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Carlton Circular via Horsehouse
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Date 20/07/06
Leader: Russell S
Distance: 9 mls
Weather: Very hot
Walkers 11
Parking: Lay-by in Carlton
Map: Ordnance Survey OL26
   

Route Summary - Carlton, Fleensop, Horsehouse, Swineside, West Scrafton, Carlton.

Our walk started at Carlton, a village situated in one of quietist of all dales, Coverdale. We parked in a lay-by beside the road. After walking along the road in a south-westerly direction we turned off on a lane before picking up a track to our left (SE061846). After a while we joined a path taking us across fields towards Fleensop. Shortly before Fleensop we joined a track which approached the farm buildings before doubled back on itself. Here we rejoined the footpath (SE037824), walking steadily uphill at first over moor land until at High Gill we stopped for lunch. Everyone, especially Dalton , admired Ken's lunch box - maybe "derided" would be a closer description - they were only jealous, it's a lovely shade of blue!

From here we continued downhill into Horsehouse, a small unspoilt village in the heart of Coverdale. Until the mid 19th Century, packhorse trains of up to forty horses passed through Horsehouse which offered overnight stabling at two inns. Today there is only the Thwaite Arms, a gem of a pub. We decided, purely for health and safety reasons considering that the sun was now blazing down, it would be wise to stop here for a while to replace lost fluids.

From here we continued down the road towards Arkleside. Before reaching the village we crossed the River Cover over Arkleside Bridge then walked steadily uphill through fields to Rampshaw Bank and Swineside, passing Hindlethwaite Hall on the way.

Crossing Arkleside Bridge

 

Although not very steep it was hard going because of the oppressive heat, made worse by the lack of any breeze. Shortly after passing through the village we joined a bridleway which took us into West Scrafton, another delightful village. Before crossing the beck we followed the footpath to our left then stopped for coffee on a grass verge.

 

After walking through the village we joined a footpath which took us across fields to cross the River Cover again then onto the minor road leading back to Carlton. The pub in Carlton was shut so we set off for Weatherspoons in Richmond.