Malham Moor, Conistone & the Dales Way, walk lead by Mark Stanford, 10 miles.
Terrain: Good: two ascents with gentle descents on good paths, with one challenging short section in the ravine up from Conistone.
This is a variation of an A Party favourite, that takes in the two ridges either side of the Wharfe to the north of Grassington. We head out from the back of the carpark to cross the river with great views of weirs before heading to Thresfield. This part of the walk crosses fields and lanes with inevitable stiles, before taking the gentle ascent onto the moor as we aim for Higher Heights Holes; a pre-lunch break stop. The walk will then take us north across the moor; watch and listen out for Lapwing and Skylarks.
We’ll take care as we cross the road towards Conistone Bridge which will take us back over the Wharfe. Conistone provides a great spot for a late lunch before carefully tackling the ravine that will lead us up onto the Dales Way, there’s plenty to see with evidence of old settlements, lime kilns and wild orchids as well as the limestone pavement.
A gentle descent through fields will see us descend into the top of Grassington, past the Methodist Church with its timely reminder to “Walk with God”. There are a couple of good pubs and coffee shops for us to explore alongside the local shops.