Two Dogs and an Awning

Author: Fred

  • Arten Gill and Great Knoutberry Hill from Dent Head

    Arten Gill and Great Knoutberry Hill from Dent Head

    For a couple of years visiting the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar at Great Knoutberry Hill has been in my sights.  I am not sure why it has eluded me for so long, but today I finally plan to add it my list of trigs bagged.  Today I am with my walking buddy Mandy.  We walk a lot together at home in Wiltshire but have not done much in the Dales but a couple of days ago we completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

    The forecast today is a bit bleak with rain and low cloud.  So we head off with a plan for a sixteen mile walk with the option of cutting it short if the conditions are not good.  The starting point for our walk is a parking area besides the Dent Head Viaduct  (Grid Ref: SD777844).

    We set off down the road towards Cowgill and Dent.  We soon pass Bridge End Cottage, continuing down the lane a Red Squirrel runs across the road in front of us.  It is years since I saw a Red Squirrel in England, I have encountered them in Scotland but today’s sighting is a rare treat.  We then pass a milestone indicating we are eleven miles from Sedburgh.

    The lane we are walking along is close to the River Dee, at times we have been high above the river but as we continue towards Stone House Bridge the river is beside the road.

    On reaching Stone House Bridge we turn right, leaving the road to pass cottages, one of which has a notice warning drivers to slow for Red Squirrels.  In the Dentdale and Sedburgh area there is an initiative to encourage Red Squirrels through developing the habitat and feeding whilst at the same time reducing the Grey Squirrel population.

    We are now on Arten Gill Lane and follow this as it goes through a gate and joins an ancient track heading towards the Arten Gill Viaduct.

    As we walk up the lane, even with poor visibility, the viaduct dominates the view.  It is a stunning bit of engineering and is listed as bridge number 84 on the Settle to Carlisle Railway.  Work on its construction started in May 1870 and was completed in July 1875.  The unstable nature of the ground in the gill meant that some of the piers are rooted to a depth of 55 feet into the ground.  

    The viaduct is 660 feet long and 117 feet high and stands 1,100 feet above sea level. Parts of the structure are constructed with Dent Marble which was quarried from the Arten Gill beneath it.  In these parts the Ribblehead Viaduct is the iconic view that tourists seek, if this was more accessible it would be equally popular.

    We continue gradually ascending and the weather continues to close in on us.  I am sure we are missing out on some stunning views of Arten Gill, but our focus is on keeping the driving rain from finding gaps in our waterproofs.

    At a junction of paths we turn left continuing on the Pennine Bridleway as it heads north and then quickly east along Dent Fell.  The now flat route goes through a succession of gates.

    The Pennine Bridleway sweeps towards the north and as we pass Green Bank we take a path on the right which follows a fence line and ascends Pikes Edge on Great Knoutberry Hill.  

    It is bleak walking up this hill, we are exposed to the elements with no cover and even with the recent dry weather the moor is boggy in parts.  Staying with the fence line we reach the trig pillar on Great Knoutberry Hill. This is the 273rd trig I have bagged.

    From the trig we keep with the line of a dry stone wall as it descends from the hill in a south easterly direction.  It is clear from the worn path that there are frequent visitors here and I later read that the views are spectacular, I’ll have to take their word for it as we can hardly see a thing.

    The path leads us downhill  passing the disused Cross Pits Colliery and then we cross a wall stile to join a track where we turn right and follow this to the junction of paths we were at earlier at the top of Arten Gill.  This time we turn left on the Pennine Bridleway and follow this route as it takes us south through Swineley Cowm.  There is no letting up with the weather and we check the map and compass to ensure we are on the right route.  

    Eventually the Pennine Bridleway route leads us to a minor road here we turn right leaving the Pennine Bridleway to head back along the road towards Dent Head Viaduct.

    As we walk along the road we discuss the merits of following our original planned route, which would take us down to Ribblehead Viaduct from a path we soon reach on the left.  We would then walk back across Blea Moor following the route of the Blea Moor Tunnel.  It is a short discussion, we both agree there are significant benefits from continuing along the road and getting out of the rain as soon as possible.  

    The route is easy to follow as the road leads back to Dent Head Viaduct.  Along the way the weather clears sufficiently for us to get a good view of the viaduct.  Construction  started on this viaduct in 1869 and was competed in 1875.  Work was hampered by the constant rain and snow, in 1872 it is said that 92 inches of rain fell on Dent Head instead of the usual 68 inches.  I think we have had a few fall on us today!

    Back at the car we have two wet dogs to dry off and soaking waterproofs to remove.  As we head back towards Settle from our nine mile walk we hear reports on the radio of impending fuel shortages, not good news when both Mandy and I have to tow caravans in the next few days.  Fortunately as we pass through Ingleton I am able to get enough fuel into my almost empty tank to get me to the Peak District next week.

    You can view this 9 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area

    24th September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Beside the Canal from Gargrave to Skipton

    Beside the Canal from Gargrave to Skipton

    A few years ago Lynnie and I walked a section of the Leeds and Liverpool canal from Gargrave to East Marton returning to Gargrave on a section of the Pennine Way.   Today we are going to walk besides the canal in the opposite direction from Gargrave to Skipton.  We have driven besides part of the route but never walked along the towpath.

    The starting point for our walk from Gargrave is a small parking area in Church Lane, besides a recreation ground (Grid Ref: SD933539).  We start by walking into the recreation area and following a path besides the River Aire towards Gargrave Bridge.

    After crossing the  bridge we cross the A65 and pass besides the Dalesman Cafe to join West Street.  This is the route of the Pennine Way as it goes through the village .  We stay with West Street past a car parking area and follow a sign to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

    It is only a short distance to reach the canal where we turn right before crossing Highland Bridge (no.170) and head towards Skipton.

    We soon reach another bridge besides Low Warehouse.

    The towpath leaves Gargrave  passing under another bridge and continuing on by a lock before going under the A65.  We then head out into open countryside to reach Highgate Swing Bridge.

    At 127 miles long the Leeds and Liverpool is the longest canal built as a single waterway.  Work first commenced on its construction in 1770 just north of Liverpool at Halsall.  Whilst at the Yorkshire end work was soon started to create a link between Bingley and Skipton, this section was the first to open in 1773.  It was in 1775 that the section we are now walking on opened when Skipton was linked to Gargrave.

    After a few miles of walking through the countryside we pass under the A59 and then the path soon has a short section between the canal and the A6069.

    We then go under the A629 to reach the outskirts of Skipton.  

    I always find it interesting walking through towns on a canal towpath.  The historic routes form part of people’s day to day travel, be it walking to school, work or to the local shops,  so are just like pavements besides the road, but far more tranquil.

    As we reach the  heart of Skipton the Spring Bank Canal, also known as the Thanet Canal joins the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.  This is a short branch which was built in 1797 for Lord Thanet who lived in Skipton Castle.  He wanted to transport limestone from his quarries behind the castle for transportation to Leeds.  A half mile section was constructed with a loading wharf which was connected to the quarries via a tramway.

    Now in Skipton we decide to have a wander around and leave the canal and cross the Belmont Bridge and then turn left in to Catch Street and continue on to cross the Spring Bank Canal where we turn left through a car park  to reach a statue of the famous Yorkshire and England cricketer Fred Trueman.

    Trueman is recognised as one of the world’s best fast bowlers and his pace and menacing approach led him to be known known as ‘Fiery Fred’ .  He was the first bowler to reach 300 test wickets and in total took 307 wickets in sixty seven tests.   His England career ended in 1965, but he continued to play first class cricket for Yorkshire until 1968.  From 1974 until 1999 he was part of the BBC Radio Test Match Special team and worked alongside the two best ever cricket commentators Brian Johnson and John Arlott.

    This statue by Yorkshire born sculpture Graham Ibbeson was unveiled in 2010 .  We have  seen many statues on our walks, many have been poor representations of the individual, an exception being the excellent Eric Morecambe statue in Morecambe, also by Ibbeson.  This one does a wonderful job of recreating the power and ferocity of Fred.  If I had seen him running in to bowl at me I would have sought refuge behind the square leg umpire!

    We now have a mooch about the town and end up outside of the large Holy Trinity Church at the top end of the High Street.  This church was built in the 1300’s and extended in the 15th century.  After being damaged in the English Civil war repair work was carried out.  It has been struck by lightning twice, in 1853 and 1925, each time repairs were needed.

    Next door to the church is the gatehouse to Skipton Castle.  During the English Civil war this was the last Royalist stronghold in the north of England and was laid siege by Cromwell’s forces for three years before surrender was negotiated in December 1645.  I cannot recall visiting the castle, we haven’t enough time today but will make a point of going inside on a future trip.

    We decide not to spend too long in Skipton as we still need to walk the four and a half miles back to Gargrave.  Instead we make our way back to the canal to start our return trip.  Lynnie’s hopes are raised when she spots an Ice Cream barge close to Belmont Bridge, but sadly for her it is closed.

    As we leave Skipton the towpath is busy with school children returning home, but it is not too long before we have walked through the urban area and are back in the countryside.

    I am not usually keen on retracing our steps when we are out walking, but today it is interesting as it gives a different perspective on the area we are walking through.  

    As we approach Thorlby swing bridge the cattle in the field on the opposite side suddenly take an interest in us and line up to watch us pass.  We are not keen on inquisitive cattle so are grateful for the water between us.

    After passing under the A65 and walking up to pass a lock we stop to look at the derelict farm buildings between the canal and main road at Holme Bridge.  I have driven across Holme  Bridge many times, but not previously spotted these buildings.  Perhaps it’s because I am usually towing the caravan and hoping I don’t meet a lorry on the bridge.

    We stay with the canal until we reach Highland Bridge (No.170).  Before heading back into town we stop on the bridge to view the lock.  In total there are ninety one locks on the main Leeds & Liverpool canal including the famous Five Rise Locks at Bingley.  

    We now head back through Gargrave and cross Gargrave Bridge and continue along until we reach Church Street.  Here we turn left and stop to look at St Andrew’s Church.  This church was built in 1521 and restored in 1852.

    From the church we only have a short distance to our starting point.  It has been an interesting walk covering twelve miles and has had less than 100 feet of ascent.  Just the sort of longer walk Lynnie likes!

    You can view this 12 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area

    23rd September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Through the Trees to Whelp Stone Crag

    Through the Trees to Whelp Stone Crag

    Yesterday I completed another circuit of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. This time it was with my walking buddy Mandy.  It is a while since I did the walk with someone else and we had a good day for it achieving Mandy’s target of completing the walk in less that 10 hours.  Normally on the day after this challenge I seek a quiet day’s walking, however, my legs feel good today so I suggest to Lynnie we head off to nearby Gisburn Forest for a wander about.

    The starting point for our walk is the pay and display School Lane Car Park, at Stocks Reservoir (BB7 4TS).  At the edge of the car park are the remains of the demolished St James’ church built in 1852 and demolished when the reservoir was built in 1932.

    We leave the car park and join a path running parallel to the road heading south east towards a causeway crossing the reservoir.

    On reaching the causeway we stop to look at the current low water level in the reservoir.   Stocks Reservoir opened in 1932 and was created by flooding the Dalehead valley including the hamlet of Stocks-in-Bowland.  It took 10 years to construct and had over 500 men working on it.  These were housed in a temporary village called Hollis which was situated near the dam.  

    The reservoir was formed by damming the River Hodder and covered 344 acres.  The last time we were here the water level was high but today, after a dry spell, it is very low.

    After crossing the causeway we take a path on the right through woodland and cross a stream.

    When the path sweeps to the right to head towards the dam we join a minor road, Hole House Lane and continue along this to St James’ Church.   This church was built when the reservoir was constructed using material from the old church that was demolished.  Apparently the burials in the churchyard were relocated from the old church and placed here.

    We take a look around the church and then continue along the road as it sweeps around the wall of the churchyard.  A few hundred yards further on we turn left on a path into Gisburn Forest.  

    We follow the path to a junction of tracks and then turn right heading towards the main entrance driveway to the Forest Hub.

    On reaching the driveway we turn left towards the Gisburn Forest Hub where there is a car park with cafe and toilets.  Our route passes the car park and continues on past the former Stephen Park Farmhouse.  Stephen Park was the name given to the deer park that was created in the 16th century by the Homerton family.  The farmhouse is said to date from around 1662.

    Gisburn Forest is the largest forest in Lancashire, we have just crossed the border here from North Yorkshire, and it covers around 3,000 acres of land.  Throughout the woodland is a network of forestry tracks now also used as cycle ways and walking routes.  

    At a fork in the track we keep right and follow this route as it sweeps around above Hesbert Hall Syke.  We stay with this track keeping in a north easterly direction until we reach the edge of the forest.  Here at a junction of footpaths we go left, still on a forestry track and head towards a disused quarry at Black Hill.

    Soon after the quarry we fork right and keep on the track to reach a footpath on the edge of Hesbert Hall Heights.  It is noticeable that the mountain bike tracks are well marked but footpath signs are absent.  This path follows the line of a wall as we head north between plantations.

    The path leads to an area of rough pasture on Holden Moor with Whelp Stone Crag in front of us.  

    We stay close to the wall and pick a route through the marshy moor land and then make the short stiff ascent to reach the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar on Whelp Stone Crag.  This is the 272nd I have bagged.

    There is a stiff breeze on the summit so after taking in the views we make our way back down the hill and walk back across the moor to join a footpath on the right which leads into the trees through Bottom Heights.  This is another path which is not clearly marked, but we wind our way through the trees initially heading west and then south west.

    At a junction of paths we go right and head downhill to cross a forestry track and then fork right to pass what appears be a disused farmhouse at Hindley Head.

    We follow way-markers around the farmhouse, walking besides a wall, and then on the edge of a plantation turn right and follow the path downhill along the edge of the trees with expansive views to our right.

    On reaching a track we turn right and follow this as it swings around to cross Bottoms Beck.   At a T junction of tracks we turn left and then after a couple of hundred yards take a footpath on the right which heads steadily uphill through the trees heading east towards a parking area.

    At the parking area we join the road and turn left heading down School Lane towards our starting point.

    The lane leads us back to the car park just as the light is beginning to fade.  The problem with walking in late September is the evenings suddenly start drawing in.  Our walk has covered eight and a half miles.  I am not a fan of walking in coniferous woodland, but it was compensated by bagging a cracking trig at Whelp Stone Crag.

    You can view this 8.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL41 – Forest of Bowland & Ribbledale

    22nd September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Fountains Fell and Darnbrook Fell

    Fountains Fell and Darnbrook Fell

    After yesterday’s walk from the caravan site we are venturing a bit further afield today to walk close to Malham Tarn.  Despite coming to the Dales for most of my life it is an area I have rarely walked.  A few years ago Lynnie and I did a circuit of the Tarn with the dogs but apart from that we have not explored this area.

    Our starting point for today’s walk is a car park in a disused quarry (Grid Reference SD883672).  Leaving the parking area we turn right down the road and then very soon take a turning on the left.  The footpath goes through a gate and continues along a wall-lined track.

    We stay with this track until the end where we turn right and soon pass some cottages and then reach a footpath on the left which is the route of the Pennine Way.  We take this path as it enters fields heading north away from the Tarn.  Being part of the National Trail this path is obviously well used and is easy to follow as we continue through pasture land. 

    It is a corking day, there is a bit of a chill to the wind but the sky is clear with only the odd wispy cloud.  Perfect conditions for walking.  

    I have often considered walking the Pennine Way, if I had a “bucket list” it would definitely be on it.  But so far managing to organise the time is difficult, but now in my early sixties I probably need to get it done before the challenge is too much for me.  Perhaps when things become a bit more settled with the Covid pandemic I will arrange it.

    We stay with the Pennine Way markers heading towards Tennant Gill.  This keeps us close to a dry stone wall and then through a field of cattle who are not interested in us or the dog.  We assume they must see a lot of walkers and as long as they are left alone are not bothered by dogs.  

    We cross a tall wall stile and then continue on to reach a minor road where we turn right and continue along for a short distance to reach the entrance driveway to Tennant Gill.  We are still on the route of the Pennine Way which goes through a gate besides a cattle grid and continues towards Tennant Gill.  The route turns left just before reaching farm buildings and skirts the farm it then heads onto Middle Fell where we keep with the Pennine Way and start to ascend through rough pasture.

    It is time for lunch so we sit on an area of limestone outcrop and admire the view.  It is a constant discussion on our walks as to when I will find somewhere with a decent view for our lunch stop.  I keep trying but one day I am bound to succeed!

    Refreshed we resume our walk along the route of the Pennine Way.  It is a steady slog uphill as we head across Fountains Fell.  A couple of years ago Lynnie and I were walking down from Pen-y-Ghent when we met two young chaps walking the Pennine Way.  One of them had clearly had enough.  At the time I wondered why the section between Malham and Horton-in-Ribblesdale would break someone.  I can see now that if you were feeling low walking up this fell with Peny-Ghent rising before you and standing between a beer and bed you might be tempted to throw in the towel.

    We continue along the Pennine Way and reach a notice warning us of mine shafts. This is a remote spot and mining up here must have been hard work.  According to the informative Northern Mine Research Society, the seam of coal here was 30 inches thick and a survey identified more that 192 shafts. The depth of these shafts varied but some seams were as deep as 50 metres.  We will be cautious and keep to well walked paths!

    We continue up the footpath towards the top of the ridge and look towards Pen-y-ghent.  For those folk walking the Pennine Way this point marks about eighty-five miles from the start at Edale and the ascent of Peny-ghent would look daunting for tired legs.

    To get a view of Peny-ghent we have walked past the path we need, so wander back and turn onto the path going in a north easterly direction below the ridge heading towards Darnbrook Fell.  To our left is the large cairn on the ridge of Fountains Fell.

    Following the path we reach a wall and turn right and walk besides the wall until a gateway.  Here we cross and continue across the fell with a wall on our right.  

    This is a remote fell and fortunately the recent dry spell means that the ground is firm under foot.  We pass through slightly boggy sections which I would not feel comfortable about in the depths of winter.  

    We continue walking besides the wall as it initially goes downhill and then rises onto Darnbrook Fell.  At a junction with another wall we turn right and follow this wall and then fence line heading east.  We reach a point where it is clear that others frequently cross the fence and go over and continue across the peat exposed summit of Darnbrook Fell to reach the Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  This is the 271st trig I have bagged.

    It is scary how much the area around the trig pillar has been eroded.  I have come across a couple of examples of this whilst trig bagging, but cannot recall another where it is so dramatic.

    From the trig we return to the point where we crossed the fence and go over and then continue to follow the fence line that rejoins a wall.

    The wall line turns to the right with stunning view.  On our left is Littondale, it is years since we last walked in that attractive dale.  I must plan another walk there soon.

    When the wall turns to the left we head across the fell on a faint path heading towards a dry stone wall and then follow the wall line to reach a gate which we go through and continue descending the fell with the wall to our left.  At the wall junction we turn right and head south with cracking views in front of us.

    We are now walking besides a brook as it heads downhill to Darnbrook Beck.  The fell we are on is open access land and it is not clear how we exit it.  There is a farm gate on our left, but no footpath.  My prior research had shown that many people walk off the fell at this point, I am always reluctant to walk on land without a footpath but there appears to be no other option so we enter the field and cross above a farm.  

    As we go we are greeted with a cheery wave from someone at the farm so it is obvious they have no issue with walkers going through their field.  We leave the field via a gate and then turn right to follow the road as it passes the farm at Darnbrook House.  My original intention was to take a footpath on the left to head up unto the fell.  However this would extend our walk significantly and Lynnie is in a bit of pain caused by walking across the uneven ground on the fell.  Instead we follow the road back towards Tennant Gill.  After walking on the exposed fell it is pleasant walking along this lane.

    We cross Thoragill Beck and then soon go through a gate besides a cattle grid.  This is a single track lane with passing places, the remote location means there is very little traffic.  After going besides another cattle grid we continue on to pass a cracking barn.

    After passing the entrance to Tennant Gill we have the option of retracing our route across fields, but this would mean crossing a wall stile and Lynnie thinks walking on the lane is better for her leg so we carry on.  After going through a gate besides a cattle grid the lane goes through a field and then on our right is the disused quarry workings on Chapel Fell.

    From here it is just a short walk to reach our starting point.  We have covered eleven miles on a cracking day and have had some outstanding views.  

    You can view this 11 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area

    20th September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • A Four Mile Walk from Brigholme Farm CL

    A Four Mile Walk from Brigholme Farm CL

    Whilst away travelling most of my walks cover upwards of eight miles but occasionally we have a day where we do a shorter walk.  After a few days of lengthy walks Crosby is happy to have a day where he does not venture too far.  We have a relaxing morning around the caravan and then after lunch decide to head off from the site. 

    We leave Brigholme Farm and turn right and within a couple of hundred yards take the footpath on the right joining the Ribble Way as it crosses a field to head towards the River Ribble.  The route now follows close to the river, passing behind barns on Brigholme Farm to enter another field. 

    The path hugs the river as it goes through a gate into a spinney and then turns to run parallel to the A65.  

    Approaching a road bridge over the river we turn right over a ladder stile to climb the embankment and then cross the river on the pavement besides the A65. On the far side of the bridge we take a footpath on the left leading down the embankment and once again join the river.  We turn right and follow a farm track as it sweeps away from the river heading towards Runley Mill.

    On reaching the B6480 we stop to look at the Milestone beside the wall with Turnpike Cottage on the opposite side of the road.  

    We cross and continue on the track opposite, Lodge Road, this crosses the railway line giving views across the fields to Settle.

    At a junction of footpaths besides a barn we turn left into Brockhole Lane, or Watery Lane as it is known locally, and head back towards Settle.  

    Our route is now very straightforward, we stick with the lane until we reach the outskirts of Settle,  here we have two options, we can either turn left and take the shortest route back to Brigholme Farm or we can turn right and wander into Settle.  We opt for the latter and head through Upper Settle to reach the market square. After a mooch around looking in shop windows we head back to Brigholme Farm CL.  

    Our short Sunday afternoon wander has covered a pleasant four miles.

    You can view this 4 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area

    19th September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Ice Cream and Potholes in Kingsdale

    Ice Cream and Potholes in Kingsdale

    My quest to find new walks for Lynnie and I to undertake sees us back in Ingleton today.  I have planned a route which will enable me to bag a new trig and also take us to a few spots we have not visited for many years.  We start from the car park in Ingleton located by Ingleton Community Centre and Library and also home to the Tourist Information Centre.  

    We leave the car park to walk into Ingleton and after passing under a disused railway bridge fork left on a road heading downhill following a signpost to the Waterfalls Walk.  We soon reach a junction and turn left to pass the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and then cross a bridge over the River Doe.

    After crossing the bridge we turn right beside the Bridge End Guest House into Oddies Lane.  This lane heads north out of the village and soon starts to ascend, initially gradually but soon it is a bit of a calf burner. As we near the top we get a view of the disused quarry at Meal Bank. This quarry has not been used since 1909, but in 1868 the then owners constructed a Hoffman Kiln which over the years was developed to have eighteen entrances and is seventy metres long.  

    I have previously visited the Hoffman Kiln at Langcliffe but must visit the quarry to view this one.  It is now scheduled as an ancient monument.  Apparently the site has been transferred by the Council to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

    A bit further along the lane we spot Ingleborough peaking over the hill in the distance.

    We now stay with the wall-lined lane as it heads north towards Twisleton Scar End.

    As the road reaches the driveway to Twisleton Hall we stay with Oddies Lane and continue until we reach a footpath on our left opposite the entrance to Falls Park at Beezleys.  To our right is the vast Ingleton Quarry.  This quarry is operated by Hanson and produces 350,000 tonnes a year of gritstone aggregate for road surfacing. 

    The company blurb talks of the geological interest of the site and how they will restore it when the workings are completed.  Apparently the void will become a deep water pool and the upper benches will be planted with trees and shrubs. I am a man of simple brain, but I can’t see how this counts as restoration, which I always understood to mean ‘restoring something to its original state’.

    We take the footpath on the left and follow the way-markers towards Twisleton Hall.  We meet a number of people as we go along and then realise that this public footpath links the two sections of the private Ingleton Falls walk.  After passing the buildings at Twisleton Hall we go through a gate and continue along a track underneath Twisleton Scar End.  

    At a fork in the track we keep left to stay on the track besides the wall. Then to my surprise we spot an Ice Cream van in front of us.  When Lynnie is flagging on a walk I frequently tell her there is an ice cream van around the corner, but of course there never is.  She is not going to let this opportunity pass.

    After going through another gate we continue along a walled track and pass the entrance to Thornton Force and Pecca Falls on the private Ingleton Falls walk.  Many years ago when the children were young we started the Falls walk on a busy day in the school holidays.  The signs stating there were steep drops and risk of fatalities if you ventured from the narrow path coupled with my vertigo were enough to turn me back.  It appears that accidents are now rare but I am not tempted to revisit.

    Continuing along the track we reach a footbridge over the River Twiss.

    After crossing the river the track leads to a minor road where we turn right onto Thornton Lane.  Our route now follows this lane for two miles through Kingsdale.  It is a fine day and as we head along below Keld Head Scar and then Green Laids Scar on our left, away to our right are fine views of Whernside.

    After just over two miles on Thornton Lane we reach a gate on the left leading to Yordas Wood and Yordas Cave.  The rocks beneath the cave are a perfect spot to stop for lunch and admire the view.

    Refreshed from our lunch we take a slight detour to wander up and look at the entrance to Yordas Cave.  This old show cave is now a popular spot with cavers and potholers.  I am not keen on caves and do not want to venture in with Crosby as we can hear voices echoing through the chambers.  Apparently as far back as the 1750’s folk would visit the cave and it became a show cave in the 1800’s.

    Our route takes us back down towards the gate and then on a path to the left of Yordas Wood.  This rises steeply towards Bullpot Bank.  After crossing a wall on a ladder stile we turn left on a path running besides the wall.  Stopping to look north up the valley the remote nature of this spot strikes us.

    I had planned to seek a route from here to ascend the escarpment to our right to bag Gragareth trig point, however, Lynnie makes it clear that despite having an unexpected ice cream she has no intention of tackling the steep ascent.  I am content with this as it will be one I can pick up on another day.

    Instead we head in a south westerly direction  along a clear path leading through a succession of fields.  The map is littered with references of shake holes, caves and pot holes.  Experience has taught us that pot holes in this part of the country rarely have any fencing and sometimes can be deep.  However I am still surprised when the path takes us right by the top of Jingling Pot.  This is the entrance to a 148 feet sheer drop.  

    Continuing along the path we pass through a gate and then reach the Rowten Pot, another huge pot hole, one of a number of entrances to a 17-mile long cave system in Kingsdale.  The thought of being underground in caves for 17 miles is beyond my comprehension.  I view the entrance from a distance!

    Staying with the track we continue heading south on what is marked on the map as Turbary Road.  Apparently the word Turbary means the ancient right to cut turf or peat for fuel.  Apparently this was the route the commoners used to access the moor to gain their fuel.

    We take a slight detour from the path to look at the fenced entrance to the Kail Pot. 

    After another gate we continue along the Turbary Road with a drystone wall to our right.

    Just after the end of the wall we turn left to leave the track and follow a path heading south across the access land heading over North End Scar.  The path sweeps to the right to descend into the scar.

    We stay with a grassy track turning south and heading towards Tow Scar and then soon leave the path to head up towards the Ordnance Survey Trig Point on the right.  This is the 270th trig I have bagged.

    From the trig point we head south east steadily descending to rejoin the grassy track close to a stone wall.  In front of us is a cracking view across the Dale towards Ingleborough.

    We stay with the track to continue descending across rough pasture land to reach a gate where we rejoin the Thornton Road and continue steadily downhill.  At a junction with a lane we stop to look at a toposcope.  At various times on our walk today we have had glimpses of Heysham Power Station and Morecambe Bay and speculated how far away they were.  The toposcope provides the answer with Heysham being 20.5 miles and Morecambe 15 miles away. 

    We continue on Thornton Lane heading towards Thornton in Lonsdale, we plan to wander into the village so ignore a footpath on the left close to Thornton Hall which would be a more direct route back to Ingleton.  We have two reasons to visit the village the first is to see if the Marton Arms is still operating, we used to visit the pub many years ago with our friend Julie.  We have happy memories of being there so are pleased to see it is still open.  I am tempted to have a sharpner, but we are going out in Settle this evening and Lynnie suggests I wait for a pint.

    The second reason for going to the village is to have a peak at the church and see if we can spot an Ordnance Survey benchmark.  We are not disappointed, the one on St Oswald’s church is unusual and despite having seen over 500 of these I can’t recall seeing another like it.

    St Oswald’s Church tower dates from the 15th century with most of the church being rebuilt between 1868 -70.  Apparently a fire gutted the church in 1933 and it was rebuilt again in 1934-35.  The website for the church reports that the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was married in St Oswald’s, but it neglects to mention to whom he was betrothed!

    We continue through the village heading towards Ingleton and reach a bridge over a disused railway line.  This was the Ingleton Branch of the North Western Railway and connected Ingleton to what is now called the West Coast Mainline, close to Tebay.  Passenger services on the line ceased in 1954 and the line finally closed in 1967.  Of interest to me is another unusual OS benchmark.

    After crossing the bridge we fork left on the road and pass the entrance to Meadow Falls Campsite and continue along the road to another junction.  Here we keep straight ahead and continue downhill to arrive in Ingleton at the railway viaduct.  

    This was built between 1848 and 1860 and is an impressive structure. However, it was fraught with controversy, initially North Western Railway (NWR) was given permission to build the route.  However, they fell into financial difficulty and the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway (L&CR) agreed to build the viaduct and branch line.  By the time the viaduct was completed NWR was owned by Midland Railway and L&CR was owned by rivals London and North Western Railway. The two companies were such committed rivals that they would not share a station so another was built on the other side of the viaduct.  This sounds okay, but passengers wanting to make a through trip were not able to cross the viaduct, they had to disembark and haul their luggage the one and a half miles.  It was not until 1923, when the two rival lines merged, that the first passengers were able to make the through journey.

    We continue on the road to pass the entrance to the Ingleton Falls walk and then cross the River Twiss and River Doe to retrace our steps back to our starting point.  It has been a cracking day for a walk and we have covered eleven miles with Lynnie having the added bonus of an unexpected ice cream along the way.

    You can view this 11 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area

    17th September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Reaching 2,021 “Boots On” Miles

    Reaching 2,021 “Boots On” Miles

    Lynnie has suggested that today I should take it easier having completed the clockwise route of the Three Peaks yesterday.   I am broadly in agreement, but have in mind that I am nearing reaching 2,021 “boots on” miles in 2021 and want to make sure I achieve the target somewhere memorable.

    One of Lynnie’s favourite spots in this area is Winskill Stones, it is a place we visit on every journey.  The last time we went there we did a short circuit from Langclffe because Dexter was getting too old to walk far.  Today we are going to walk from the caravan.  Leaving Brigholme Farm CL we turn right and head into Settle and leave the centre of town via Constitution Hill and then continue along the tarmac narrow lane towards Langcliffe.

    At the end of the lane we turn right and follow the pavement besides the B6479 for a short distance to reach Main Street where we turn right and wander into Langcliffe.

    We have visited Langcliffe many times but I do not recall wandering around the green so we head across to the former Wesleyan Chapel.  This was built in 1903 as an extension to the next door Sunday school which was built in 1852.  The chapel and school building were converted into a private house in 2001.  

    We continue around the green to pass the entrance to the church and then cross the road and go through a car park besides the former school and join Pike Lane and then continue along a walled track lane.  The fields on either side of the track are a stunning patchwork of dry stone walls.

    The path continues heading north towards the former Langcliffe Quarry.  Reaching a gate we meet another walker, she is unsure of the route she needs to reach Stainforth.  I explain the two options and she chooses to walk with us for a while until she reaches the path down to Stainforth.  

    Through the gate we enter a field of pasture and follow the path as it runs close to the wall and then starts to climb besides the quarry. It is a short steep ascent to reach pasture land.  In the Spring this is an abundance of wild flowers.  After going through a wall gate we turn right on the track and head up to Upper Winskill passing through a gate besides a cattle grid.  Now we continue on the path with a wall on our left.  There are cracking views of Peny-Ghent from here.

    At this point we bid farewell to our fellow walker.  We turn right heading across the access land towards Winskill Stones.  The limestone pavement around here is stunning, but sadly there is not as much as there once was.  For some reason, probably greed, it was thought a good idea to dig up the limestone for people’s rockeries.  The gardener Geoff Hamilton campaigned against this and after his death in 1996 the charity Plantlife was able to buy and safeguard the area for future generations.

    After looking at a section of limestone pavement we join a farm driveway and follow this to reach a minor road. 

    We turn right soon passing a cattle grid and within a hundred yards take a grassy track on the left leading across access land to a gate in the wall.   We continue heading south across the access land on a grassy track to reach a stony track.  

    Here we turn left and go up to a gate then almost immediately turn right through a kissing gate and follow the path besides a drystone wall.  To our left is Brent Scar and as we reach the path leading up to Victoria Cave I reach the point where I have walked 2,021 “boots on” miles in 2021.

    This is the earliest I have reached my walking target, last year I achieved the target on 16th October and the two previous year it was in November.  Lynnie suggests I ease up on the walking now with no need to keep notching up miles. It is an interesting idea but I want to walk further this year than last when I clocked up 2,542 miles.

    We continue besides the drystone wall to another kissing gate. The path now goes across a field below Attermire Scar to a gate in the wall.

    Through the gate we continue downhill through limestone outcrops and then turn right to follow the route of the Dales High Way heading west. There are cattle spread about in these fields and we are very conscious of avoiding getting between any cow and her calf.  We are now below the impressive scar of Warrendale Knotts.

    After going through a gate we start to descend steeply.  The views are stunning.  It is so clear we can see for miles with Ingleborough standing out in the distance.

    We keep heading downhill on the steep grassy path and then veer to the left to pick up a walled track heading back towards Settle.

    We arrive back in Settle at the Market Square and then head back to Brigholme Farm CL.  It has been a cracking walk on a stunning day.  Since losing Dexter we have revisited many places we had taken him but being at Winskill Stones without him was particularly sad.

    As it is a milestone day reaching 2,021 miles we decide to pop along the road to the Craven Arms and enjoy a couple of pints of excellent ale from the Bowland Brewery.

    You can view this 7 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area

    16th September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Clockwise Around The Three Peaks

    Clockwise Around The Three Peaks

    I have walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks on four occasions.  Each time I have taken the traditional anti-clockwise route .  The first three trips started at Horton-in-Ribblesdale going up Pen-y-ghent first followed by Whernside and finally Ingleborough.  It was walking this route in 2018, a couple of weeks before my sixtieth birthday, that I clocked my personal best time of seven hours and forty four minutes.  I will never try and better that time so have since taken a more leisurely approach to the walk.

    The last time I took on the Three Peaks I started in a lay-by just up from the Old Hill Inn.  That day I stuck with the anti-clockwise route, tackling Ingleborough first and then Pen-y-ghent before finishing with Whernside.  I found it enjoyable because I was behind those who started at Horton and had the walk almost to myself.  I plan to walk that route again next week with my walking buddy.  It will be her first time around the Peaks.

    In 2016, my first time doing the walk, I met a chap part way round and we walked together for the best part of an hour.  He had done the walk a number of times and mentioned how enjoyable it was to do in a clockwise direction.  The conversation has stuck with me so today I am going to see what it is like.

    I park at the  small parking area just north of the Old Hill Inn on the Ingleton to Ribblehead road.  Ingleborough looks almost clear as I set off and it appears I am in for a cracking day.

    Leaving the car I have a short section on the road heading south and soon pass the Old Hill Inn.   I don’t plan to describe the route in detail because it is well way-marked.  I leave the road and follow the tarmac Philpin Lane soon passing the farm with its barns and campsite.  This section of the walk is one of the easiest and I strike out at a reasonable pace to warm my legs up in anticipation of the steep ascent of Whernside that is coming soon.

    Heading towards Bruntscar there is a cracking view of the Ribblehead Viaduct. I am not sure I have ever looked at it from here.  Usually when I am walking along this lane I am focused on the ascent of Ingleborough or looking at my watch to check the time I will record for the Three Peaks.

    After passing Bruntscar the first ascent of the day starts.  I have walked this route up Whernside many times, but always as a circular walk from Ribblehead when only going up this one peak.  

    Initially this is a gradual ascent interspersed with flagstone steps.  It then becomes ferocious, but has been made easier in recent years by the addition of new rocks replacing the old steps which were narrow and sloping the wrong way.  It is warm as I go up and I am soon shedding a layer.  As I reach the top of the scar I meet a couple walking the anti-clockwise route from Ribblehead.

    I still have some ascending to do to reach the summit of Whernside, the conditions are perfect for walking and the visibility is far better than I have ever encountered before on this peak.  Down to my right the Settle to Carlisle Railway looks stunning.

    Soon I am on top of Whernside and stop at the trig pillar.  This is looking a bit worse for wear with the spider at the top exposed.  I hope this is because of the adverse weather it faces for most of the year rather than folk wanting to take a souvenir home with them.

    Leaving the trig I start to pass walkers who are heading in the opposite direction and soon realise that I am destined to spend most of the day saying hello to folk.  I always find it amazing how people might walk by you in the street without any acknowledgement, but once out on a walk everyone wants to say “Hi”.  I find it refreshing and only wish they were friendlier in normal day to day life.

    The views are truly stunning.  I have often seen Morecambe Bay and the Lake District from Ingleborough, but never from Whernside before.  I am pleased I am not out to set a good time, but can just enjoy the day’s walking.  Heading down there is a great view of the tarn on Greensett Moss.

    Walking in this direction it is a long steady descent down Whernside.  I have been walking this peak for over thirty years and in that time the path has been improved significantly.  There was a time when even during a dry spell of weather a boggy section would be encountered.  Now it is almost guaranteed to be firm underfoot all year round.

    Going down Slack Hill there is a steady stream of people passing me. Not all looking in great shape, I can only assume they had a very early start from Horton-in-Ribblesdale and are now feeling the pressure.  One of my favourite architectural features on this walk is the aqueduct carrying the water flowing from Force Gill across the Settle to Carlisle Railway.  

    The path starts to level and I am soon passing Bleamoor signal box then soon after the Ribblehead Viaduct comes into view.  

    As usual close to the viaduct there are a lot of people about.  I just hope a few of them take time to think about the lives of the workers that built this impressive structure.  It would have been extremely bleak during the winters and in the shanty towns where the 2,300 workers and their families lived, they were rife with disease. In the construction of the viaduct over 100 men lost their lives, but a similar number of women and children died of smallpox and other diseases.

    The next section is beside the road before turning off and passing Ingman Lodge and continuing on to cross the River Ribble which is very low after the recent dry spell.

    This is such a well-marked route that in good weather conditions like today you do not need to be constantly looking at a map.  After passing Nether Lodge I head on towards Birkwith.

    After the earlier sections where I was frequently passing people walking in the opposite direction I have a few quiet miles.  The Three Peaks Path joins the Pennine Way for a while and I get a good view of Pen-y-ghent.  I always thing this mountain looks more challenging than it actually is.

    The Three Peaks path leaves the Pennine Way and heads over Sell Gill Hill and Whitber Hill before starting the long steady ascent of Pen-y-ghent.  I have walked up this path many times and it is a long steady slog.  I soon catch up with a group of junior school children who are out on an adventure walking to the summit and back from Horton-in-Ribblesdale.  It is great to see these young people being introduced to the pleasures of being out walking. Although some of the stragglers don’t look as if it is something they are enjoying.

    I am soon at the trig point on the summit and pause to take the obligatory picture of the trig before starting my descent.

    I have been down the steep side of Pen-y-ghent on a few occasions.  Today there is a steady stream of people coming up and one or two are in danger of becoming rock fast.  I am not keen on heights but the section here does not worry me but I can understand why if someone is approaching it for the first time they might get concerned.  The initial steep descent is not a place to hurry, the rocks are worn smooth and it is not a good place to take a tumble so with so many people coming up I proceed with caution.

    At the foot of the steep descent I turn to the right to follow the flagstone path downhill.  Over recent years this path has improved significantly and it makes the going much easier.  

    Going around Brackenbottom Scar I see posts have been erected to try and keep folk on the main route, gradually over time the volume of foot traffic here has spread the path.  Hopefully people will respect the notices and prevent further erosion.

    After the long drag up Pen-y-ghent it is pleasant heading downhill into the village where I cross the River Ribble again.

    After crossing the Settle to Carlisle railway line at Horton Station I start my final ascent of the day.  There are a steady stream of people heading downhill, many of whom I recognise from passing earlier.  As I head towards Sulber Nick it is clear that significant work has been done to this section of the route since I was last here.  What was once a boggy difficult area has now been laid as a clear path.  

    Heading up Ingleborough I come to the conclusion that walking the peaks in this direction is harder than doing it anti-clockwise.  I had thought the long steady ascents of Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough would make things easier, but the opposite is true.  Added to which I am expending further energy acknowledging everyone passing in the opposite direction.

    Near the summit of Ingleborough I pass a group of guys I met earlier as I was descending Whernside. One chap is particularly pleased to see me because he has had a bet with his fellow walkers that I was doing the Three Peaks the “wrong way”. He is confident that he is going to be drinking free beer when they reach the pub!

    Even though I was on Ingleborough yesterday I still walk over to the trig point.  Failure to do so would mean that I would not be able to count today’s walk as a successful circuit of the peaks.

    I make my way off the summit and due to the volume of walkers coming up Ingleborough decide it is safer not to try to pass them on the steep path.  Instead I follow the path along the top of the escarpment towards Simon Fell.

    At a junction of paths I turn left and make the steep descent towards Humphrey Bottom.  I have come up this path many times and over recent years it has obviously been used a lot more. What was once a faint route is now well-worn and in parts eroded away.

    At the foot of the hill I turn right and follow the path past the Great Douk pothole.  From there it is only a short walk back to my starting point.  The 25 mile route has taken me 9 hours and 9 minutes, which is almost an hour and a half slower than my quickest time on this challenge.  However, today was never about trying to record a spectacular time, it was more about being out for the pure pleasure of being able to undertake this walk again.

    You can view this 25  mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map 2  – Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Area

    15th September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Returning to Ingleborough

    Returning to Ingleborough

    Somethings are a given when we stay at Brigholme Farm CL, top of the list is that during the stay I will walk up Ingleborough.  Usually I manage it at least twice during our stay and I will definitely be there tomorrow when I take on the Three Peaks again.  Lynnie does not share my enthusiasm for this mountain.  She has walked it plenty of times and is usually reluctant to ascend it again. So imagine my surprise when she suggests we both walk to the top!

    The route we are taking is via Ingleton, this is a walk we did back in 2018 with both dogs.  Sadly Dexter passed away in the Spring so it is just us and Crosby heading up today.  It is a route we stupidly attempted when the children were small.  Lolly was in a buggy at the time and we did not get far! 

    Today we start from the car park in Ingleton; this is the location of the Community Centre and Library and is also home to the Tourist Information Centre.  We leave the car park to walk into Ingleton and then follow the road towards Hawes.

    On reaching Storrs Common we fork right to follow a track continuing uphill across the common.  At a fine old gate post with an Ordnance Survey benchmark we continue along the now walled track.

    We follow the track uphill to join the wall-lined track, Fell Lane. This is an easy route to follow and pleasant walking on a fine day.  I still find it hard to imagine why I thought it was a good idea to try and push Lolli up here in a buggy.

    We go through a gate and the track continues ahead towards the remote farmhouse at Crina Bottom.  

    As we near the farmhouse the track forks to the right away from the farm driveway. The path is still well defined as we pass the stunning White Scars where we find a spot to stop for lunch.

    The other side of this scar is the entrance to the White Scar caves.  These are said to be the longest show caves in England and contain the Battlefield Chamber which is 90 metres long.  The caves were first discovered in 1923 by two amateur geologists. Christopher Long and J.H Churchill first spotted a small entrance which led to a waterfall.  At that time they were not able to progress further, but over the years further discoveries were made.  We visited the caves when our children were small.  I am not keen on the claustrophobic feel of caves so will not be venturing in again.

    Refreshed from our lunch we continue up the path towards the summit of Ingleborough. The ascent is now steep and I am grateful for the hill walking I have done over the summer to prepare for a fortnight in the Dales.  Lynnie is finding it hard going and is regretting suggesting we walk up here.

    We arrive on the plateau at the top and walk over to the trig point for the obligatory photo.  This is the trig I have visited most on my walks but I still take a picture every time I get here.   Lynnie suggests I take her photo with Crosby because she has no intention of walking up this hill again.  I am not sure if she means on this trip or ever again. 

    Whilst at the trig we are joined by a couple undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge, the chap is overjoyed at getting to the summit of the final peak.  He explains that on his first attempt to complete the walk, on a hot day last year, he had to bail out after descending Whernside because he was badly dehydrated.  A good reminder to ensure that I put an extra water bottle in tomorrow before I head off on my clockwise route around the peaks.

    Our route off the summit is the path leading over Little Ingleborough.  I know this route across the plateau well but decide it would be good to take a compass bearing from the trig to our descent route.  Since doing a navigation course a couple of years ago I have made a habit of using a map and a compass to ensure I retain the skills for when I really need them.  We leave the plateau by a cairn and start the clear descent across Little Ingleborough.

    At the cairn on the summit of Little Ingleborough we leave the main track and take a footpath on the right.  This is a lot clearer than the last time we walked it in 2018 and is easy to follow as it descends across Newby Moss.  

    Approaching Newby Cote I take a peek over the wall at the lime kiln.  A few years ago I purchased an excellent book by Dr David Johnson on Lime Kilns in the Yorkshire Dales.  It has provided a fascinating insight into the importance of these kilns on the agricultural development of the Dales. I now keep an eye out for these old structures as I walk around.

    Following a farm track we reach a particularly high ladder stile besides a gate.  The gate is locked and it is a real challenge getting Crosby over the stile without injuring him, or me!  I understand wanting to keep the field secure, but do not believe it needs to be so challenging to access.  We continue on a farm track to reach a minor road where we turn right beside some farm barns .

    We head along the minor road (Old Road) towards Ingleton.  This is a very quiet road and pleasant walking, it passes a collection of small farms and cottages.  At each farm I keep an eye out for any sign of an Ordnance Survey benchmark.  Details of all the logged benchmarks can be found on the ordnance Survey website, but I prefer to go “wild” and look for them as we go along.  There are over 500,000 dotted around Britain so one is never too far away.

    Entering Ingleton we turn left downhill to walk through the village back towards the car park.  Our walk has covered close to ten miles.  I think it has been a cracker and Lynnie is relieved to tick off Ingleborough safe in the knowledge she won’t be walking up there again soon.

    You can view this 10  mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map 2  – Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Area

    14th September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Hunter Bark and Mearbeck

    Hunter Bark and Mearbeck

    On our last trip to Giggleswick I did a walk that took me to nearby Long Preston and on the way I bagged a trig point at Hunter Bark.  Before setting off on this trip Lynnie requested, even though we have not been here for almost two years, we did some new walks whilst staying at Brigholme Farm.  So I have planned a route taking in a couple of familiar spots but also walking paths we have not previously covered.

    We leave Brigholme Farm by turning right and heading into Settle.  On reaching the market square we leave the town via Constitution Hill and follow the road until it reaches the wide footpath that continues steeply upwards between two dry stone walls. 

    Through the gate at the top of the track we soon veer right to continue even more steeply uphill. As we climb we stop to admire the views back behind us. To the left is Settle and Giggleswick and to the right in the foreground is Langcliffe High Mill.

    We are now on the route of the Dales High Way and follow the well-worn grass path to reach a gate.  We go through and continue along the path with the impressive looking Warrendale Knotts on our left.

    The scenery here is stunning and it gets even better as we go over the brow of a hill and head towards Attermire Scar.

    On reaching a junction of footpaths we go right and head uphill to skirt the side of Sugar Loaf  Hill and then as we head towards a gate stop to look at an Old Lime Kiln.  These kilns are part of agricultural history, the lime was burnt and then spread on the fields as a fertiliser.   If you look carefully you can frequently spot these features on farmland around the Dales.

    We reach a ladder stile and cross to join Stockdale Lane and continue along this track to reach High Hill Lane where we turn right and then very soon left into Lambert Lane.  This is a cracking walled track which soon passes Preston’s Barn.

    We are now on the route of the Pennine Bridleway and we stay with this by turning left at a junction of Lambert Lane and Mitchell Lane.  This broad track leads us past Black’s Plantation, we stay left at a fork in the track to stay on the Pennine Bridleway heading south.  As the track reaches the access land of Hunter Bark we detour right to follow a path which leads uphill around the disused quarries.  There are cracking views from the top of the hill.

    We follow the path as it descends to rejoin the track and continue past a fenced section of access land to reach a newly installed kissing gate with a footpath signposted to Mearbeck.

    The footpath leads along the edge of the field; however we take a detour over the open access land to head up a grassy track to reach the summit of the hill in order to bag the Hunter Bark trig pillar.  I have been here before but it is a new one for Lynnie.

    From the trig we head to the south west corner of the access land and rejoin the footpath.  After going through a gate this route continues across fields of pasture towards High Mearbeck Farm.  

    At the farm the farmer points us in the direction of the path we need to head back towards Settle.  This way-marked path goes to the right passing a cottage and heading north to Mearbeck Wood.  In the woods at a fork in the footpath we go right keeping close to a boundary wall and the top of the wood.

    As the path emerges from the trees it descends steeply to a field of pasture and then goes through a wall gate to reach Cleatop Wood.  This area is owned by the Woodland Trust.

    The clear path leads us to a field of pasture, here we follow the path along the edge keeping a wall on our right had side.  We then cross two further fields to reach the farm track to Lodge Farm.  We cross this track and join Brockhole Lane and follow this back towards Settle.

    Nearing Settle we pass allotments and then reach a road, we turn left then at the junction with Ingfield Lane we go left and then continue on to a crossroads where go straight over and then follow the road back towards Brigholme Farm CL.  Our walk has covered eight and a half miles and ticked the box for being a new walk for us in this area.  Tomorrow I have plans to walk a more familiar route and head up Ingleborough, but I will have to break the news to Lynnie gently.

    You can view this 8.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area

    13th September 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.