ITS back to Langstrothdale and Upper Wharfedale for this walk, that finishes up with a very welcoming cup of tea at the Gather Inn, Yockenthwaite, writes Lesley Tate.

LITTLE did I know when I returned to Langstrothdale that the area would appear the very next day in a Sunday newspaper's 30 top pub walks. Having explored one end of the valley from Buckden to Hubberholme on a very stormy day, I returned to the other end of the valley to walk from delightful Yockenthwaite to Cray and back again, alongside the River Wharfe on the Dales Way. And this time, it was a beautifully, clear day and I had splendid views of the ancient valley, including Hubberholme and the George Inn - which featured on the front page of the Sunday Telegraph. Once back in Yockenthwaite, I stopped off for a smashing cup of tea at the Gather Inn, which had just opened that day for Easter and from now until the end of the summer. The Hird farming family produce Yockenthwaite granola, on top of their main farming activities, and son, David, has set up a pit stop next to the Dales Way, selling teas and tasty flapjack. Mum, Elizabeth Hird, who used to write a regular column for the Craven Herald, told me the best time to visit the valley was in a couple of months, when the wildflowers were at their best.

1 Cross the road and over the bridge to Yockenthwaite Farm. Pass behind the farm take the track off to the right marked to Cray. After a short uphill pull, leave the track and take the path off to right, once again marked to Cray. Continue along the well marked path as it climbs uphill and then levels out again, passing through a series of gates, but always well defined. You will eventually reach the National Trust's Scar House, where there is a junction of paths.

2 Continue ahead here, with Scar House on your right and once again, stay on the well defined path as it continues through gates, and with lovely views of the valley off to your right. The path goes off to the left for a brief climb uphill and then into Todd's Wood, via a gate and over a narrow bridge. Turn right after wood and keep following the path, crossing over fields. Continue all the way along the path until you reach the White Lion at Cray.

3 Retrace your steps, back behind the pub and take the footpath you would have passed earlier, off now to the left signed to Stubbing Bridge. The path drops down behind a house, to your right, and heads towards the River Wharfe. Follow path as it goes along the side of the river, on your left, eventually coming out onto a quiet road. Turn right here and walk along the road until you come to Hubberholme.

4 Go through gate in front of parish church and take Dales Way footpath marked to Yockenthwaite. Continue along path, with river on your left, all the way back to Yockenthwaite Farm.

Factfile:

Location: Langstrothdale and Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Start/finish: Yockenthwaite

Distance: About five miles, allow about three hours.

Difficulty level: Easy, with just a couple of steep-ish pulls

Terrain: Tracks, moorland, quiet roads

Livestock: Sheep and cattle - keep dogs well under control, and clear up after them

Stiles/gates: Easy

Parking: On the road at Yockenthwaite

Refreshments: White Lion at Cray, The George at Hubberholme, and The Gather Inn, Yockenthwaite Farm.

OS Map: Wensleydale and Upper Wharfedale

Fitfacts:

Steps: 14,049

Calories burnt: 2,300