INTO THE DALES - A Northern Coast to Coast Walk: From St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay - page 81

Leave Reeth at the southern end of the village square and follow the road to cross the
bridge over the Swale. A short distance away, at a wicket gate on the right, a signpost
indicates a path to Grinton. Take this to rejoin the river for a short while, then move
slightly away from it on a green path across pastureland as far as Grinton Bridge. Ap-
proaching Grinton Bridge note the impressive form of Grinton Lodge high on the moors
above. Once a shooting lodge, it is now a youth hostel.
Cross the road at the bridge, and rejoin the riverbank on the other side. Reluctantly,
the path soon has to leave the river, rising to join the metalled access road to Marrick
Priory. Go right, along the road, a simple and meandering stroll with the priory ahead,
beckoning from its verdant surrounds.
MARRICK PRIORY
Marrick Priory was a 12th-century Benedictine priory, occupied by nuns from 1154 until
Henry VIII had his way with it, after which it became a ruin, with only the tower remain-
ing. Later it was to become the parish church and a separate farm. In the late 1960s
the priory buildings were converted into an outdoor education and residential centre. It
is not open to visitors, though you are allowed to have a look around the grounds.
Near the priory entrance a track crosses a cattle-grid, reaching within a
few paces a gate and stile on the left (signposted 'Marrick'). Follow this
path to a bench at the entrance to Steps Wood, from where the retrospect-
ive view frames distant Reeth among branches of a nearby tree.
Go through the gate and enter Steps Wood, climbing easily on a paved
way, known as the 'Nuns Causeway' or 'Nunnery Steps', linking the priory
and Marrick village. On leaving Steps Wood, follow the path along the edge
of a few fields, through gates, to reach a converted Wesleyan chapel at the
entrance to Marrick. Follow the lane ahead and at a junction (signposted)
bear right, continuing to a T-junction near a telephone box.
Turn right here to another junction (noting the interesting sundial on a
nearby cottage). At the junction again go right, following the lane (a dead
end) past the old school, shortly to turn left (signposted) up a rough green
lane leading to a series of stiles across brief fields.