THIS strenuous walk starts and finishes in Cracoe and includes the climb to the War Memorial with its far reaching views across Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven.

It is not one for bad weather, or to take half-heartedly, as it involves a tough, 922ft climb up to the war memorial and a fair bit of scrambling over rocks on the long way down. You can, of course, go the other way round, which is a lot more gentle, although the climb to the top is much longer. I actually met an awful lot of people taking the more gentle route.

The view from the top is, however, well worth it - particularly on a clear day. Although there are parts of the walk where dogs are allowed, they are not allowed on Barden Moor, as it is classed a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

It can also be completely closed by the Duke of Devonshire Estate for shooting in the summer.

Step by step

1. From the Skipton end of Cracoe and in between the turn to Hetton and The Devonshire Arms, take the track off the road to the right. Take the left hand lane - the path on the right will be where you return later. Follow the winding lane as it passes houses and to a T-junction, where you take the right. Follow along the walled track towards the open fell.

2. Enter into Barden Moor access area - no dogs allowed. Bear off to the left from a sheep pen at the end of the track and take a zig-zag route upwards, heading to the left of the war memorial on the skyline.

3. After pausing at the war memorial to gather your breath and to enjoy the views, climb over the ladder stile behind you. Bear right, following the drystone wall and the obvious path as it makes its way back down with Hall Fell on your right, and Rylstone Fell on your left.

4. Continue past Rylstone Cross on your right and continue along the path, passing through a wooden gate on your left. Continue along the path as it bears off to the right and makes its way gently down hill. You will pass through a couple more gates and a wooded area on your left and eventually to a gate leading out onto a bridlepath.

5. Turn right, following the bridlepath to Rylstone. After a short distance, the bridlepath crosses over a field and heads towards Rylstone Church.

6. With the church on your left, continue along the path off to the right, which will eventually enter Chapel Lane and lead you back to where you started in Cracoe.