Leaving the coaches at the quarry just before Downholme Bridge, on a rather overcast day, Katherine lead our group of 5 down the B6270 to Downholme Bridge.  After turning right and crossing the bridge over the River Swale we then left the minor road to head NW over short grassy fields to rejoin the road at Cat Bank.  After about 0.5 Km we arrived at Marske Bridge which we crossed and then turned left into a field alongside the Marske Beck.  After a coffee stop below Clints, we continued through fields alongside the Beck before climbing up to a reasonable track NW of Clints.   We then continued along the track through Clints Wood and then the track climbed up to Orgate Farm.  The track then headed down to Orgate Bridge but we continued NW along a grassy path, heading for the bridge near Telfit Farm.  Unfortunately this path was not so good with a few ditches making walking more difficult.  However, without too much problem we reached the old stone bridge just before Telfit Farm.  Crossing the bridge, we then climbed the NW bank to join a good farm track which then turned into  a tarmac road.  Unfortunately, by this time we had suffered our first rain shower which was fairly heavy.  Heading S below Telfit Bank we had good views across the valley to Clints Scar.  These views were enhanced when the sun started reflecting of the sheer face of the scar.  As we neared Orgate Bridge, the road became a good minor road and we made a reasonable pace to arrive at Skelton with more rain falling.  Turning right (W) at Skelton we then began a stiff climb past Skelton Hall and up towards the moors.  Passing thro a gate to reach the “open access”  moors, Katherine then suggested we have a lunch stop as there was a suitable grassy bank with a wall behind, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining.  So we had a very enjoyable lunch in the sunshine, sheltered from the slight wind and with great views.

On our way again, we had just left the lunch spot when the rain started yet again (look at the cloud in the photo).  While the path was not very distinct, Katherine took a compass bearing and we headed in a SW direction.   Walking over the moor was quite easy and it did not take too long to reach a minor road.  After crossing the road we entered Smelting Mill Plantation and headed S to the Dale Beck.  After finding a suitable crossing across the beck we climbed up the hill past the smelting mill.  We continued S until we reached Crook Bank Lane.  Joining the Lane, we continued S until we reached the hamlet of Marrick.  We then headed SW, being warned by a couple that the descent ahead of us was very slippery.  On reaching Steps Wood, Katherine was keen to pass around the east side of the wood and down to Wood House so that she could see the stepping stones across the R Swale, but after looking at the steep descent on very wet grass with no obvious path, she decided that the less steep path thro the wood would be safer.  So we headed thro the wood.  Unfortunately, this path had stone steps which were very slippy so we all took our time and reached the bottom unscathed.  This brought us to Marrick Priory and we joined the road passing the priory which is now used as an activity centre.  A little way past the priory, with the sun shining once again, we sat on the embankment at the side of the road for an afternoon stop.

On our way again, on a nice flat tarmac minor road, we had a good view of High Harker Hill to our SW.  As the road neared the river, we left the road to continue W on a FP alongside the river.  This brought us to Grinton Bridge and after crossing the road, we headed along a path leading past Low Fremington.  This brought us to the B6270 which we joined to cross the Arkle Beck via Reeth Bridge and then proceeded into Reeth.

An excellent walk with some great scenery. Shame about the weather, although it did provide some dramatic scenery and when the sun was out it was great.  Thanks Katherine.