Another one way walk! This one takes you alongside (most of the way) the River Ure in lower Wensleydale from picturesque Middleham to the market town of Masham.

The walk is nearly 12 miles so leave a full day for it but of course there is little climbing involved.

Park in Masham and take the bus from Masham to Middleham. The no 159 leaves Masham market place at 10.15 (at present every day bar Sunday) and takes 20 minutes.

Middleham is a very attractive Dales village, one of the best. The traditional castle (home amonst others of Richard III) is worthy of closer inspection and overlooks the village, find it via a series of cobbled streets from the market place.

To start the walk, take the main road heading east for a quarter of a mile from the end of the village to a farm lane heading south. Continue down the lane for three quarters of a mile to the River Cover. The lane becomes a footpath as it approaches the river. Turn left and follow the river for half a mile to Cover Bridge.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Middleham to Masham walk map

There is a traditional Dales pub at Cover Bridge situated on a fine pack horse bridge. It sits on the River Cover, just 150 metres from the confluence with the River Ure.

The next mile of this ever changing walk is a real pleasure. The path sticks close to the river (Cover soon becoming the Ure) as it passes serenely through the landscape of the area. As well as walkers it is popular with fishermen… do watch out for the legendary ‘kelpie’ fish which supposedly leaps out to devour its victims.

The path follows a mix of woodland and open walking 'til it arrives at the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey. It was a Cistercian Abbey, the ruins today creating only a part impression of the size and power of the abbey's past.

Explore the remains of the abbey, set amongst the wild flowers, trees and shrubs which have been allowed to grow up within its walls. Then take the main track/road which crosses through the grounds of Jervaulx Abbey, a well preserved park full of sheep and deer (although I have never seen the deer!).

After passing the gate house on the edge of the estate turn left at the road and follow this down to Kilgram Bridge. Although it was the monks who originally built this fine bridge, if you lean over the side and look carefully in to the running water you will be able to see the foundations of an old Roman road, part of a ford for their legions on their way north.

Return a few metres along the road to Kilgram Grange to a track heading south east and parallel to the river.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The riverside path near Jervaulx Abbey

Keep the river in view as the well signposted path winds its way for two miles (sometimes difficult to see on the ground) until it leaves the river a little and arrives in the attractive village of Low Ellington.

Head south east alongside some higher ground on a path past a small plantation and bend left back towards the river bank. The path then heads south to some marshy/wet ground before arriving at the wetlands reserve of Marland.

Follow the marked paths through the reserve. You exit the wetlands at its southern end just a few hundred metres from the outskirts of Masham. The reserve makes an interesting end to this walk full of contrasts.

Walk facts

Distance: Roughly 11.5 miles.

Height to climb: 130m (430 feet).

Start: SE 127878. The bus drops you in the centre of Middleham.

Difficulty: Medium. Like all riverside walks the paths can be muddy and wet in places.

Refreshments: There is plenty of pubs and cafes in Masham. Aside from the pub at Cover Bridge early in the walk there is no pubs or cafes enroute.

Be prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL30 & 302) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales. He has published three books on walking in the Dales, The Yorkshire 3 Peaks, The Dales 30 mountains and the new Walks without Stiles book. All these books (and more) are available direct from the Where2walk website. Book a navigation training day in Long Preston (two levels, beginners or hill skills). First available date is July 15. All dates and details are on the website. Where2walk.co.uk also features hundreds of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.