This week I returned to the Yorkshire Dales and visited Kettlewell which is not only very pretty but also has maypole and scarecrow events.

This place breathes the atmosphere of 1911 and has retained this a century later.

The site which is now Kettlewell is of very ancient origins and its name is Anglo-Saxon.

To these people the place was Cetel Well which means a “bubbling stream”.

This is still true to this day as the village is split by the stream.

1.From the car park retrace your steps and cross the bridge over the Wharfe. Turn sharp right. Follow the riverside footpath which is along the Dales Way long distance footpath.

This is an 81-mile way marked track which links Ilkley with Bowness-on-Windermere. This section shows signs indicating Buckden with Starbotton.

2.Pass through stiles and kissing gates but all times the grassy footpath is obvious but there are also splendid areas of woodland.

3.Approach a substantial wooden footbridge over the Wharfe. At the bridge there is a signpost indicating Arncliffe to the left with Buckden straight ahead.

Turn right over the footbridge and follow the grassy track towards Starbotton. One track leads to the left. Ignore this and carry straight on.

4.Approach a gate leading onto the B6160 connecting Kettlewell and Starbotton. Cross the B6160. It is worth taking the short diversion to Starbotton which is a delightful hamlet.

The main route, however, follows a track to reach Foss Gill House. Turn right over a stile at Foss Gill. A finger signpost indicates “Kettlewell 2 miles”.

Pass through a gate and the path climbs gently through fields and passing an old barn called Calfhalls.

Follow through a field stile and over a set of steps. On the left is Cross Wood which is much enjoyed by naturalists.

5.Continue across undulating fields and store stiles through an area very appropriately called Paradise. Pass farm buildings on the right and over a series of simple stiles.

Return to Kettlewell.

How to get there: From Skipton on the A59 turn off left along the B6265 signed Grassington then follow the B6160 through kilnsey which has a walk around it.

Continue to reach Kettlewell.

Turn right into the village, cross a bridge over the River Wharfe and to the left is a pay and display car park.