Millington to Givendale

1. Starting in Millington, park in the layby on Swineridge Lane just past the church (i.e.do not park down in the village). Carry on up the road towards the junction where you can either head right into the village, go straight along to Millington Woods or turn left, up The Balk. Walk up The Balk. After a short distance uphill, and at the T junction, cross over onto the stony Minster Way footpath which heads out along the field edge, with beautiful views into the distance. 

2. Go past Little Givendale Farm and through some farm buildings to where the path appears to turn right at a gate. DO NOT turn right but go through the gate and into the cow field. There may well be cows in here so please keep dogs on a lead if there are any. Head straight ahead and down into the valley (it can be a little bit steep, so go steady!)

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.

There are several memorials to members of the Singleton family (including the jockey, John Singleton senior) within the church, and if you visit in the early spring the churchyard is full of snowdrops and winter aconites. The churchyard is also home to soft comfrey which has a white flower. 

It is a lovely place and I thoroughly recommend a visit before turning around and heading back the way you came to the start of this walk. In Millington village you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat at either the Ramblers Rest Tearooms or The Gait Inn.