Dallowgill is a quiet wooded valley near Kirkby Malzeard. The walking in the woods is pleasant and contrasts with a return over the higher moors. It is only a short walk but a lovely place to escape.

I parked next to the roadside at 180727, there is plenty of room with parking spaces provided. Head east along the road and then turn south with the bulk of Greygarth monument on your left starting to monopolise the view.

Four hundred 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 down hill, 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 in to 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: Head for the Queens Head at Kirkby Malzeard or Ripon is a few miles further.

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. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk. Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

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

• He has published 3 books on walks in the Dales; ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’, ‘The Dales 30’ mountains and the New ‘Walks without Stiles’ book.

• All (and more) are available direct from the Where2walk website.

• Book a Navigation Training day in Long Preston (Two Levels: Beginners or ‘Hill Skills’) First Available Date is June 17.

Where2walk.co.uk also features 100’s of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.