling water and splendid views with some of the best weather the Yorkshire Dales could afford.
Our day started in a large lay-by on the edge of Sedbergh a few hundred yards along the Hawes road, a delightful path follows the River Rawthey east, this was our route. Striding out along river side paths, passing through green fields en route to Straight Bridge. Here we left the river following a tarmac lane to Dowbiggin, no sooner had we climbed the hill then we descended on a bridleway signed Burnt Mill. One hundred yards of road walking followed before a fingerpost announced the start of a footpath that would carry us all the way to Hebblethwaite. Along field paths and green lanes we wandered gaining height with every step eventually reaching Hebblethwaite Hall, here we turned south before plunging into the tree lined ravine of Hebblethwaite Hall Gill (or Hebblewaite depending on which map you use). After escaping the confines of the gill it was down hill all the way back.
Along more field paths linked by green lanes we slowly wandered, down hill passing Sarthwaite, New Barn and Fellgate en route to Wilkinstile where we turned right to follow the access drive to Spout, a short walk over tarmac before a rough bridleway lead between hedge rows to access the banks of Clough River. This delightful river rises at the head of Garsdale, the section we walked meandered through the fields of lower Garsdale entering Rawthey Dale at Garsdale Bridge. A short walk over tarmac and we reached Straight Bridge, all that remained the short walk along the edge of the River Rawthey on paths walked earlier in the day.
New Bridge, this shapely twin arched bridge carries the A684 Sedbergh to Hawes road over the River Rawthey.
Winder seen from the banks of the River Rawthey.
On the tree lined banks of the River Rawthey looking east.
A wonderful panorama seen from the banks of the river, taking centre stage Crook, to the left Winder, and to the right we have Sickers Fell.
Cutting a deep ravine between Crook and Sickers, Ashbeck Gill.
Viewing Crook and Winder from near Scrogg House.
Not! very gracefully descending a ladder stile.
At the confluences of the Rawthey and Clough River, our return route will follow the course of this delightful un spoilt river.
Hebblewaite Hall Gill seen from Burntmill Bridge, the old mill wheel can just be seen to the left.
I don't know if these fellows bite but there were an awful lot of them in the fields behind Ghyllas, they are certainly inquisitive.
Across the skyline Bough Fell seen over the tree lined Revene of Hebblewaite Hall Gill.
Nearing Hebblethwaite Hall with views to Calders and Middle Tongue, the ridge to the right being Fawcett Bank.
Spell it how you like this is Hebblewaite Hall Gill cutting through Hebblethwaite Gill Woods? a slice of semi-natural woodland rarely found in the Yorkshire Dales, Ash, Oak, Hazel, Rowan grow in this gill, rare flowers when on show, various ferns and lichens it's a special place, tread with care.
After escaping the confines of the gill we passed through these once grand gate posts, I expected to come across a large ruin around the corner....
....Sarthwaite not that grand but a ruin none the less, a ruin with a view, Middle Tongue leading to Great Dummacks with Fawcett Bank rising to the right.
Near the banks of Clough River with views to Baugh Fell.
The mouth of Garsdale.
Clough River at Hallbank.
Views down stream with the Howgill Fells rising above the tree tops.
Seen from field paths en route to Garsdale Bridge, the rolling summits of the Howgill Fells.
Further down stream the river cuts through this limestone gorge.
Finally a view back to Bough Fell.