A Party Walk from Settle

Walk Leader: Steve Edwards

Distance: 11.3 Miles

Total ascent: 1898ft

Settle is a bustling market town in the foothills of the Pennines and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in North Yorkshire. The town is beside the largest outcrop of limestone in Britain which is peppered with potholes, caves, scars and cliffs. Heading west, out of town, a footpath leads to the summit of Castleberg crag from which there is a fantastic view of the town and surrounding area.

Settle is not really ‘A’ walking territory being just too far to reach one of the great Three Peaks to the North, so in true ‘A’ standard today’s walk will be more long than hard going.

We initially have a very steep walk out of town climbing about 1100 ft in 30 – 45 minutes for stunning views of the area. We then have a long steady walk ascending 600 ft to our highest point of 1700ft. On a good day the views are stunning with Pen-y-ghent magnificent in the distance and rolling hills as far as the eye can see. The walking is easy under foot with very good roads /tracks to follow.

On the way down we pass a large farm heading SW towards an oasis of trees which is hiding the beautiful Scaleber Force waterfall, certainly the jewel in the crown.

Although not a difficult walk, it is long and therefore a good pace will need to be maintained to allow for a brew at the finish. We also need to be aware of the reduced daylight hours in November.

To see this walk [with some modifications] in the reverse direction in March 2007 click here