Two Dogs and an Awning

Tag: Pennine Bridleway

  • Great Knoutberry Hill

    Great Knoutberry Hill

    Last year my walking buddy Mandy and I did a walk through Arten Gill and up to the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar at Great Knoutberry Hill it was a great walk but the weather was miserable and we didn’t get any views at all.  So today I am going to repeat the walk but this time Lynnie is joining me and I’m not sure if this is because she wants to see the Arten Gill railway viaduct or is out to bag another Ordnance Survey trig pillar.

    The starting point for our walk is a parking area beside the Dent Head Viaduct  (Grid Ref: SD777844).  We set off down the road towards Cowgill and Dent.  We soon pass Bridge End Cottage and continue down the lane besides the River Dee.

    Last year whilst walking along this road I saw a Red Squirrel, so we keep our eyes peeled.  Although walking along a road there its very little traffic and what there is is going very steady because a lot of sections are single track with passing places.

    Nearing Store House Bridge we stop to look across the river at a limekiln.  This listed building is thought to date back to the early 1800’s. 

    Where the road bends over Stone House Bridge we take a lane on the right to pass cottages.

    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, 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 quarried from Arten Gill beneath it. 

    We continue gradually ascending, it is a good long drag up this hill, but the scenery is worth it.

    When Lynnie and I are walking together we tend to walk at different paces, Lynnie is quicker than me on the flat but on ascents and descents I am faster.  So going uphill I pause occasionally to allow Lynnie to catch up.  It does mean I get a chance to admire the far reaching views.

    At a junction of paths we turn left continuing on the Pennine Bridleway as it heads north through a metal gate.

    The path soon levels and heads east along Dent Fell through a series of gates.

    In contrast to the last time I was up here it is a clear day and the views are stunning.

    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.  

    Last year heading up this hill I encountered a couple of boggy sections, nothing to worry about but it needed care to avoid getting wet feet.  Now after such a prolonged dry spell the ground is firm under foot.  However, when we reach the  trig pillar on Great Knoutberry Hill it is surrounded by water.  This does not prevent Lynnie climbing on top.  Personally I think this is bad trig etiquette. 

    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.  The path leads downhill past the disused Cross Pits Colliery and then we cross a wall stile to join a track.

    Here we turn right and follow the track to the junction of paths we were at earlier at the top of Arten Gill.  This time we turn left on the Pennine Bridleway towards Newby Head Road.

    This route takes us south through Swineley Cowm descending towards a minor road, we can see for miles in front of us.

    At the minor road we turn right leaving the Pennine Bridleway to head back along the road towards Dent Head 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. 

    We stay with the road which descends to go under the railway line and then we are back at our starting point.

    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

    11th September 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • From Settle to Winskill and Sugar Loaf

    From Settle to Winskill and Sugar Loaf

    We are nearing the end of our current trip to Brigholme Farm CL, but still have time to fit in another of our favourite walks from the site.

    Leaving Brigholme Farm CL we turn right and head into Settle and leave the centre of town by Constitution Hill soon joining the walled footpath as it heads steadily uphill on the route of the Pennine Bridleway.

    Passing through a gate we stay on the bridleway as it continues below Blua Crags.  After passing through another gate we enjoy a stunning view of Langcliffe Quarry with Pen-y-ghent behind it.

    As the main path veers uphill to the right we take a path heading downhill to go through a gate and then continue to descend into Langcliffe. We enter the village besides the old school, which is now being converted into a private dwelling, and turn right to take a path heading north.  From the village we join a drystone walled track towards Langcliffe Quarry.

    We ignore footpaths to our left and stay on the track with the disused quarry becoming evermore prominent in front of us. At a 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.  When we have visited here in the Spring it is an abundance of wild flowers.

    After going through a wall gate we turn right on the track and head up to Upper Winskill after going through a gate besides a cattle grid we turn right on the farm driveway and follow this back towards a minor road. 

    We join the road and 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. 

    After crossing the wall we continue to a junction of paths where we turn left and head up to a ladder stile.  On the far side we join a track close to Jubilee Cave and turn right.

    As we near a farm gate we fork left to go through a kissing gate and follow the path besides a drystone wall.  To our left is Brent Scar and we soon pass Victoria Cave and continue along to another kissing gate. The path now goes below Attermire Scar towards a gate in the wall.

    After going through the gate we descend and cross a couple of ladder stiles and then head south to walk besides Sugar Loaf hill.  The path descends to reach a ladder stile.  After crossing we join a track, Stockdale Lane and head down to a minor road, High Hill Lane.  We turn right along the road and after a few hundred yards take a track on the left, Lambert Lane. 

    I have walked this lane a lot during this stay, but this is the first time in this direction.

    At the end of the lane we join Mitchell Lane and follow this as it heads steeply downhill towards Settle.  Our walk has covered just over eight miles; it has been a cracking afternoon to be outside.  Now it is time to start the preparations for our journey back home tomorrow.

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales [Western Area]

    You can view this 8 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here (Subscription to OS Maps Required)

    18th November 2019

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2019)

  • Revisiting Attermire Scar

    Revisiting Attermire Scar

    I am near to hitting my target of walking 2,019 miles in 2019.  This is the second year that I have “walked the year”; last year I reached 2,018 miles on the Quantock Hills a favourite spot for me.  This year I plan to complete my quest whilst walking in the Yorkshire Dales and hopefully somewhere near the summit of Ingleborough.  

    After a near 300-mile journey yesterday we arrived at Brigholme Farm CL in the dark.  It is the measure of our confidence in caravanning that we no longer worry about pitching up in the dark, levelling the van and erecting an awning by the light of a head torch.  Soon we were snug inside the van.

    After yesterday’s driving I am reluctant to go far in the car, so soon after breakfast I am heading off with Crosby for a walk from Brigholme Farm CL.  Leaving the site I turn right along Station road and then after crossing the Penny Bridge I take a right turn into Cammock Lane. At a crossroads I go straight across into Ingfield Lane and stay on this lane as it forks right, then within a few hundred years I turn right along Brockhole Lane, which understandably is known locally as Watery Lane.

    I follow this dry stone walled lane until the end, ignoring footpaths on the left and the right.  At the end of Brockhole Lane I turn left onto Lodge Road, despite its name this “road” is actually a track that heads uphill towards Lodge Farm. 

    At the top of the lane I reach Lodge Farm and after going through a gate I turn left and at a fork in the track take the right option. 

    I go through a gate and walk along the track by a plantation and then at a second gate follow the walled track.  At another gate I keep straight ahead keeping Black’s Plantation on our right.

    At the junction of Mitchell Lane and Lambert Lane I fork right into Lambert Lane and follow this walled track, enjoying the views.  

    Reaching a road it is a right turn and then shortly a left onto Stockdale Lane.  In a few hundred yards at the bend I go over a ladder stile to follow the path as it gradually climbs up alongside the wall.   

    I head over Sugar Loaf Hill; now in front of us is one of my favourite views in the Dales, the spectacular escarpment of Warrendale Knotts and Attermire Scar. 

    From here my route is under Attermire Scar, passing Victoria Cave.

    After going through a kissing gate I turn left and go through a gate on a farm track to descend downhill through another gate.  I then take the path on the left way-marked the Pennine Bridleway. 

    Now it is case of following the path across a couple of fields below Blua Crags before descending on a walled track to return to Settle and then back to Brigholme Farm.  It has been a cracking wander covering just over seven miles. 

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western

    You can view this 7 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here (Subscription to OS Maps Required)

    11th November 2019

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2019)

  • Trig Bagging at Moughton Scar and Sulber

    Trig Bagging at Moughton Scar and Sulber

    We are nearing the end of this trip to Brigholme Farm CL and there are still some Ordnance Survey trig pillars in the area that I have not “bagged” and as luck would have it a visit to them can be combined with a walk in Crummack Dale.
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  • A Circuit to Langcliffe

    A Circuit to Langcliffe

    After five nights at Hall Croft CL we have moved on to Brigholme Farm in Giggleswick, just the other side of the River Ribble from Settle.  This is a CL we have stayed on many times and the trip up from Ilkley does not take us long, so I am soon lacing up my boots to head out for a walk with Crosby.
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  • A Seven Mile Circuit from Brigholme Farm CL

    A Seven Mile Circuit from Brigholme Farm CL

    We are nearing the end of our stay at Brigholme Farm CL, every year when I plan our travels Lynnie says she doesn’t want to spend too long in Settle.  “A week will do” is her normal comment.  I always book for a bit longer and on a few occasions we have extended our stay after arriving.  This stay will have been for eleven nights; I could easily stay another eleven but tomorrow we need to be moving south.
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  • Rambling to Rye Loaf Hill

    Rambling to Rye Loaf Hill

    So far on this trip we have been really fortunate with the weather and today it is forecast to be very hot and sunny.  I have in mind a walk to bag another trig point but due to the heat Lynnie opts to stay at the caravan with the dogs whilst I go wandering.  First I need to take the dogs out for their morning walk, they might be let off heavy walking duties but they still need to clock up a few miles.
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  • Walking Around the Stunning Crummack Dale

    Walking Around the Stunning Crummack Dale

    Yesterday was a “rest day,” after the exertions of the Three Peaks Challenge I decided it would be sensible not to walk too far.  Instead we ventured out a couple of times with the dogs for short ambles around Giggleswick and Settle.  My legs and knees feel surprisingly good.  When I did the three peaks a couple of years ago I could hardly walk for a few days.
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