From impressive views to a route straight from the doorstep of The Angel at Hetton, discover four walks to enjoy this winter
As autumn approaches, the Yorkshire Dales takes on a quieter character, with crisp mornings, misty valleys, changing leaves and dramatic skies creating the perfect conditions for exploring the countryside on foot. For The Angel at Hetton, exploring the surrounding countryside is an integral part of a stay, with some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most beautiful landscapes right on its doorstep.
The Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms has selected four of its favourite local walks for guests looking to discover the Dales this autumn, from the iconic limestone landscapes of Malham to gentle riverside routes and longer walks with sweeping views.
After a day exploring, guests can return to The Angel for Michael Wignall’s impressive Michelin-starred seasonal tasting menu, before retreating to one of its luxurious boutique rooms.
New for the season, The Angel has introduced a special Autumn Escape package offering an overnight stay, a five- or ten-course menu and breakfast, with an Autumn flavours gift bag to take home, starting from £395 for two people.
An iconic walk
Few walks capture the character of the Yorkshire Dales quite like the classic route around Malham. Taking in three of the area’s most recognisable natural landmarks, the circular walk combines the towering limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove, the dramatic gorge of Gordale Scar and the woodland waterfall of Janet’s Foss.
The route can be adapted depending on time and ability, with the Malham Landscape Trail connecting some of the area’s key sights. For those wanting a longer walk, the route around Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss provides a rewarding few hours of walking through some of the Dales’ most dramatic scenery.
James Wellock, co-owner of The Angel at Hetton said; “Malham is such a beautiful part of the Dales and it’s somewhere I think everyone should experience at least once. There is so much variety in a relatively small area – the limestone, the waterfalls and the open landscape. In autumn or winter, when it’s quieter and the landscape has that really crisp, atmospheric feel, it’s particularly special. It’s just a 20-minute drive from The Angel at Hetton, so guests can easily make a day of it, exploring Malham before heading back to the restaurant for lunch or dinner and a well-earned meal.”
The short and simple walk
For something a little more leisurely, the walk between Grassington and Linton is a lovely way to experience the Dales without committing to a full day on the hills.
Following the River Wharfe towards Linton Falls, the route takes in riverside scenery, traditional Dales villages and the historic landscape around Linton. The walk can be kept short or extended depending on how much time there is, making it a good option for a morning stroll before a long lunch or for guests looking for a gentler afternoon outdoors. The Yorkshire Dales National Park recommends the riverside route between Grassington and Linton Falls as one of the area’s walks.
Jo Wellock, co-owner of The Angel at Hetton said; “I love the walks where you can take your time and really enjoy where you are. You can wander along the river, stop and look around the villages and take in the scenery without feeling like you have to get to the end of a particular route. It’s a lovely way to spend a few hours and work up an appetite.”
The walk for big views
For walkers looking for a little more of a challenge, the countryside around Rylstone offers higher ground and expansive views across the Dales.
The route towards Rylstone Cross climbs from the surrounding valleys onto more open ground, where walkers are rewarded with panoramic views across the landscape. It is a longer and more demanding option, particularly in winter conditions, but offers the chance to experience the Dales at its wildest and most open.
Katherine King, General Manager of The Angel at Hetton said; “When you get up onto the higher ground around Rylstone, you really appreciate how vast the landscape is. It’s a proper Dales walk, with a bit of everything – fields, stone walls, open moorland and those huge views that make you stop for a moment.”
The walk from the doorstep
Hetton and Winterburn Reservoir Circular
For guests staying at The Angel at Hetton, there is no need to get in the car to start exploring. One of the best ways to experience the countryside around the Angel begins right in Hetton, taking walkers towards Winterburn Reservoir and back through the surrounding Dales landscape.
The approximately eight-mile circular route follows tracks and paths from Hetton towards Winterburn Reservoir, passing open farmland, traditional stone walls and the reservoir itself before returning to the village. The route has relatively steady climbs rather than particularly steep ascents, making it a rewarding option for a half-day walk.
For Michael Wignall, co-owner and executive chef at The Angel at Hetton, it is also the perfect example of how the restaurant’s setting and its food are intrinsically connected. “One of the things I love most about The Angel is that you can walk straight out of the door and immediately be in the countryside. You can spend a few hours walking around Hetton and towards Winterburn, taking in the landscape, and then come back to the restaurant and enjoy some really delicious seasonal food inspired by those landscapes.”
The Angel at Hetton
Set among the rolling hills and dry-stone walls of the Yorkshire Dales, The Angel at Hetton takes inspiration from its surroundings, with Michelin-starred menus rooted in seasonality and the very best ingredients. Guests can spend the day exploring the surrounding countryside before returning for a seasonal tasting menu and a night in one of the restaurant’s luxurious boutique rooms, followed by a five-course tasting breakfast the next morning.
New for the season, The Angel’s Autumn Escape package – includes an overnight stay, tasting-style breakfast and a five- or ten-course menu – starts from £395 for two people, it offers the perfect way to combine a day exploring the Yorkshire Dales with exceptional food and a relaxing countryside stay.
For more information or to book a stay or dining experience at The Angel at Hetton, visit angelhetton.co.uk for details on the Autumn Escape.
