Long Preston Beck is a delight. A walk along its banks makes for a perfect summertime stroll in the sun.

After walking alongside the river for the first part, follow the old bridleway on a short climb to experience some wonderful views west and south.

The walk starts from the Maypole pub. Head away from the main road until it reaches and passes the primary school. Follow the lane as it bends right and heads towards the Norman church of St Mary's.

(Image: Jonathan Smith)

The entrance is to the right and it is worth exploring the large, well-kept graveyard. A lane runs alongside the church if you do not wish to.

From the far side of the church, head along the lane for 250m until it reaches a river (Long Preston Beck). Before arriving at the beck there are some stables on your right with some friendly horses often sticking their noses over the wall!

Just past the beck a stile on your left leads to a lovely section of riverside walking. For nearly one mile keep the river on your left and enjoy the lovely riverside walking. The river has been the subject of some debate in recent years due to the existence of the American signal crayfish, amongst other things responsible for the reduction of native fish species. Look carefully and you may find some skeleton remains.

(Image: Jonathan Smith)

Half-way along the river there is a stile and then a gate before the path opens out again. The circular wall above you is the Long Preston water supply, this year it has varied between nearly empty and very full!

The path continues along the riverside through open fields, before a stile leads to a narrow path and then a meeting of two rivers. The river to the right comes from the moors and tumbles steeply down, whilst the beck itself carries on up towards Settle.

(Image: Jonathan Smith)

Cross both rivers via two footbridges and head for the diagonal path on your left skirting the steep slope. This is the only climb of the walk.

At the top of the path pass through a gate and take the second stile on the left. The first leads in to New Pasture Plantation. The stile is the first of eight stiles as you make your way back towards Long Preston village.

The initial section is over a flat field but after the second stile the path drops, steeply at times towards the village. The views over Long Preston and beyond to Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland are gorgeous, particularly early in the morning or at sunset. The final stile leads to a quiet lane, turn left and stroll back to your starting point.

It is possible to take an alternative route at New Pasture Plantation if you want to avoid the stiles by sticking to the farm lane and turning left at moor road after half a mile.

Walk facts:

Distance: Roughly three miles.

Height to climb: 75m (240 feet).

Start: SD 834582. Either park at the playing fields just past the school or on the road near the station. This is an excellent walk though to use the train, the regular service running from Leeds.

Difficulty: Easy. A short half day but take your time on the lovely river.

Refreshments: Enjoy a drink or meal at the Maypole pub.

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 OL2) 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 is the owner of Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales. He has written three books on walking in the Dales, The Yorkshire 3 Peaks, The Dales 30 mountains and Walks without Stiles. All these books (and more) are available direct from the Where2walk website. Book a navigation (map and compass skills) training day near Settle or a bespoke day for a private group. The next available course is on Sunday, June 30. Join our “Dales 30” weekender in Sedbergh or “Three Peaks in three days (both in September). Where2walk.co.uk also features hundreds of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs. Visit the website for details of the walks, guiding days and navigation courses.