The walk starts at Greta Bridge. The Morritt Arms is a fine old Coaching Inn and a good place to call in to at the end of the walk.

At first the route edges arable land with views across to Brignall village 

In an open clearing lies Brignall Old Church. It was from close to here that Turner painted his view of this very scene. It is hard to pin-point the exact location as the artist tended to use a lot of artistic license in his paintings. 

Brignall Old Church. 

Close by the church is the River Greta. 

After passing through an area of woodland the path then takes us back to the waters edge. The far bank has been badly eroded during the heavy rains of last autumn.

Areas of the wood have been replanted with a mixed variety of trees laid out more like a neat orchard than a natural wood.

The river flows gently at this point with trout rising to the numerous fly. 

The path passes close to this natural cave.

Within, the structure has had "improvements". This is thought to be the cave which was featured in Walter Scott's work "Rokeby", in which a lawless band lived:

"A little entrance low and square,
Like opening cell of hermit lone,
Dark winding through the living stone."

High above the river now the woodland floor is carpeted in Bluebells. 

Shortly we pick up the lane that leads down to Brignall Mill.

Brignall Mill in its secluded setting. 

Passing behind the mill we cross the high footbridge. 

Over the river Greta we now head down the right bank.

After crossing this, the next footbridge we head right, up a green lane.

This brings out to the 15th century Scargill Castle, recently featured on an episode of Time Team. it has been transformed from what was a farm out building to a cottage.

Passing thorugh a field we are soon to join the Scargill lane with the village on our right.

A short distance along this quiet country lane was pass the remains of the old chapel. 

At Gill Beck we cross the bridge.

The dogs wait patiently. 

Three sets of stepping stones described in the guide have now been updated by simple bridges. 

A hen pheasant sits tight on her nest. 

Bluebells abound. 

A pleasant path leads through the trees before we come out to the edge of the fields. 

Hawthorn and Gorse in bloom as we pass close to Crooks House Farm.

Soon the route comes out to the main Barningham/ Greta Bridge road.

We follow this quiet road in the direction of Greta Bridge for about a mile before turning back into the woods.

In the woods we are now high above the River Greta again.

and through some more delightful trees.

After crossing one field we return to the village of Greta Bridge. The large complex of old buildings were at one time the old coaching inn.

And back to the start point and the impressive span of the bridge.

This walk is featured in this book which we stock here in the gallery. Click here for more information. *update 29th May. We are now currently out of stock of this guide book. new stock on order.