NEAR Kirkby Malzeard lies the hidden valley of Dallowgill, a delightful wooded glen that makes for some interesting walking. Coupled with some pleasant moors and a visit to Greygarth monument, this short walk is packed with interest.

I parked next to the roadside at 180727, there is plenty of room. It reminded me of the James Herriott TV programmes when James used to pull off the road and walk straight out on to the moors to walk his dogs. Head east along the road and then turn south with the bulk of Greygarth monument starting to monopolise the view.

At 400 metres along the road, a path is signposted to your left, this leads uphill to the monument. It was originally built by the locals to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and was restored 30 years ago. The views are excellent.

From the monument continue north east for 200 metres before turning south east and make your way downhill, past some isolated farms towards Dallow (the hamlet).

Before crossing the road and dropping down to the stream, walk 100 metres along the road to your right and visit St Peter's Church. Return to the footpath and head down to the embryonic River Laver through the woods. Cross the footbridge and soon arrive at Dallow Hall and the neighbouring barns. Beyond the hall, the track divides, take the right fork and enjoy a small plantation of larch and pine. Follow the track as it winds north through the woodland, crossing two ‘white painted’ bridges before climbing away from the river and back in to open pastureland.

During this short walk you will have spotted a number of mosaics (mounted on a boulder), beautiful painted murals which signpost a longer and better-known walk. These represent the Crackpot Mosaic Trail, an eight-mile walk with 22 murals representing flora and fauna that you are likely to see nearby. The mosaics were made in 1997 by a set of local ‘crackpots’ who were looking for a suitable way to celebrate the area obtaining the ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ‘status. They are truly impressive.

Back to this walk. On emerging from the woodland, pass through a gate and follow the bridlepath as it contours west north west. The path dips back into the woodland for a short period, passing some wonderful old oak, before emerging again in to the fields. There is a wall to your left, follow it to Bent House but instead of following the lane right carry on across more open fields for 400 metres to Potter Lane House. Turn right on to the lane leading up to Dallowgill Lane, turn right on to the lane which will lead you back to your car.

Fact Box:

Distance: Roughly 4 miles.

Height to climb: 180m (590 feet)

Start: SE 180726. There is some parking next to the road.

Difficulty: Easy. The walk is straightforward across fields, through woodland and some limited road walking. There is a bit of a climb at the end of the day.

Refreshments: With the Drovers Inn now closed head for the Queens at Kirkby Malzeard.

Be prepared:

The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL26) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company in the Yorkshire Dales:

• Jonathan has written his own book, the “Dales 30” which describes the highest mountains in the Dales

• He also runs 1 Day Navigation Courses for Beginners and Intermediates

• Join his Learn a Skill, Climb a Hill Weekend (one in June, one in October)

To find out more details on any of the above and details of many more walks in the area visit his popular website, Where2walk.co.uk