Settle circular to Stainforth Force Waterfall 8.9 miles, 1175 ft height gain. Leaders Bev Pritchard and Helen
Settle is a beautiful village in North Yorkshire and we start our walk from Whitefriars Car Park where we can take advantage of the public toilets. We begin the walk through the pretty back streets of Settle and across streams before passing by Giggleswick village and on towards Stackhouse.
Much of this section is on narrow, sometimes rocky, paths that can be muddy if wet. We navigated 5 or 6 stiles, some of them quite high and have to climb over a metal 5 bar gate. Any dogs joining us for the day will need to be largely on the lead for the morning section of the walk as many of the fields had sheep in and there were young cows in one field.
The best/only realistic place for lunch is at the wonderful Stainforth Force Waterfalls. This is our halfway point of the walk but may make it a slightly later lunch stop so bring snacks!
Leaving the Falls we pass over the 17th Century Knight Stainforth Bridge and head into Stainforth Village.
If time allows we can enjoy a hot or cold drink at the pretty Craven Heifer and take advantage of the facilities.
It’s then a drag up and out of the village on steep narrow steps passing Stainforth Scar and up towards Winskill Stones. It’s then largely downhill with great views back to Stainforth and over Settle to the hills beyond.
The walk delivers us back into the centre of Settle with its cafes, shops and pubs. Immediately opposite the end of the walk is the Royal Oak. It’s dog friendly and very welcoming.
Led by Beverley Pritchard and Helen
