A fells walk to a great pub: the Butchers Arms, Yorkshire Dales

Limestone pavements, purple moors, a Roman road and a cracking community pub greet walkers on this Dales hike

If I were to sum up Crosby Ravensworth in only a couple of words, then it would be: “community spirit”. This is clear from the starting point of this circular walk, at an old stone bus shelter opposite the 1920s village hall.

In lieu of a village shop, this shelter has become one – thanks to a bunch of residents who stock it on a daily basis. Inside, a woman happily chats away, talking me through the various goods on sale. There are home-grown vegetables (today’s selection includes sugar snap peas and carrots), a bric-a-brac section raising funds for the kids’ play area, and quail eggs, which are free-range and a bargain at £1.25 for half a dozen. A cork noticeboard is decorated with posters advertising monthly yarn club meet-ups, a plumber’s services and nearby pilates classes.