Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY - this week, around KETTLEWELL

I DID this walk twice in a matter of three weeks. In mid-August I visited the annual Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival and I enjoyed it so much that I did not walk very far.

In early September I decided to do two things. Firstly, to return to Kettlewell to walk along the peaceful stretch of the Wharfe to Starbottom. Secondly, after looking at the scarecrows I went out and bought a new suit!

On my September stroll the village was quiet but I did miss the colour and crowds on scarecrow day. In the days of coaching Kettlewell must have been busy because it is said that 13 ale houses were trading in the mid-19th century.

These days only three survive but each is of great interest. The Blue Bell is dated to 1680 and the Race Horses was once just the stable block for The Blue Bell.

Most historians think that the name was originally "Trace Horses" which were animals which could be hired as extra power to drag heavy wagons up the steep hill out of Kettlewell.

The Kings Head near the church dates to the 17th century and was the old workhouse -- the present staff thinks it still is!

My second walk was on a quiet sunny morning and I strolled quietly along the right-hand bank of the Wharfe from Kettlewell Bridge through fields. At a wooden footbridge I turned right over the river and followed a straight path to the road to Starbottom.

I did go for a brew at the Fox and Hounds in the little hamlet. Then I returned to the footpath and on the opposite side of the road looked for a house called Fosse Gill.

Turn right and follow the signs for Kettlewell (two miles). This passes through a lovely wood where I watched jays and a sparrowhawk.

The last mile into Kettlewell is an area known as Paradise which seems to me to be a perfect description.

I've made two notes in my diary. I will walk this gentle four-and-a-half-miles again in winter when there is snow on the ground. I will also return to the scarecrows around August 20, 2005 for another dose of paradise!