SADLY, I did this walk when 'murk' was the predominant weather of the day, writes Lesley Tate. What should have been lovely, far reaching views were hidden in that sort of heavy, wet mist that makes you wish you'd stayed indoors. It was very boggy underfoot too, which made going most definitely hard going. There was one positive though, the wonderful Hellifield Highland cattle, and I defy anyone not to be cheered by the sight of so many shaggy fringes. The walk sets off from Hellifield and follows a circular route along lanes, across fields and a small section of very quiet road. In the winter, there are plenty of sheep on route, and do watch out for cattle in the warmer months, so dogs must be under control. And a note of warning, footpath signs on this walk are not the best, so do take along a proper map if you want to avoid getting lost.

1 From the railway crossing, at the top of Haw Grove, in the centre of Hellifield, head up the track. It goes steadily up hill and through a couple of farm gates before into a large field. Stay on track, which is pretty obvious, and head to the right of the distant copse.

2 Passing to the right of the copse, and over a small stream - which can swell in times of heavy rain, to meet a path coming from left to right. Turn right along the path and downhill to meet a gate. Join the track, which after a while comes out in the attractive village of Otterburn.

3 Turn left, go over bridge and then immediately left, following sign to Kirkby Malham. Continue along tarmac drive, through ornate gates - which may be closed - and pass house and farm buildings on right to join path with Otterburn beck on your left. Follow track as it continues alongside beck, watching out for the curious horses, and just before track goes through a gate, take footpath into field on right, marked Kirkby Malham, two miles.

4 Follow the path, which is fairly obvious as it climbs uphill and head to the right of the far copse, go through the gate to the right of the copse, it has a yellow marker on it. Bare slightly to the right and head to top right corner of the field. Cross the second of the two closely positioned stiles, the one with the gate. Go straight ahead and towards distant the distant road where close to the corner field gate, there is a wall stile.

5 Over the stile, and turn left along the road, after just a short way, take the track off to the left, marked Long Preston. Continue along the track, which has been surfaced in parts, and pass by a farmstead, which appears to be in process of being renovated. There is also an old lime kiln on the right, close to the farm buildings. Continue on track and cross cattle grid, not far from the farm. A short while later, go through the farm gate on left into a field, there is no sign on it. Cross over the field, and uphill towards a metal gate. Through gate, cross over field, with new plantation on left, head for line of trees and to the right of trees, at the bottom of the dip, cross the wooden footbridge, and then a wall stile. Follow to side of the gulley up to distant wall, where you will find a stile and join the track.

6 Turn left along to track, marked Otterburn. Continue along the track, though a couple of gates, following signs to Otterburn. You will pass a copse on your right and be back at point 2, turn right here, and retrace your steps back to where you parked.

Factfile:

Location: Yorkshire Dales National Park

Distance: 15km, about nine miles, allow three to four hours

Steps: 21,000, 2,300 calories

Difficulty level: Easy - but can be boggy in winter

Livestock: Sheep and cattle, dogs must be kept under close control

Terrain: Lanes, tracks, moorland, quiet roads

Stiles: Mostly easy, but a couple that cause a problem for larger dogs

Parking: There is a small parking area at the start of the walk, on far side of level crossing at top of Haw Grove. Beware, do telephone signal box before making the crossing.

OS Map: OS103 Blackburn and Burnley

Refreshments: In Hellifield

Beware: The route description and map are intended as only a guide to the walk, do take a map, and be prepared for all sorts of weathers.