Midweek walk: Addingham circular: Highfield, Bracken Ghyll and Riverside (approx 5 miles)

Starting from the junction of North St and Bark Lane where the Dalesway heads down to the river, our route takes us initially on paths familiar from previous walks before we start to climb gently up Long Rhyddings and through meadows until we reach Bracken Ghyll golf course. From here we cross more fields (some quite overgrown) and a small valley, pausing to take in the views before descending fairly sharply down to Farfield Hall and the ancient Farfield Friends’ Meeting House. From here we have a lovely stroll along the riverbank section of the Dales Way which takes us directly to Hamilton’s where we will hopefully stop for refreshment before the last short stretch along the riverbank back to the cars. We will stop to take in the views and have a rest at various points. Please be aware there are a number of stiles on this route as well as fields of very long grass and we could encounter livestock, both cattle and sheep as well as horses, as the route takes us through Farfield Livery, although on the two occasions I have done the walk the horses are in adjoining fields so not a problem at all.