AN ale trail exploring the rich history of brewing in the area will be a highlight of this year’s annual Rosedale Walking Festival.

Now in its sixth year, the festival, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, will take place on June 23 and 24.

The ale trail, which will take place on the Saturday, will be led by Dave Oakey, landlord of the Coach House Inn in Rosedale - and he promises lively tales of the history of the Dale through its beer barrels and bar taps.

“We’ll hear about how the smugglers from Robin Hood’s Bay would bring lace from Belgium to the pubs in Rosedale, where it would be bought to be sold on in society shops in York,” he said.

“And of the old lady in the 1890s who brewed beer in a not-strictly-legal fashion for her guesthouse, which was popular with miners – she ended up in court, but got off on what we’d now probably call entrapment.”

Festival participants can also choose from a selection of other walks over the weekend, including following in the footsteps of ancient traders and monks, a meander round the local teashops, and a wildlife walk.

Four of the walks are free and others vary from £4 to £15. Advance booking is advisable.

For details of the festival visit the website rosedaleabbey.com/walking-festival.html