Two Dogs and an Awning

Tag: Pennine Way

  • On Horton Moor

    On Horton Moor

    The hot weather has settled in so we have planned another shortish walk today to ensure Crosby is fine.  Yesterday afternoon we tried again to walk to Winskill but after a couple of miles he started limping so we abandoned our walk.  However, earlier today on his morning walk he was absolutely fine.

    The starting point for today’s walk is Horton in Ribblesdale.  Being a Monday it is relatively quiet in the village and we start our walk by heading through the village to pass the now closed Pen-y-Ghent cafe.  At a finger post for the Pennine Way we cross the road and follow a lane passing properties.

    At a junction of tracks we turn to the left and follow the track as it gradually goes uphill.

    It is a stunning day and this is a cracking path to be walking along.  Away to our right Pen-y-Ghent dominates the view.

    The track leads us towards the limestone outcrop at Stot Rakes.

    Over the wall is Tarn Bar.  In the past we have been here during a wet spell and have seen a waterfall flowing here.

    After going through a gate at a junction of tracks we go straight on along a grassy footpath toward Foxup.

    We have visited Hull Pot on numerous occasions but I never ceased to be amazed by how this huge pot hole suddenly appears. One minute it looks like you are walking along a grassy path leading into the distance and then only a few metres away there is a large chasm in front of you.

    There is a trickle of water running into the pot hole, not from the dry river bed above but half way down.  We decide to follow the route of Hull Pot Beck to find a spot for lunch.  

    Initially the river bed is dry and after a couple of hundred metres we reach a point where there is water flowing before it disappears underground.

    This is a very pleasant spot to sit for lunch.  It gives Crosby a chance to stand in the beck and cool off a bit while we admire the view.

    Resuming our walk we continue heading alongside the beck and at a junction of paths turn to the left to head steadily uphill onto Todber Moss.

    The path now heads across moor land.  A number of years ago we headed up onto this moor after a prolonged wet spell and it was extremely boggy.  In those days my navigation skills were not as good as they are now and visibility was not great so we made the sensible decision to turn around and head back to the beck.  

    The ground conditions are good today, and there is a clear path across the moor.  However, I still use the map and compass to check we are heading in the right direction.

    We go through a gate across a stream before continuing over Red Moss.

    The path leads us to a junction of paths with the Pennine Way and Yorkshire Three Peaks route.  Here we turn left along the track which forms the Pennine Way and the Three Peaks route.  

    Usually on this section of path you would expect to meet walkers heading in the opposite direction walking the Three Peaks but today with he have it to ourselves.

    We reach the point where the Three Peaks path goes to the left.  Here we go through a gate still on the route of the Pennine Way and follow the track towards another gate at Sell Gill.

    The dry conditions mean there is only a small amount of water in Sell Gill Beck.

    The route is now very straightforward we are staying on this track back to Horton in Ribblesdale.  We are in no rush so take time to admire the views.

    Soon we see the village in front of us as we descend the final section of the track.  

    After passing the Crown Inn we cross the River Ribble and return to our starting point.

    You can view this 6 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer – OL2 Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western Areas

    4th  September 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    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.

  • The Weets and Malham Cove

    The Weets and Malham Cove

    We are heading back towards Malham Tarn for our walk today with plans to bag another Ordnance Survey trig pillar and possibly visit Malham Cove.  We usually avoid Malham at the weekends because it gets packed, but hopefully by the time we reach there the crowds will have thinned out.

    Our starting point is a parking area at the southern end of the tarn (Grid Ref: SD894658).  We start by walking besides the road as it heads east.

    When the tarmac lane sweeps to the right we continue straight on and go through a gate at Street Gate.  The route is now along a grassy track besides a dry stone wall.

    The track descends towards Gordale Beck, many years ago we climbed up through the waterfall at Gordale Scar and have walked besides this beck further downstream many times but it is the first time we have seen it this far up stream.

    At the beck we cross by the stone clapper bridge and then go through a gate to continue on the track.

    We carry on along the track through docile cattle scattered in the field and then stop to read an information board. Apparently we are in the vicinity of the Mastiles Lane Roman marching camp.  Such camps were temporary structures created to provide protection for Roman soldiers on the move and involved digging a trench and erecting wooden stakes so the troops could sleep inside.  There appears to be no clear sign left of the structure, although it is marked on the OS Map. 

    The track leads through the pasture field to reach a gate and then continues along a walled track.  We ignore a footpath on the right marked for Smearbottoms Lane and continue along the track for three quarters of a mile and then take a footpath on the right which heads through a gate and continues with a wall on our left.

    After walking along the edge of a field we go through gates and continue on the walled track heading towards farm buildings.

    After passing the farm the track becomes a single track tarmac lane, Smearbottoms Lane and we follow this until we reach a lane on the left which leads steadily uphill towards Weets Gate.

    Near a gate the Medieval Weets Gate boundary stone stands on the right, it is protected by an assortment of gates that appear to have formed a temporary enclosure presumably for sheep.  The stone was restored in 1955 and marks the junction of Bordley, Hetton, Hanlith and Malham parishes.  The Historic England website suggests it may once have been a Medieval cross.

    After going through a gate we turn to the left to visit The Weets Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar, number 274 bagged.

    We head back to a finger post.  This is open access land but we want to be sure to take the right route.  We are initially following a path towards Calton and then at a junction of paths we veer to the right across Hanlith Moor.  When walking on moorland I am always conscious to get the map and compass out to ensure we are on the right route.  Today this moor looks docile but any moor that has clear way-markers deserves respect.

    We are grateful for the markers, because even with them we go through a couple of boggy areas. Not anything to worry about after a dry spell in September, but this would be a different prospect in the depth of winter.  Following the markers we join the splendidly named Windy Pike Lane and follow this as it heads towards Hanlith.

    The lane descends down the steep lane into the village and just as it sweeps to the left we take a footpath on the right way-marked the Pennine Way. The path heads across a field towards a gate with a farmhouse to our left.

    We now follow the Pennine Way markers through a couple of fields into a field high above the River Aire.  The river flows out of Malham Tarn and then at Water Sink, high above Malham Cove, goes underground  and reappears below Malham at Aire Head.  By the time the river reaches the River Ouse at Airmyn it has travelled 92 miles from Malham Tarn.

    We stop to take in the view, mainly because a herd of cows with calves are between us and the exit from the field.  They are not bothered by us whilst we stand still so we wait as they make their slow progress away from our route.  When the way is clear we continue, still on the route of the Pennine Way and drop down to cross the river and then follow a clear path into Malham.  

    The village is still busy and to Lynnie’s delight the shop is open so she can sample some local ice cream.  We continue through the village passing the Lister Arms and then turn left on a lane following the route of the Pennine Way as it passes a Youth Hostel.

    We now stick with the Pennine Way as it goes along the track and through fields to reach Malham Cove.

    I have been coming to Malham Cove since I was a child , but it is a few years since we were last here and fortunately we have timed it well as there are very few people about latish in the day.  The Cove was created by a waterfall at the end of the Ice Age, more than 12,000 years ago. It is a rare occurrence for water to flow over these days, when it does it creates the highest single drop waterfall in England as the water drops 260 feet.  The last time water flowed over the cove was 15th December 2015 and the time before that is thought to have been in 1824.

    We follow the route of the Pennine Way up steps to the left of the cove.  This is a steady climb but the views are rewarding.

    At the top of the Cove we turn to the right and head across the limestone pavement, making sure we stay well away from the edge. My vertigo will not cope with being anywhere near a 260 feet drop.  The limestone pavement here is impressive and on the list for many tourists to the Dales.  There are a number of far better examples, particularly at Moughton Scar at the top of Crummack Dale, but this is probably the most accessible.

    We continue across the limestone pavement, it is late in the afternoon and there are very few folk about so we stop frequently to enjoy the views.  Where the Pennine Way goes to the left we continue straight on across a field of pasture and then turn to the left to take a footpath into Trougate. 

    It is a cracking evening and it feels like we have got this area of the Dales all to ourselves.  There are not many better places to be walking.

    As we climb towards the summit of the hill we pass through a rocky outcrop and spot an owl seeking an early supper. It is far too quick and wary for me to photograph but it is a fantastic sight.

    Our route now follows a clear path through rough pasture with stunning views towards Great Close Scar.

    We go over the brow of a hill and can see the car park in front of us with Malham Tarn in the distance. 

    It has been a cracking walk with some cracking views, our route has covered just over nine and a half miles. 

    You can view this 9.5 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

    25th 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.

  • 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.

  • Ling Gill and Cave Hill

    Ling Gill and Cave Hill

    Over the years I have walked many of the footpaths in this area of the Yorkshire Dales and visited a lot of the OS Trig Points, but there is a trig on Cave Hill I have had my eye on “bagging” for some time.  So that’s where Lynnie and I are heading today.

    The starting point for our walk is the parking area besides the Blea Moor Road (B6255) close to Ribblehead Viaduct (Grid Reference: SD765793).  Leaving the car we head northeast following the line of the road, this used to be the main Lancaster to Richmond road and we soon pass a milestone.

    We continue besides the road to pass Gearstones and then on reaching the entrance to Far Gearstones Farm we take the Dales Way footpath on the right, which leads to a track through a field and then turns towards Gayle Beck. 

    After crossing the bridge over the beck we start the long gradual ascent on Cam High Road, this is an old Roman Road heading towards Hawes.  It is a mizzly day so there is not much of a view back down the dale to Ribblehead Viaduct.

    On reaching a junction of paths where the Dales Way meets the Pennine Way we turn right towards Old Ing.

    This is a clear track heading south across the moor.  The visibility is deteriorating so we can see little apart from the surrounding moorland and the clear track we are following.

    Staying with the Pennine Way we reach Ling Gill Bridge, we have never been here before it is a cracking spot.

    After crossing the bridge we continue south besides the deep gorge of Ling Gill.  There is a fence and warning signs not to enter the nature reserve, we can just about make out the steep sides of the gorge and even if access were possible I don’t think I would be tempted to enter.

    After passing a disused quarry we take a detour from our main route to head up the Access Land of Cave Hill on a faint track.  It is a short steep ascent but we are rewarded with some fine views when we reach the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar, this is the 187th I have “bagged”.

    Leaving the trig point we return by the same route to rejoin the Pennine Way and resume our walk.  As the access land ends we stop to look over the wall at the beck as it disappears into what is known as Calf Holes.  Apparently this is an entrance to a cave network that reappears at Browgill Cave.

    As we near Old Ing we ignore a path on the right and stay with the Pennine Way heading east.

    As you might expect on a National Trail this route is clear and easy to follow.

    We reach an area of access land and head steadily uphill to reach a junction of paths.

    Now we turn right and head south, still on the Pennine Way.

    On reaching a sign for the Three Peaks path we turn right leaving the Pennine Way and going through a kissing gate to follow the well-made path.

    This part of the walk is familiar to me because I have walked the Three Peaks on a number of occasions, but it is the first time Lynnie has been here.  

    The route is now very straightforward we are going to follow the well-marked Three Peaks path back to Ribblehead.  

    We make good progress stopping briefly when we reach God’s Bridge.

    We pass Nether Lodge and stay with the Three Peaks Path to follow a well-made track to Ingman Lodge.

    After passing Ingman Lodge, an interesting building dating back to 1687 and still part of a working farm, we continue up the track to reach a road, the B6479, here we turn right.  This section of the walk follows the road and needs to be tackled with caution.  Forming part of the Three Peaks route it is frequently used by walkers, but there are parts where there is no other option than to walk on the road with little space to step onto the verge.  Fortunately there is not a lot of traffic and the majority of vehicles passing seem aware that this is an area where they may encounter walkers.

    Reaching the car the cloud lifts and we get a good view of the Ribblehead Viaduct.  Over the last forty years I must have taken hundreds of pictures of this viaduct, this does not stop me adding another one to the photo library.

    Our walk has covered just over ten miles and has been really enjoyable.  I look forward to repeating it on a day when the visibility is better and there is an opportunity to appreciate the views.

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

    You can view this 10 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here (Subscription to OS Maps Required)

    13th November 2019

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2019)

  • Up Black Hill and a Trudge Across the Moor

    Up Black Hill and a Trudge Across the Moor

    For much of our walk from Digley Reservoir yesterday Black Hill dominated the view.  At one point I wondered if it would be possible to make a diversion to pop up to the top and bag the trig point, but I have previous in that regard from a walk in the Dales last year and Lynnie has become wary when we deviate uphill.  Its not that Lynnie minds an ascent, she just likes to know when it is coming.

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  • A Jamabout from Stainforth to Helwith Bridge

    A Jamabout from Stainforth to Helwith Bridge

    Lynnie has had two days off from walking and whilst there is no guarantee of a dry day today the forecast looks reasonable, so she decides to come on a jamabout. By way of encouragement I have promised a new walk today starting from Stainforth so that we can visit Stainforth Force.
    (more…)

  • A Jamabout to Hull Pot and Pen-y-ghent

    A Jamabout to Hull Pot and Pen-y-ghent

    It feels like it has been raining ever since our arrival in Settle, apart from the odd break it has been lashing down, but this does not deter us from heading out walking again today.  In fact we are hoping the wet weather will give us the opportunity to see water flowing into Hull Pot, a sight we have never seen.
    (more…)

  • Gargrave to East Marton

    Gargrave to East Marton

    About twenty-five years ago whilst we were holidaying with the children in the Dales I took young Freddy on a walk from Gargrave. It was a cracking day with the early part of the walk on the towpath of the Leeds – Liverpool canal and the return stretch on the Pennine Way. I recall sitting on a wall with my nipper and watching a Curlew in a field below us. It was the first time either of us had seen one of these stunning birds so close.

    On numerous occasions since then Lynnie and I have driven through Gargrave and I have often told her about the walk. Today Lynnie gets to do the walk for the first time and I get the chance to see if my memories of the walk do it justice.
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  • Malham Tarn and Crummack Dale

    Malham Tarn and Crummack Dale

    It is very odd, that although Malham Tarn is only a few miles from Settle we have never been there. I may have visited the Tarn as a child but I do not have any recollection and I definitely have not been there in the last thirty-five years. I start to plan a walk there from Settle, but Lynnie points out that the weather looks a bit dodgy so we agree to drive up and walk around.

    Parking in the main car park to the south of the Tarn we eat our lunch before heading off, so sit in the comfort of the car and enjoy the view. As we munch a lone walker plods past us, she has a very heavy rucksack and every step looks to be an effort, she is on the Pennine Way path and we speculate on how far she has come today and where she will be stopping tonight.
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