SETTLE - 18th January 2026

 

Well it was another wet walk at times - but not as bad as in previous weeks. Forty-two walkers spread across 9 walks spent a rewarding day taking in the North Yorkshire landscape around Settle.

Geoff’s group started at toll bar cottages on the outskirts of Settle and followed the route with a slight detour to explore Victoria caves.  As the weather wasn't improving they decided to cut the walk short slightly and head back to Settle where they enjoyed a fell walkers Sunday roast in the Royal Oak. After which the weather had improved so did a short walk exploring the local area and the Giggleswick Quarry. They still had enough time for a quick pint before heading back to the coach. A great day was had by all.

The coach drove through mainly dry weather, until Martin’s group arrived in Settle and needed to put on waterproofs. The walk started by going up and over to Langcliffe and then continuing on the path to Stainforth. When they got to the Langcliffe Quarry Trail they spent some time looking around some of the remains of past industrial activity, most especially the amazing Hoffman Kiln which was at one point Britain’s largest lime production kiln. They then carried on to Stainforth and Stainforth Foss. There was a notice near Stainforth bridge indicating that it was the location to witness natural phenomenon of Atlantic Salmon leaping upstream to spawn in mid-October and December. 

It was a another wet-walk that put their waterproofs to the test but it was an enjoyable outing nonetheless. A pint at the cosy Talbot Arms at the end went down well.

For Paul’s group the walk went as planned despite the drizzly weather. They passed a very polite and respectful group of bikers as they descended to Stainforth and enjoyed lunch beside Stainforth Force waterfalls. 10 miles overall with just over 2,000 feet of ascent.

Alan and Edwina did a fairly modest walk which started in Settle, followed the Ribble Way through Stackhouse and went on to Stainforth Force and then to Stainforth. By which time the rain had become relentless so they retraced their steps back to Settle. Just over 7 miles and about 700' ascent. Just 3 photos of them were taken - 2 at Stainforth Force and one of snowdrops (signs of Spring!) in Stainforth churchyard.

There were 7 walkers in Gerry’s group who left the coach at Hellifield, with the aim of reaching Scaleber force, Sugar Loaf Hill and Attamire Scar to Settle. The weather wasn't too bad at the start but deteriorated as the walk progressed. By the time they had got to Sugar Loaf Hill they were soaked through. Gerry, Mike J, Ian and Brian decided to call it a day and made their way back into Settle from there.  Monica, Michelle and Sue however decided to carry on and complete the whole route. Those who took the shorter route decided, after getting changed, to have a coffee before going to the pub and we're offered free packs of scones as they left (the cafe had baked too many for the day)!!

Stu’s group including Ele, John and Stu left the coach at Hellifield at the nice early time of 10am, donning waterproofs immediately.

Having never before started a walk from Hellifield, it was no surprise that a non-planned short excursion round a newly built housing estate began immediately.

Stu’s explanation that "This estate is not on my map", was graciously accepted by Ele and John, but the elusive footpath leading to a railway underpass was eventually located, as was the realisation that this underpass was not the one he’d aimed for!  Nevertheless, the intended path was reached, overlooking Hellifield railway junction and station.

Pressing on northwards, they were surprised to see behind them, Gerry and Mike J's party who had set off also at Hellifield. Had they also had trouble finding the start?  They didn't ask, but just how did they get ahead??

A visit to 'WaterFall Rock', nestling in a mini gorge below Newton Moor, proved to be a disappointment. No pretty waterfall, simply a mediocre series of small rocks and bits of concrete seemingly blocking a small stream.

Not worth the detour and slippery scramble needed to regain the footpath. Definitely one to cross off for any future walk in that vicinity.

The rain now turning from light drizzle to something a bit more 'wet', they pressed on to cross Crake Moor, a lonely farmhouse with a wind turbine, being all that broke through the mist.

A peculiar metal structure near Ebor Gate had them guessing its purpose. Obviously some kind of water reservoir, but appearing to be long out of use and now derelict.

They did consider using it as a shelter from the rain for a lunch break, but the jagged metal sides put that idea out of the question.

The decision then was whether to climb up to Rye Loaf Hill and the trig pillar,  or miss it out and retreat to Settle by another route.

They went for the climb, entering even thicker mist and colder air. The ridge as such, began with a disused communication station, now appearing to be a shooting shelter.

Heavy going underfoot, they eventually crossed the summit wall to climb the final yards to the trig pillar. Visibility down to around 50 feet.

Photos quickly taken (to prove they’d been there!) a descent was made using the stone wall as a helpful guide. Hands so cold and wet, that getting gloves back on was a challenge.

Reaching the Dales High Way, also named on the O/S map as Pennine Bridleway, the going was so much easier and visibility improved.

Passing Stockdale Farm, the decision was made to change from the intended route, and continue along the Dales High Way, to knock 1.5 miles off the planned route.

Dropping down into Settle, their coach was visible from Blue Crags, a welcome sight by now, with the pleasant thought of some dry clothing and warm drinks!

10 miles and 1,750 feet of ascent, was enough for the day in that weather!

Pat’s group including Steph and the 2 Pats alighted from the coach just before Settle  heading initially for Lodge Farm. The weather forecast wasn't good and sure enough it soon started raining. On reaching the farm they could see their objective, Sugar Loaf Hill, was covered in mist so decided to head straight to the village of Langcliffe. By now it was approaching lunch time and as they approached the Church looking for shelter there was a welcoming sign outside offering hot drinks so in they went and low and behold found everything for making hot drinks, table and chairs absolute luxury for a horrible day.

Then it was out in the rain again and on to Stackhouse and then making their way back to Settle. Here's hoping for better weather soon.

Thanks as usual to the leaders who led the walks, including Gerry, Geoff, Pat, Martin, Keith, Paul, Stu, Alan and Jenny. And to all of the photographers for their contributions.

Click HERE to open the album.

Click HERE to see Darren's video of Geoff's walk.

Next Walks:

Sunday 1^st February 2026 – Grasmere

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 though Ambleside and on to Grasmere. Park in Grasmere.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 15^th February 2026 - Threlkeld via St Johns in the Vale

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 through Windermere and Ambleside to Stanah, B5322 through St John’s in the Vale to Threlkeld. Park in Threlkeld. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 1^st March 2026 – Gargrave to Skipton

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, on to the M65, M65 eastbound to junction 7, via A6185/A678 to the A680, A671 to roundabout N of Whalley, A59 to Skipton roundabout, A65 to Gargrave, return on the A65 to Skipton. Park in Skipton. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.