GRASSINGTON - 23rd May 2026


 Photo: by Clare V

What a difference a few months make in the world of fellwalking! Back in March we wondered if we’d ever walk in the sunshine again. But since Glenridding we’ve seen four consecutive ‘dry’ walks. Unheard of!! And what a beautiful day this was. Glorious sunshine throughout but with a gentle breeze that kept the temperature down to one that was manageable. Twenty-four hours later and it would have been a different story!

Keith’s group, after leaving the coach on the A59, headed straight for Embsay reservoir where the group took advantage of the ice cream van. With temperatures in the high 20’s it was a nice chance to cool down a bit. They then headed for the trig point at Cookrise Crag Top, the cross and the obelisk on Cracoe Fell before heading down to Burnsall where it looked like the whole of Yorkshire had congregated. They couldn’t even walk down the road as the cars were backed up both ways. With marshals directing the cars over Burnsall bridge the whole place was mayhem. A quick stop at The Red Lion before walking along the river Wharfe ended a gorgeous day. 16 miles in total, and in glorious sunshine all the way. These are the walking days we all enjoy.

Paul’s group followed a similar route to Clare's, initially following the Dales Way out of Grassington. It was delightful to come across a curlew at close quarters, lapwings and a couple of rabbits. A lovely hot day ended with refreshments back in the busy village of Grassington. 10.8 miles and 1,800 ft of ascent.

Gerry & Mike J’s group got off the coach in Threshfield then followed the road and path through Wood Nook to Height House. They then followed the path across part of Malham and Kilnsey moors.  They stopped for lunch on Kilnsey moor where they were overtaken by Stuart and John who were on their way to the pub in Kilnsey for a lunchtime pint. They found out later that they arrived too early as the pub did not open until 2.00pm!!

After lunch they continued into Conistone following the path up to the Dib. After climbing the Dib they made their way to Kelber gate before taking the path back down into Grassington.

Stu and John left the coach at Rylstone and set off down to Hetton, with Pat and Steph and Lorna setting off behind. Passing through the tiny village of Hetton, took them to the Dales High Way track which climbed up to Moor lane where they left the Dales track to cross Boss Moor, Threshfield Moor and High Moss.

Pressing on towards Green Haw Hill, Gerry and Mike James's party who had begun walking from Threshfield, were sitting enjoying lunch and were a little surprised to see them, as they had set out earlier than they had. However, they’d covered quite a few more miles and had not yet stopped for their lunch!

Saying farewell and dropping down to join the Malham to Kilnsey track, known as Mastiles Lane, Kilnsey itself was soon reached. Here they had eagerly anticipated a couple of lime and sodas at the Tennants Arms. It was 1pm, and you can imagine their disappointment to find that Sunday opening time was 2pm! This remember was early summer bank holiday weekend, and cars, motorcycles and bicycles were all pulling in only to find the pub shut. Seems crazy but they must have had their reasons!

Thankfully, ice creams were available at the nearby Kilnsey Park fishery cafe.

Crossing the valley to Conistone, they ascended the rocky 'Dib' which centuries ago contained a river but now is a closed in dry ravine, and very hot without the benefit of the breeze.

Climbing through a narrow rocky gap brought them to the 'Dales Way' proper, a delightful grassy path which was very easy on the feet.

A short detour north to visit the famous 'Conistone Pie' was made. This little rocky excrescence was the place where a group of the ladies performed Tai Chi Chuan in the film Calendar Girls, which also featured many scenes in and around this lovely Wharfedale area including Kettlewell.

As Stu and John were completely ignorant of Tai Chi, they just admired the view and headed south for Grassington, 3 miles further along the Dales Way.

A total of 14.5 miles and 1,500 feet of ascent.

What can be said of Grassington? A nicer village in which to spend an hour or so in, having a welcome drink or two, would be hard to find.

A great end to a hot early summer day.

Braving a rare and unseasonably hot and sunny day, 13 members joined Clare V for a circular walk taking in Baslow Wood. The only scant relief from the sun for the day was an energetic climb up Conistone Dib to savour the reward of lunch, good views from the limestone pavement above the Dib and a wander among the historical lead mines at Yarnbury, where they nearly lost Ken when he went exploring an incline shaft. Heading back towards Grassington through the beautiful and awesome valley along Hebden Beck, they then had a brief stop for refreshments at Hebden before a slight change to the planned walk. Here they followed the River Wharfe into Grassington as getting 14 people over the 15 stiles between Hebden and Grassington in time for some more well-earned refreshments didn’t look promising. A total of 12.5 miles with 1,750ft of ascent.

Thanks again to the following leaders: Paul C, Keith, Clare V, Gerry & Mike J, Stu and Pat G for their continued hard work in ensuring that everyone enjoyed the walks and, more importantly, got back in one piece.

And also to the never-ending and growing list of photographers who take such beautiful photos of the countryside, namely: Ian, Howie, Claire D, Neil O, Clare V, Pam T, Chris, Jason, Nancy, Mike J, Mike B, Mike K & Stu.

If any other walkers who aren't familiar with the process of forwarding the photos they've taken for inclusion on the Blog, wish to do so, they can send them to me via any of the following: WhatsApp, email, WeTransfer, Google etc, etc. My mobile is 07801 435821 and my email is mike38kirby@hotmail.com.

Click HERE to open the photo album.

Next Walks:

Sunday 7th June 2026 – PLEASE NOTE CHANGED ROUTE – Sedbergh via Ravenstonedale
5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 38 (Tebay), A685, then A683 to Sedbergh. Park in Sedbergh. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 21st June 2026 – Braithwaite

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 40, A66 westbound towards Braithwaite. Park at the Braithwaite end of the minor road that runs on the north side of the A66 from just after Portinscale. Morning coffee stop at Tebay services.

Sunday 5th July 2026 – Betws-y-Coed via Ogwen

5.30 p.m. departure

M57 south, Mersey Gateway Bridge, M56, A55 westbound to junction 11, A5 through Bethesda, Ogwen, Capel Curig and on to Betws-y-Coed. Park in Betws-y-Coed. Return via outbound route. Morning coffee stop at Chester services, M56.


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