Darley Stepping Stones Loop

Four and a quarter miles and about an hour and three quarters on lanes and field paths above the Nidd, taking in the old stepping stones that cross the river below Darley and about 70 metres of easy climbing back up to New York Lane. Start in Darley village where there is roadside parking near the Wellington Inn, on the 24 bus route between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge. The stones are slippery and the river runs fast after rain, so a big dog is better swimming from the gravel bank beside them; the fields either side carry sheep all year, so leads on from gate to gate.