Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY

I STARTED my walk on the bridge at Gayle. In one direction I could see a cascade of beautiful little waterfalls which have been a photographers delight since Victorian times.

On the opposite side of Gayle Beck, however, I could see Gayle Mill which has been in the news during the summer of 2004.

One of the oldest cotton mills in England it has been in need of repair following periods of work as a timber mill and then dereliction.

Gayle was the regional finalist in the BBC's Restoration series. It needs less than half a million pounds and I hope that the Friends of the Mill are eventually able to raise the cash.

I followed the road towards Hawes until I found a footpath to the right. This leads along a stone paved causeway to the church.

I kept the church to my right and then turned right to the White Hart where I had a cup of tea and a butty.

Opposite is a sign pointing to Gayle Lane which climbs up steeply passing the church to the right. Carry straight on, passing the churchyard on the right and then on into the car park of the Wensleydale Cheese Experience.

This is a gourmet's delight and which has a museum, a gallery to view the production, a shop and a restaurant.

There is a large car park and at the rear a picnic site. For those of us who love Wensleydale cheese then you are in heaven.

A left turn leads back to Gayle Village and a second chance to enjoy the sight and sound of waterfalls, riverside cottages and a splendid little ford.

This stroll is only just over a couple of miles but it should not be rushed.

You could take your own bread, visit the cheese experience and make your own butties on the banks of the beck.