GARGRAVE TO SKIPTON - 1st March 2026


Well at last the weather God’s looked down favourably on SFWC and provided a dry, surprisingly mild and even at times sunny day. Six walks ranging in length from 5 to 17 miles saw the forty-three Southport walkers taking on a variety of routes, some from East Marton, others from Gargrave but all of which terminated at the lovely town of Skipton.

Keith’s group left the coach at East Marton and headed for a nice leisurely walk down the canal before joining the Pennine Way at Thornton-in-Craven. All was going well until they encountered the pool of crocodiles!!! Thankfully the group were able to navigate around the danger and continued on their way uninjured, up to Pinhaw Beacon. From there they made their way to Cononley where they took advantage of The Railway Inn's hospitality. For the final stretch they once again headed into the hills to reach the top of Skipton Moor before making their descent into Skipton. The weather was kind throughout the day and even the sun made a few appearances. A great day was had by all! 17 miles and 2500ft completed.

Whilst Paul’s group were pleasantly surprised by the dry weather, they encountered mud very early on, but oh what a good day! The walkers had plenty of time in hand and so added Rough Haw on to their original planned route, finishing having walked 10.5 miles and 1,900 feet total ascent.

Steph’s and Lorna enjoyed a short walk along the Leeds Liverpool canal to Skipton. Thankfully the weather was fine and dry, with even a few patches of sun. The main highlight of the walk was two sets of mating swans and some friendly boating folk. After lunch they enjoyed a relaxed walk around the sites of Skipton.

Mike J’s group followed a route along the canal from the High Lane swing Bridge just off the A65. They left the canal just before Gargrave and made their way across country to Flasby Hall picking up the path and track to both Rough and Sharp Haw. It was telling how boggy and muddy the paths were up there, as both of those as Mike J’s and Paul’s group joined up at that point after lunch. It was then another boggy path from Sharp Haw into Skipton, but what a relief to have a dry walk for once.

Stu was pleasantly surprised to find that four members who usually walk with the Oldham’s had chosen his walk instead, which meant he had a larger group of walkers than usual. And the more was definitely the merrier as the group had a great day, with the 11.5 miles turning out to be 12.7 by the time they got back to the coach. This distance was registered on his GPS, although when planning the walk on Grough Maps, the distance was 11.5 miles!!!

So two different pieces of technology came up with two different results, but what’s one mile anyway (unless you are going to be late back for the coach departure)!!

Leaving the coach at Gargrave, they crossed the canal heading north to pass Eshton, using grassy footpaths and just a short bit along a quiet roadway. After admiring the centuries old manor house at Friars Head, they turned east then north east across fields and along bridleways to reach The Dales Way Moor Lane track.

Here they turned south east, dropping down to the sleepy little village of Hetton. Sadly, the little pub is now a 'posh' restaurant, so no muddy boots and a quick pint here!

Dropping further down and crossing Hetton Beck on an old stone footbridge, well worn by centuries of boots and probably hooves too, they crossed the single track railway line that is now simply a goods line to the stone quarry near Cracoe.

The line used to go one mile further, terminating in Grassington. What a fantastic passenger heritage railway this could have been. From the main line at Skipton to Grassington, sharing the line with the quarry company surely would have benefited both?

Heading south now they recrossed the railway to stop for lunch below Flasby Fell, sitting on some scattered boulders. Before setting off, Stu couldn't find his map case (which he’d just been using). A hasty search revealed that it had already been packed away along with his sit mat!! It's definitely an age thing!!

The climb up to Flasby Fell began on a horrendously muddy track, deeply churned up by farm vehicles. Stepping off was even worse as the ground was also churned up by the dozens of cattle (friendly) present. But it is their home anyway, so onwards and upwards.

The ground, though steeper, was becoming firmer, and the summit of Rough Haw was soon reached. After a quick group photo shoot, they dropped down to then climb up to the nearby summit of Sharp Haw, with its trig column.

Another group photo and then the gentle descent south east towards Skipton, by now clearly visible in the early spring sunshine. However, this bit of the Dales Way is notoriously boggy, and many deviations from the path were essential to avoid going knee deep in the quagmire!

At Tarn Moor, it was sad to see that the once very nice pub and restaurant that was the Craven Heifer is no more. Yet another old Inn closed down and boarded up. A sad reflection of our times.

The final section involved a path across Skipton Golf course, with signs advising walkers to cover their heads and duck down if the shout of "fore" is heard!

On this occasion, however, they passed safely by before completing a final short climb on grass across Park Hill, before dropping down into the busy streets of Skipton, full of Sunday visitors to the lovely market town.

A truly great day's walking.

Thanks as usual to the leaders - Mike J, Keith, Paul C, Stu, Steph and John - for all of their efforts putting together the walks, and for accepting the added responsibilities. And to the photographers - Mike J, Chris, Ian, Howie, Neil O, Claire, Mike K, Mike C, Pam B, Stu and Steph - for another great selection of photos.

And apologies from me for the delay in uploading the Blog. Blame the Everton match that I HAD to attend the night before!!!

Click HERE to open the photo album.

Next Walks:

Sunday 15th March 2026 – Coniston via Torver

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590 through Newby Bridge and Penny Bridge, A5084 to Torver, A593 to Coniston. Park in Coniston. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 29th March 2026 – Glenridding via A66

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 40, A66 to the Rheged roundabout, then A592 along Ullswater, through Watermillock and on to Glenridding. Park in Glenridding. Morning coffee stop at Tebay services.

Sunday 12th April 2026 - Keswick via A591

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 through Windermere and Ambleside and on to Keswick. Because of new parking constraints in Keswick, the coach will drop off in Keswick if required (but not in a car park) then park outside the town, returning to park in the usual Booth’s car park around 3pm. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

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