Millington Circular

3. At the bottom there is a double gate, which you go through and out into Whitekeld Dale. This is a beautiful part of the walk and very easy going. If your dog likes water (which Bill does - he lies down in it!) there is a small stream on your left that runs all the way along (just watch for cows).

4. Head along the Minster Way footpath as it winds up into Given Dale, with Beck Plantation on your left and Castlefield Plantation on your right. Eventually at the road, you come to the small church of St Ethelburga at Great Givendale, where I suggest you take a breather and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the church and its grounds. The church is normally open and is dog friendly - there is even a water bowl and water provided outside.

5. St. Ethelburga's Church is on an ancient site but was rebuilt in 1849 by John Singleton, incorporating parts of an earlier Norman church on the site including the large chancel arch. Although much of the original medieval stone was cast aside and reused for road building. There is also a font that dates from the Saxon period. From here, if you are not able to navigate the stile that is toward the end of the next section, you can turn back along the way you just came. Otherwise continue on!

8. Towards the end of the path along the edge of the wood turn right onto the trail through Grimthorpe Wood. Here you will see signs for tree felling (Forest Operations), so be mindful and possibly keep dogs on a lead. Walk through this part of the wood until you come to a stile. This one you can go through with a dog, as it has a gap to the left that they can walk through.

9. When you emerge from the wood just head straight ahead (you can't go left or right anyway as there are signs and gates preventing you!). Walk straight across the field, which in summer is full of crops so keep dogs under tight control if you need to. At the end of this field you come to the 'dreaded stile' that is difficult to negotiate with large dogs unfortunately. Smaller dogs could be carried over or they might be able to scramble under the wooden bars.

10. The end section of this walk is all on road. As you emerge from the crop field over the stile, turn left along Miller Lane and at Ousethorpe Farm, on the corner of The Mile / Swineridge Lane, turn left and follow the road all the way back to the start. The road is fairly quiet and you just have to keep right at the junctions with Grimthorpe Hill (which goes back to Great Givendale) and Givendale Hill (which heads eventually to the A166) and keep dogs on leads.

In Millington you can enjoy a well-earned drink or meal in the dog-friendly Gait Inn (where there is a lovely beer garden) or at the Ramblers Rest Tea Rooms.