Huggate Heads

5.  At the tree -line turn left and follow it down the side of the field to the gate. In this stretch we got fantastic views of red kites skimming the skies and coming in quite low. Go through the gate and you are now in Shortlands Dale.

6. This is a beautiful, peaceful stretch where dogs can run off-lead initially, down the wide grassy paths - Bill loved it! Follow the path down the valley, with Shortland and then Oxland Plantation on your right. Keep following the path as it swings left into Oxlands Dale. Be aware that when we reached this point there were lots of sheep, which we walked through with Bill on a lead - but obviously go wide of them if you think it might be a problem.

7. At the fence line and the three-way footpath sign, go through the gate and turn left. If you have already done our Huggate Circular Walk you will recognise Cow Dale. 

11. Follow the footpath all the way along until you come to a gate at the road. Cross the road towards the footpath sign and continue to follow the Minster Way Bridleway, which is also the Wold Rangers Way, along the field edge with the hedge to your left. 

The Wold Rangers Way is a 44-mile route that celebrates the Wold Rangers.  Between the 16th and 19th centuries the process of enclosure and the introduction of agricultural machinery, created a landless and homeless class of rural folk. Some travelled the countryside looking for seasonal work and were allowed to graze their cattle on what was left of common land. The Wold Rangers lived off the land on the Yorkshire Wolds, travelling from farm to farm using the network of footpaths, green lanes and bridleways. The last of the Wold Rangers were George Smith, better known as Dog Geordie and Mary Murray, or Croom Mabel, both of whom died in the late 1900's. 

12. Go through the gap in the hedge and keep following the field edge with the hedge now on your right. If you parked at Freshlands Farm look out for the footpath at the hedge-line heading left, after about 1.3 miles, that takes you left and down towards a stretch of trees. The signpost is somewhat hidden in the hedge on your right, and has the left-pointing arm broken off! This footpath which keeps the trees to your right will take you back to the road at Freshlands Farm.

13. If you are heading back to Field House Campsite and Coffee Barn keep walking along the path for about another mile, (without turning left at point 12), and then turn off left at the permissive path back to the campsite.

Now you can have that well-earned cuppa and big slice of cake at the coffee barn!