Enjoy strolling the walled tracks on this walk. If the climb up over the moorland does not appeal, continue on Peg Lane all the way to High Ickenthwaite and then turn left on Corker Lane for a short distance to pick the higher return track from its start. The colours of the bracken, and the flowering gorse, contrast delightfully with the Scots Pine. The views are most pleasing.

Park in the car park of the Manor House Inn, grid reference 319813, where the landlord has told me he welcomes walkers.

1 With your back to the inn, walk right, north. Ignore any immediate narrow left or right turns and after 500 yards, take the track, Peg Lane, left off the road, signposted Ickenthwaite. Stroll this delightful walled way to pass, on your right, New House, with a datestone of 1725. It was originally the poor house for the district and housed vagrants, tramps, the homeless and to give passing tramps a cheese sandwich. Carry on with pleasing views all around. Keep to the track as it winds left and climbs steadily to curve along the left side of a strip of mixed woodland.

2 Stroll on a short way until you can see some sheds on the left where the track goes on through a double wall. Just beyond, head up the bracken fellside to your left, bearing steadily half right. Much of the weed has been flattened by the Bethecar Commoners who take care of the fell. Between the clumps of bracken are wide green swathes. Keep on these, climbing all the time to reach a sturdy track, coming up from High Ickenthwaite to Stock and Nibthwaite.

3 Turn left and follow the generally well-maintained track, westwards, gaining height and enjoying the glorious views ahead. Continue on to the signpost just before a gate, which give access to a small tractor bridge just beyond. Turn left as directed by the signpost and walk the good track, keeping parallel with a wall to your right to reach Abbott Park farm where, if you arrive at the appropriate time, very good teas are on offer – just knock on the door.

4 Join the lane beyond the farm and, keeping the Scar to your left, go on to reach the hamlet of Bandrake Head. Turn left and walk the quiet road into Oxen Park.

Information

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 2-3 hours

Terrain: Pleasing walled tracks. Grassy swathes through bracken. Quiet lanes and roads. After heavy rain expect plenty of puddles.

Map: OS Explorer OL7

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.