Historic Villages near Settle
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- 3 of the most attractive Dales villages
- Traditional limestone scenery and scars
- Historical industrial lime kilns
There are many excellent walks from Settle but my favourite takes in some industrial remains near Stainforth, 2 pretty villages and some lovely limestone scenery so characteristic of the area. I prefer starting at Settle and taking the low level route first. Pass through quaint Langcliffe with its large village green and lovely church before carrying on to Stainforth via some well preserved lime kilns and the railway. Stainforth owes much of its history to nearby Sawley Abbey which retains its character today. Two options are available from the village, the first passes close to Catrigg Force which is well worth a visit whilst the second passes through a lovely woodland glade onto the twin farms at Winskill, if you have not seen the falls choose this way. Whichever route it is a steep 300 foot pull but the views north over Pen y Ghent and Fountain’s Fell are ample compensation. I love this high level section past Victoria Cave and Attermire Scar which ends with lovely views on the descent back to Settle.
Recommend: A detour however to Victoria Cave is popular and worthy if only to daydream on its incredible past. Discovered in 1837 remains have been found of hippos, elephants and hyenas from before the last great ice age (130,000 years ago) whereas brown bears and reindeer remains have been found since.
© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
| OS Map: | O/S 1/25,000. OL2 Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western Section |
| Start Point: | 819636. Park anywhere in Settle but the walk starts from the market place. |
| Terrain: | Good tracks and paths with some minor roads but all well signposted |
| Eating & Drinking: | Settle has many tea shops and pubs. Try and avoid the temptation though of a pint of Thwaites at the Craven Heifer at Stainforth unless you decide to start and finish here! |
| Similar Walks Nearby: | The Settle Loop Norber Erratics above Austwick Lanes above Long Preston |
| Places to Stay: |
