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Things to do in West Witton, North Yorkshire

West Witton
West Witton © derek oldfield - stock.adobe.com

West Witton is a historic and rural village set in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

When you enter the village it is as if time stood still.

Yorkshire Dales landscape near West Witton, North Yorkshire
Yorkshire Dales landscape near West Witton, North Yorkshire © Bernd Brueggemann - stock.adobe.com

The village overlooks Penhill which is excellent for fell walking and the views from its summit are breathtaking! 

Swaledale sheep grazing on the grouse moor beneath Penhill
Swaledale sheep grazing on the grouse moor beneath Penhill © COATESY - stock.adobe.com

West Witton is well known for its legends and folk tales of which the ‘Burning of the Bartle' is it's most famous.

This festival is celebrated at the end of August.

Cauldron Falls
Cauldron Falls © rickbowden - stock.adobe.com

The village has a long history, with some records suggesting that up on Penhill an Iron-age burial site may exist.

Yorkshire Dales near West Witton
Yorkshire Dales near West Witton © Bernd Brueggemann - stock.adobe.com

In later times, the ancient Britons lived in the area and it was said that they named the hill, ‘Pen' which meant hill.

West Burton
West Burton © calumsmith0308 - stock.adobe.com

Later the Saxons came and added their name to Pen, not knowing what that word meant, and called it Penhill. (Not a very imaginative name!)

View to West Witton
View to West Witton © derek oldfield - stock.adobe.com

Another place of interest is the Knights Templars'Preceptory, which was unearthed in the 19th Century.

Yorkshire Dales landscape near West Witton
Yorkshire Dales landscape near West Witton © Bernd Brueggemann - stock.adobe.com

It is situated in Swinithwaite a mile or so away, however, a walk leads from the centre of West Witton to the preceptory and beyond to West Burton.

Swinithwaite
Swinithwaite © derek oldfield - stock.adobe.com

Today West Witton is well known for its beautiful walks, good pubs and restaurants and its village charm.

A winter's day at Pen Hill, above West Witton © Alison Bishop
A winter's day at Pen Hill, above West Witton © Alison Bishop

The 'Burning of the Bartle' - a festival held in West Witton at the end of August © Alison Bishop
The 'Burning of the Bartle' © Alison Bishop

The Wensleydale Heifer - Seafood Restaurant of the Year 2007. © Alison Bishop
The Wensleydale Heifer - Seafood Restaurant © Alison Bishop

One of the mosaics on a walk around West Witton. (The Burning of the Bartle) © Alison Bishop
One of the mosaics on a walk around West Witton © Alison Bishop

A signpost of a walk leading to West Witton. © Alison Bishop
© Alison Bishop

Overlooking the dale at West Witton © Alison Bishop
Overlooking the dale at West Witton © Alison Bishop

The Moors at West Witton © Alison Bishop
The Moors at West Witton © Alison Bishop

Description by Alison Bishop

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