Brian Beadle stops off in Lastingham to visit a spooky church

This short run from Sinnington takes you on to narrow, but rideable woodland paths. In the spring the route is brightened up by a profusion of daffodils along the banks of the River Seven.

There are pubs along the way for refreshments but the paths can be very muddy in wet weather so take your own sandwiches because bedraggled, muddy, mountain bikers are rarely welcome.

If you are not too muddy, stop and visit the old crypt at St Mary's church in Lastingham. St Mary's was built on the site of an ancient monastery founded by St Cedd. Recorded by Bede in 731 it is said to contain an ancient power because it's a place where crimes have been committed.

The monastery was built in 654 and the church in the latter part of the 11th century. It is thought the bones of St Cedd lie beneath the church. The crypt is fascinating. Entering down the steps from the nave you may feel a strange atmosphere.

It is in its original state and supposedly the spirits of Cedd and his brother Chad roam within.

There are stones from the eighth century down here including an ancient altar. The feeling in this crypt has to be felt to be believed.

A witch was once brought to the church, and after spending time touching stones and muttering incantations, she is said to have found evil in the remains of Ana (or Ain-Howe) Cross!

The Route Head north on a narrow road keeping the pretty old school on your left.

Then turn right towards the church at the 'No Turning Area' sign.

Pass the church then, where the road turns sharp right, look to the left to see the old hall, a fascinating building.

Soon you will see a sign for 'Bridleway to Cropton' along a concrete road then across a field.

At the far side of the field turn right following the blue waymark.

Then soon it's left along the bridleway and after a few hundred yards go right taking the obvious path into the wood.

Where the path forks always take the right option eventually passing through a couple of small gates then a large one to cross a field to another gate.

Pass through the gate then immediately left through another gate at the blue waymark and down the hill.

This path is very wet in winter, almost a stream.

There is a fallen tree across your path along here. Mind your head!

Keep straight ahead following the occasional waymark to meet another track.

Turn right here at the blue waymark and 'link' sign to a stile still keeping on the farm road until you meet the main road.

If you want to visit Cropton and the New Inn turn right up the hill.

If not, turn left down the hill towards Rosedale then immediately after the bridge take the road on the left towards Lastingham.

Carry on into Lastingham to have a pint of Theakston's at the Blacksmiths Arms for some Dutch courage before exploring the crypt.

Leave the village up the hill past the pub then at the junction keep left towards Spaunton.

It's a hard pull up the hill, especially after visiting the pub.

At the top of the hill where the road bends sharp left go straight on along a white road, through a gate onto a wide track.

After about a mile there is a junction of tracks.

Go straight ahead here across a field.

At the gate continue straight ahead on to a white road soon to meet the main road.

Turn left now towards Appleton le Moors.

As you enter the village do not turn sharp left into the main street, instead go right along a bridleway onto a farm track as marked.

Soon there is a choice of paths.

Take the one on the right through the gate and across the field climbing to a small gate into the wood.

It can be boggy here but persevere it's not far.

Through another gate then left and follow the waymarks to the river and Sinnington.

Fact File

Distance: 11 miles (17km)

Grading: Easy

Off road: 60 per cent

Start/Grid ref: Sinnington, GR 744858

Map: OS Landranger 100

Refreshments: Pubs at Cropton, Sinnington, Lastingham and Appleton le Moors.

Reference book: Mountain Biking around North Yorkshire by J Brian Beadle (Trailblazer, £1.80).