Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
however, leave the road at a stile on the left to cross a pasture well above
the farm. At a stile just above East Applegarth the path meets a rough
track climbing from the farm, and this is followed through a rough, untidy
landscape to enter Whitcliffe Wood.
WHITCLIFFE WOOD AND WILLANCE'S LEAP
Popular as a local walk, Whitcliffe Wood and the nearby scar have a relaxing air about
them, a winding-down opportunity as Richmond is approached. This whole stretch,
through the seemingly endless 'Applegarth' farms, is a haven of quiet retreat, perched
high above the Swale. It is here, as the route crosses Deep Dale, that the Yorkshire
Dales National Park, which has been with us since Nine Standards Rigg, is finally left.
Just north of East Applegarth, a spot known as Willance's Leap is associated with
Robert Willance, a worthy citizen of Richmond who in 1606 was hunting on horseback
on the tops when mist descended. In his haste to get home he missed his way, and
contrived to spur his horse over the cliff edge. In the fall to the valley 200 feet below
the horse was killed, but its rider surprisingly survived, although he lost a leg as a res-
ult. Willance, who lived to become an alderman of Richmond, celebrated his deliverance
by presenting the town with a silver chalice as a thanksgiving.
On leaving Whitcliffe Wood, a broad track runs on the High Leases, soon to
become a metalled road (Westfields) leading down directly into Richmond.
Before long it is possible to go through one of a number of low stiles on
the right at the top edge of West Field for a parallel, but easier underfoot,
descent to the town, either returning to Westfields, or continuing to the
bottom corner of the field to meet the Reeth road (A6108) on the edge of
town.
This long descending approach to Richmond via Westfields meets the
A6108 near a corner shop and post office. Follow the main road (Victoria
Road) left and continue along it as far as the tourist information office. At
a roundabout, go right into King Street, which leads to the cobbled Market
Place, at the centre of which stands Holy Trinity Church.
Since Richmond is regarded by common consent as the 'gateway' to the
Dales, it follows that this section, 'Into the Dales', here comes to an end -
the Vale of Mowbray awaits.
 
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