Yesterday, was one of those beautiful frosty days, when the ground is hard, the mud frozen, the sky blue, and you can see for miles – and our steps punctuated by the sound of curlews.
We walked out from Appleby-in-Westmorland, from Colby Lane taking the Dales High Way path to Bandley Bridge across the Hoff Beck, then the footpath down to the hamlet of Colby, where the Hoff Beck changes its name to the Colby Beck before it joins the River Eden. Then along the farm track towards Colby Laithes, before turning off at Limekiln Hill, taking the footpath to Whistley Hill, then back to Appleby. A pleasant walk too – half a dozen miles, with grand views across the Eden Valley towards the great edge of the North Pennines.
Although the modern footbridge at Bandley Bridge is 20th century, there has been a recorded crossing over the Hoff Beck here for at least a thousand years – probably was even earlier when the Vikings settled this valley. Colby, the hamlet that was next on the route, gets its name from the Norsemen too, as does Appleby, where we started our walk – the -by on the end of a place name is a good indication.
Colby is a pleasant strung out place, with some delightful cottages. Look out for the house called Kangaroo on the left, next to a road junction, once the village inn.
We crossed the Colby Beck and went down the farm track towards Colby Laithes (Laithes-a barn or granary). We didn’t go right through the farm, though you can and if you do you’ll reach a magnificent line of stepping stones across the River Eden (cross them and turn right and you get back to Appleby, though it’s too near the sewage farm and the rumbling traffic of the A66 for my liking).
We turned off on the path to Whistley Hill and the Banks footpath – a nicer route because you get such wonderful views across to the Pennines – Cross Fell, the Pikes of Knock, Dufton and Murton, and the great gash of High Cup. Curlews again along this bit.
A quiet walk too – we saw nary a walker, just friendly farmers and Colby residents as we came through the hamlet.
Please note that Bandley Bridge will be closed from 13th March 2023 for two months for repairs and there is no other way of crossing the Hoff Beck.
Country Ways 
Please note that Bandley Bridge will be closed from 13th March 2023 for two months for repairs and there is no other way of crossing the Hoff Beck.
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Thank you for this post and lovely pictures!
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Thank you.
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Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Please enjoy this wonderful post from John Bainbridge at Country Ways.
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Thank you, Charles.
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That sounds and looks an idyllic walk. The call of the curlew is one of my favourite sounds, and a true harbinger of spring.
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Mine too – a pleasant little walk, though as I’ve said the bridge is out for a couple of months,
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