A cancer charity is returning to the countryside for a popular fundraising event that was cancelled last year because of foot-and-mouth disease.

Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Black Sheep Brewery, of Masham, and author Mark Reid have joined forces again for their Yorkshire Square Walk.

The walk, on Sunday, May 19, takes in 24 miles of the Yorkshire Dales and was devised by Mr Reid, author of The Inn Way . . . series of walking guidebooks.

He said: "We are determined to make the Yorkshire Square Walk a great success to make up for last year's event, which had to be cancelled.

"Not only did walkers miss out on wonderful views, clean Dales air and some great country pubs, the charity lost valuable sponsorship as well."

This year's walk takes in some of the finest Dales scenery, including Middleham Castle, Leyburn Shawl, Bolton Castle, Aysgarth Falls and Coverdale.

"As it is a generally low level walk, most people will find it achievable, although the distance will still test your stamina," said Mr Reid.

The walk covers a beautiful "square" of Yorkshire Dales countryside, linking the famous castles of Wensleydale.

The route will start and finish at Middleham, and will be fully marshalled throughout with check-points and back-up.

The charity's community fundraising manager, Susie Fothergill said: "This should be another terrific day out for walkers who enjoy the delights of the Yorkshire Dales' countryside.

"Mark has specifically designed this route to take in the very best of the area and has also taken care to include a number of old-fashioned country pubs along the way.

"Added to this will be a bottle of Black Sheep's Yorkshire Square Ale for all walkers completing the challenge, as well as a special certificate."

For full information, entry and sponsor form, contact (01904) 621000.