Malham tarn to Littondale on the 'Old Monks Road' returning via the Rocking Stone: 13.5miles 1750ft  

After parking close to Malham tarn my path passed the shoreline before joining the 'old monks road' to Littondale. 

Starting the climb over the limestone moorlands with a look back to the tarn

The monks road linked Fountains Abbey near Ripon with pasture lands in the dales, this section is looking towards Middle House farm....

....it continues high over the moors ....

....before descending Cowside into Littondale....

....and the very attractive village of Arncliffe

The dry stone walls make patterns across the dale

The village lies alongside the river Skirfare

The village green with its old water pump and trough 

I then rejoined the riverside path stopping here for a mid morning snack

Blue star crags on the other side of the dale

Continuing along the riverside before leaving the dale to start the return over the tops to Malham tarn

The view back down into Littondale & Cote gill...

....and again

It was just nice timing for lunch as I arrived at the 'Rocking Stone' on top of the moor at 1500ft. Fortunately it seemed there was no danger of it falling off the top as I sat underneath it.....!

The limestone outcrops formed a very good seat & table

Lunch over it was then just a very gentle 3 or 4 miles downhill..... 

.....to the parking area near Malham tarn