Stones & Stumps: Most of the caches in the series seem to have ended up under tree stumps and stones, so it seemed like a good name. It's a mixed route, mostly on bridleways, through open country, woods and fields. As it's circular you can start in many places, but the route is described anti-clockwise from Clifton. If you want an easy finish, do it clockwise, which also has more gentle gradients. Maybe slightly better views anti-clockwise as you walk towards the Pennines. A map showing the route has been uploaded below and you could print it out if you wish. Most of the navigation is straight forward. Probably take around 5+ hours unless you run!
Only 4 stiles along the whole route, only two farms, one very good garden centre tea room, and a pub. As with any lowland walk you may find cows in some fields, which shouldn't be any bother unless you have a dog. Generally, they can be avoided or just wait them out - they do move quite quick when grazing. Quite a few sections of path are on enclosed lanes with no potential livestock.
A couple of road sections link the bridleways and are generally short and/or quiet lanes with little traffic. Other places to start could be Hackthorpe, Melkinthorpe or Askham. After wet weather you will find a couple of places with boggy bits or mud, but most of the paths are good. Some sections of footpath get a little overgrown in the summer and shorts are not recommended then.
We hope you enjoy your trip - however you do it.
Fast Cars: From the parking in Clifton, opposite the church, the footpath sign is close by. It goes through the field south side of the buildings, through a couple of gates, before coming out just past Clifton Hall, which is worth a look, free and generally open. There may be horses in the field with the footpath and we usually go straight down the farm track without causing any complaint, which saves disturbing the horses. Go over the motorway bridge and turn left. It's noisy! Under the railway and along to the cache.