Down the Ure, Up the Swale

Sunday, 3rd July 2011
12.3km (6.7 miles) - 2hrs 55 mins

High summer has arrived !!  This was, thankfully, not a strenuous walk as temperatures hit 23 degrees centigrade.  It was also an easy walk to follow as the title suggests.
Starting from Boroughbridge's main car park, where the parking is FREE! (always a bonus for a tight-wadded Yorkshireman) the route follows the River Ure downstream from the bridge in the centre of the town.  This was pleasant walking, on the level just above the slow flowing river and took in Milby Lock, where a "cut" has been manufactured to allow boats upstream (eventually reaching Ripon).  Just beyond the lock Gill found the first "cache" of two we discovered that day.

 Eventually the route reaches the confluence on the River Swale, although there is hardly a conflict between the two rivers who seem to meander together rather than compete with each other.
Here the route turned up the bank of the Swale until we reached Myton Bridge - a remarkably sturdy and ornate structure that seems to lead from nowhere to nowhere !
Here you cirmcumnavigate the site of the Battle of Myton, also known as the White Battle. Fought in 1319 between the Scots and an army raised by the Archbishop of York, it turned out to be a one-sided affair in favour of the Scots with the English army, which contained many clerics (hence the alternative title) suffering huge losses.
After a circuit of the site, which is now a battle between broad beans and wheat !! A stretch along a quiet country lane was in direct contrast with a section along a frighteningly busy road to reach Milby.  A short walk brought us back to Milby Lock and a quick stride back into Boroughbridge.
A pleasant walk on a very pleasant day, and whilst it may have lacked the spectacular views of the Dales it did afford us long distance views across to the White Horse of Kilburn.
Usual display of photographs available from the link.