A STRENUOUS walk through undulating fields below the High Fell. There are a number of narrow kissing gates and ladder stiles along the route.

THE attractive old market town of Sedbergh, with its cobbled streets and historic houses, is the starting point of this short, but strenuous walk.

Known as one of Britain's leading book towns, Sedbergh is not only set in the western dales of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but is also close to the rugged eastern fells of the Lake District.

Its backdrop is the Howgill Fells, a magnificent area of rolling hills and open common land which is a walker's paradise. Indeed, it was a favourite with British fellwalker, guidebook author and illustrator Alfred Wainwright.

Its market dates from the 13th century and was a staging point for commercial routes across the Pennines.

And evidence of its historic past abound. The town is full of character and its attractions include a public school, a fine 12th century church and the site of Castlehaw, an ancient motte and bailey castle which was built to repel the Scottish hordes.

George Fox, founder of the Quakers, preached both in the churchyard of St Andrew’s and in the nearby Brigflatts Meeting House, which dates from 1675.

Just outside the town is Farfield Mill, which was rescued and restored by local people.

It ceased production as a woollen mill in the early 1990s, after 156 years of textile production, and it reopened its doors in April 2001 to an exciting new life as an arts and heritage centre.

It now provides access to high-quality art and crafts and heritage.

The walk - which has been provided by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority - also goes to Stone Hall, a grade two listed 17th century farmhouse.

More walks in the national park can be downloaded from yorkshiredales.org.uk

Step by step

1. From the car park in Sedbergh town centre walk along pavement and then turn left along Castlehaw Lane, signposted to Howgills Bunk Barn. The lane takes a gradual climb up a stone track through trees.

2. A brief detour to Castle Haw, a 11th century motte and bailey castle, can be made over a permissive path through kissing gates off the lane to the right. It gives wonderful views of the Howgills, Cautley Valley, Frostrow Fell and Brant Fell. Return to Castlehaw Lane and continue to Castle Haw Farm over the little humpback bridge. Pass in front of the bunk barn then through a gate into the field and bear right along the fence side. Continue across fields to High Barn and Ghyll Farm.

3. At Ghyll Farm, turn left through the stableyard and then bear right down the concrete drive. Take care over the cattle grids and continue down the tarmac drive past Stone Hall.

4. As the drive bears to the left, look out for a narrow stone stile next to a little gate off to the right. Follow this footpath left along the wallside across a narrow footbridge and stile.

5. Turn right onto the gravel drive up and in front of Underbank House. Bear left onto the grassy lane, Thorns Lane, heading back towards Sedbergh. Continue down the lane past the houses until you reach a walled tarmac footpath off to the right over a wooden footbridge that

crosses Settlebeck Gill.

6. This path passes beneath Castle Haw and woodland. The footpath exits the field onto the pavement via a little gate and stone steps. Turn right back into Sedbergh town centre.

Distance: 3km (1.8 miles)

Time: a minimum of one hour

Parking: Sedbergh. Various car parks in Sedbergh or near the library

Refreshments: cafés, pubs and shops in Sedbergh