BEFORE setting off on this walk, I was warned by someone who knows the area well that it included two or three quite tricky scrambles, and he wasn’t wrong. Delightful as it is, it’s probably not a walk for icy conditions, or if you’re unsure of you knees in any way. That said, it is perhaps one of my favourite walks for some time. It sets off from Kettlewell, in Upper Wharfedale, climbs up the side of the valley and then down into the hamlet of Hawkswick before following the River Skirfare to Arncliffe. Then its a steep climb back up and over down back into Kettlewell. I lost count of the stupendous views, it was literally one after another - and astonishingly quiet, apart from a couple of dog walkers and a very fit fell runner.

1 From the car park, cross over the bridge out of Kettlewell on the Threshfield road and then take the path, marked permitted path, on the right hand side of the road, and marked to Hawkswick. Follow the path as it scrambles quite steeply uphill. Along the way, there is a diversion to the left to the lime kilns, you can either take this path, or continue along the path on the right. After a gate, there is a steep uphill climb, and then bear left to a ladder stile, beneath the cairn. There are some lovely views from here, including of Scargill House, a Christian conference centre, over to the left. The path opens up and is grassy and bouncy underfoot, and is still climbing, with the valley ever present on your left.

2 At the top of the hill, go over the ladder stile. The path divides here, but end up in the same place - the one to the left is a more gentle descent. If you’re taking the path straight ahead, take care on the descent down, it can get quite slippery and rocky in places.

3 After a while, the path levels out and continues across fields and along a wall lined track, with the river off to your left. Head towards Hawkswick, and take the right fork to come out into the road through the hamlet. Turn right at the road and walk for a short way to the metal bridge, crossing the River Skirfare. Cross over the bridge and take the path - signed Arncliffe - immediately to the right which goes along the side of the river.

4 With the river on your right, continue along the path as it eventually pulls away from the side of the river - but never so as to lose sight of it. The path here is quite stunning, with wonderful views of the scar on the left. The path, eventually leaves the side of the river and passes to the right of Arncliffe Rectory and along a lane to Arncliffe Church, on the right.

5 Pass the church and walk along the road, cross over the bridge and then immediately right, following path marked Kettlewell. Cross over the road and keep on path marked Kettlewell. After a grassy first bit, the path becomes increasingly steep and comes to a gate into a plantation. Continue along path, which gets increasingly rocky and steep and heads up to Park Scar. At the top, go through a gate and then head straight ahead to join path heading off to right and a gate.

6 Follow path with valley on your right. Path after a while, heads off to the left, and is always well defined, with finger posts and markers. Climb to top and then, over ladder stile, now opening up with Kettlewell in the distance. There is another rocky scramble, through a narrow little gorge, keep following the path, as it bears right and comes out just by the bridge in Kettlewell where you started off.