West Witton: Panoramic Views, Paths and History

West Witton lies on a slightly elevated terrace, characteristic of the stepped Yoredale bedrock landscape. From the southern and eastern edges of the village, views extend across the full breadth of Wensleydale. Here, you will encounter both sweeping landscapes and traces that can be found directly in the fields surrounding the settlement.

Landscape and historic field traces

Extensive remains of medieval field systems survive in the fields, including ridge-and-furrow structures and lynchets. These terms refer to different forms of this historic field landscape. Together with its elevated setting, they give West Witton a character shaped not only by its views, but also by visible traces of earlier land use.

Nearby, Redmire Force has three waterfall drops. Those interested in nature and landscape can keep this waterfall in mind as another point of interest in the area. The views from the village edges, the field structures and the waterfall drops offer different reasons to visit—they need not be combined into a single route.

Church and Templar history

The tower of St Bartholomew’s Church dates from the 16th century; the rest of the building dates to 1875 and was built by J. B. and W. Atkinson. A carved Saxon stone cross is displayed above the chancel. The church offers a peaceful place for reflection and prayer. If you would like to visit, check the current opening hours in advance.

Another chapter in the village’s history is the Penhill Knights Templar preceptory and earlier field system near Temple Farm in West Witton, which is designated a Scheduled Monument. The monument includes earthwork remains of two preceptory centres. Three stone coffins are located in the chapel area. These archaeological traces add a specific site connected with Templar history to the medieval field patterns.

Bartle traditions and walks

The Bartle Trail leads to West Witton Moor, which is designated Open Access Land. Check access before your walk. The route includes six mosaics around West Witton. At Grassgill End, the sixth mosaic is opposite the place where Bartle is burned. Check the locations and condition of the mosaics on site.

The Burning of Bartle takes place on the first Saturday after St Bartholomew’s Day, 24 August. It concludes with the effigy being burned near the centre of the village; check the exact arrangements locally. During the Burning of Old Bartle, a life-sized effigy of an anonymous man, stuffed with straw, is carried along Main Street. The tradition brings together a fixed date in the annual calendar, a striking effigy and a named place in the village.

Another option for getting out and about is a two-mile walk around West Witton described in December 2024. It follows footpaths through woodland and crosses a footbridge and fields. This offers different kinds of walking: the Bartle Trail features the moor and mosaics, while the two-mile circular walk takes in woodland, a bridge and fields. Path conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Choosing West Witton as a holiday destination

When looking for a holiday cottage in West Witton, your preferred focus for the stay can be a good starting point: would you mainly like to take in the sweeping views and field landscape, are you interested in the church and Templar history, or are you planning walks with mosaics, moorland, woodland and fields? The village’s features offer different themes without specifying a particular location or amenities for your accommodation. Consider which of these aspects you would most like to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Long Preston, Wykeham, Alne, Stokesley, Crathorne, Ripon, Hunton, Staithes.

For the wider travel overview: North Yorkshire.