It's hard to imagine the changes that have taken place in Forge Valley since the Age of Dinosaurs! In more recent times, iron smelting took place in Forge Valley, giving it the apt name. Iron ore was brought in to take advantage of the charcoal made from the woodland.

The River Derwent, which meanders through the valley is rich in wildlife, as you'll discover. The over-sized valley was cut long ago by glacial melt-water after the Ice Age.

To access the starting point, take the A170 Scarborough to Pickering road, and park in East Ayton near the Library and Information Centre, at Chapel Garth. Close by is Ye Olde Forge Valley Hotel.

Cross the main road with care, to ascend Yedmandale Road between stone-built properties. From number 4, turn right along Castle Rise as signed "public footpath". A row of cottages overlooks a brilliant border of polyanthus, wallflowers and tulips, backed by "curtains" of aubrietia, alyssum and iberis. At the far end is a metal farmgate and adjacent handgate. Enter and keep to the track leading across a sheep meadow, with the remains of Ayton Castle to the left, and the River Derwent to the far right.

Reaching the end of the meadow, enter a metal gate opening into Forge Valley Woods National Nature Reserve. This is owned by Scarborough Borough Council and managed in partnership with English Nature. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is protected by law. Please do not disturb the flora and fauna.

Keep to the foot of woodland, beset with primroses in spring, and a field lies to your right, with the River Derwent beyond. Where the river almost meets your track you'll find a kissing-gate. This opens onto a superbly-constructed boardwalk leading alongside the river, which is ideal in all weathers. (Remember those days when we squelched through mud and teetered on the river's margin?)

Just keep to the boardwalk, or relax on one of the seats provided and appreciate the abundant wildlife.

Walk quietly and you may spot an otter or deer. Hear a "plop" and it could be a water vole. Springtime brings dense colonies of golden kingcups or marsh marigolds to wetter areas. Damp ground is smothered with the golden saxifrage and spikes of dull pink butterbur. Galaxies of wood anemones sprinkle the woodland floor like confetti, along with shy violets and insignificant flowers of dog's mercury. Can you find toothwort?

All too soon you'll notice a car park on the opposite river bank. You've reached the foot bridge spanning the River Derwent and your exit from the boardwalk. Crossing the bridge, turn right into Old Man's Mouth car park.