Horton to Settle walk

There are many alternatives in this one way walk from Horton to Settle. A high level route via Pen-y-Ghent or a riverside stroll along the River Ribble give two. There is a third which heads west towards Feizor.

The Walk

Practically any walk from the lovely Settle to Carlisle railway is worthwhile. However from Horton back to Settle there is a choice of two, maybe even three excellent one way walks. Pen y Ghent is relatively straightforward is part of a high level route. However the most popular walk is to follow the Ribble Way all the way down to Settle. The route passes the mills of Ribblesdale, an important part of the history of the Yorkshire Dales.

One thing that I do recommend on the low level walk is not to stick to the route via the river all the way but to take some detours. The small hamlet of Feizor over a lovely stretch of limestone is one such extension. In addition cross the river at Stainforth and climb to Catrigg Force. There is also the lime kilns near Langcliffe which are on the opposite side of the River Ribble on the approach to Settle. It is walking country par excellence and aside form the quarry near Stainforth it is all attractive, varied and very interesting.

Recommend

This walk really should be done twice. One low and one high level.

1. Lower Level (as described on the GPS and the facts section). This heads alongside the River Ribble to Helwith Bridge. Here it advances west, towards the quarry before returning to the river at Little Stainforth. A pleasant detour here takes you over to the hamlet of Feizor and Elaines Tea Rooms! From Little Stainforth pass Stainforth Falls before following the River Ribble along to Settle.
2. High Level Route. From Horton take the descent route via Hull Pot described here on the Climb Pen-y-Ghent route description. Return down the southern ridge of Pen-y-Ghent and the excellent track to Helwith Bridge where you can join the lowland route.

Transport

The trains from Settle to Horton are roughly 2 hours apart. They leave Settle Train station arriving at Horton 10 minutes later.

Navigation Tips on the Horton to Settle walk

The GPX details refer to Horton to Settle low level route which does not take in Feizor. Feizor is best found by continuing up the road for a few hunderd metres and joining a track to your left heading west and then south to Bark Houses. From Feizor you can either take the path the Little Stainforth (and enjoy Stainforth Falls ) or ‘cut the corner’ and head on the path direct to Stackhouses.