Following the precinct wall to Mackershaw, then to Markenfield Hall, Ingerthorpe Hall, Haddockstones, Fishpond. Returning via Spring Wood - 10 miles

We had a fine day with a hint of spring in the air and set off from the main visitor centre at Fountains Abbey. Our route was a loop around the wider monastic precinct, following the Abbey Wall past the West Gate, across high ground looking down at the Abbey and then on to Mackershaw. From there and following a brief coffee stop in the deer park, on to Markenfield Hall, a notable moated manor house. Pausing for lunch, with a view of the Hall and a backdrop of gathering clouds, on to Ingerthorpe Hall and Ingerthorpe Grange (better known as the Yorkshire Riding Centre) before turning toward Haddockstones and a clear view of The Tower; a pretty folly positioned to be visible from Fountains Abbey itself. Now on the return leg, and not quite raining, we made our way along the Monk Wall, across the Fish Pond and back to the car park by way of Spring Wood.  Fourteen happy wanderers counted out and fourteen happy wanderers counted back in again, not quite as muddy as expected and some new faces which was a delight to see.