Marske Waters. Fly fishing for wild brown trout
Fly & Worm Only
North Bank
The North Bank top limit is Downholme Bridge which can be accessed from roadside parking at Downholme Bridge. Scroll down the page for more information and photos.
The North Bank bottom limit is the eastern edge of Whitcliffe Wood which can be accessed from Round Howe public car park. You can then walk to Whitcliffe Wood via the lane leading to Lowenthwaite Farm. Just before the farm turn right and follow the footpath along the edge of the field to the wood. It takes just over five minutes to walk from the main road up the lane to the farm and a further five minutes to get to Whitcliffe Wood. Scroll down the page for a detailed description and photos.
South Bank
The South Bank (Thorpe House Waters) is approximately 4.0km (2.4 miles) in length. It is split in two by the land owned by Underbanks Farm which we are not allowed to walk over or fish. Each section currently has one angler access.
The top limit of the upper section of the beat is approximately 1.5km upstream of Thorpe House Farm. It goes all the way to the end of the last field after the bend in the river. The angler access entry point is a short distance after Thorpe House Farm. The yellow angler access sign is clearly visible on the right hand side as you drive along the A6108 road towards Reeth.
Go through the gap in the wall. Follow the fence line to the river. Turn left to go to the top limit described above.
Alternatively turn right and walk down to Swaleview Caravan Park and onwards to the bottom limit at Underbanks Farm.
The Lowenthwaite Bridge section can be reached from the access point a short distance from the bridge on the right hand side when driving in the direction of Reeth. It is clearly marked with a yellow sign. There is no official parking but there is space for two cars on the left hand side of the road immediately after the bridge and people do leave their vehicles here. Walk up the road to the access. Keep to the edge of the field when walking down to the River Swale. You can fish between the Underbanks Farm fence and Lowenthwaite bridge. Please note that we are not allowed to enter or fish Underbanks Farm land.
Anyone parking on the A6108 does so at their own risk. This is a very fast road.
Trout season only.
Species
Wild Brown Trout
All fish to be returned unharmed.
Fly Fishing
No Coarse Fishing
No Night Fishing
Map
Click the image above or the link below to view on Google Maps. Click on each peg number for W3W locations.
downholme bridge, North Bank, parking and access
Parking
Access via Stile
Turn off the A6108 as if heading for Marske. Cross the River Swale at Downholme Bridge. Parking is in the lay by on the left. There is space for 3 cars here - please park considerately. Do not obstruct access for the farmer.
what3words reference: artist.ignore.tile
Access via Stile
Access via Stile
Access to the River Swale is on the opposite side of the road through this style where you see the public footpath sign. The river is to the right of this photo.
Downstream View
Looking at the River Swale downstream from Downholme Bridge. This is a popular fly fishing location because it is only a short walk from the lay by to the river. However RADAS fishing rights continue on the north bank for nearly three miles all the way to to Lowenthwaite Farm. We DO NOT have access to the river bank between Whitcliffe Wood and Lowenthwaite Bridge.
Rough ground
Rough ground
When venturing downstream of Downholme Bridge, seeking wild brown trout there is quite a lot of rough ground along the riparian zone.
Trees
Rough ground
Steep banks
Be prepared to make your way through heavily wooded areas. Although good fly fishing, the going is tough in places.
Steep banks
Rough ground
Steep banks
The bank sides along the River Swale are steep in places. This is excellent for those who love challenging fishing for wild brown trout.
Thorpe house farm access
No parking
Access sign
Access sign
We used to park on the verge until NYCC put in these bollards. Anglers park on the A6018 at their own risk.
Access sign
Access sign
Access sign
The access point is marked by a yellow sign on a tree. It is on the right about 50 metres after Thorpe House Farm when driving towards Marske / Reeth.
Wall
Access sign
Step down
Use the large stone as a step to get over the wall.
Step down
Looking towards Marske
Step down
Take care when stepping down on the other side of the wall.
Looking towards Marske
Looking towards Marske
Looking towards Marske
From the access point you will see the road on your left and the river on your right when looking towards Marske.
Cross field to river
Looking towards Marske
Looking towards Marske
Keep to the edge of the field and walk a short distance to the river. Turn left to go upstream to the top limit or right to walk down towards Swaleview Caravan Park.
Access to Bottom Limit at Whitcliffe Wood
Parking
Cross to the lane
Cross to the lane
Park in Round Howe public car park or at your own risk in the small lay by on the main road just after the entrance to the car park.
Cross to the lane
Cross to the lane
Cross to the lane
Walk away from Richmond a short distance and cross the road to the lane leading up to Lowenthwaite Farm. It is a public bridleway.
Lane to farm
Cross to the lane
Lane to farm
Walk up the lane towards Lowenthwaite Farm.
Turn right
Go through field
Lane to farm
It only takes five minutes to walk up the lane to the farm. Do not enter the farm yard. Turn right and follow the path into the field on the right hand side.
Stile
Go through field
Go through field
Go over stile and enter field.
Go through field
Go through field
Go through field
Walk through the field. Keep to the edge with the fence on your left.
kissing gate
Memorial stone
Memorial stone
At the end of the field there is a kissing gate. Go through it to enter the wood.
Memorial stone
Memorial stone
Memorial stone
A short distance into the wood you will find a memorial stone. Continue along the track.
Map
Memorial stone
Track to river
This map shows the public footpaths.
Track to river
Track to river
Track to river
Walk down the track until you come to a big open field at the bottom of the hill.
Exit wood
Track to river
Exit wood
As you leave the wood. The river is on your left.