recommended route
Settle to Malham
-
Settle Folk MuseumPhoto: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
This is a relatively short walk up out of Settle and alongside Attermire Scar. Crossing Langcliffe Moor the route then descends beside Pikedaw Hill into Malham.
Starting from the Market Place in Settle, you follow the Pennine Bridle Way up onto the higher pastures above the town. The route then turns north along the base of Attermire Scar, with views of Pen y Ghent in the distance, and then onto the open expanse of Langcliffe Moor. The descent into Malham follows the side of Pikedaw Hill with views of the old strip field systems and the Cove itself.
Author’s recommendation
You will experience some classic limestone scenery on this walk; crags, caves and a glimpse of the impressive Malham Cove itself. Pen y Ghent, one of Yorkshire’s famous 3 peaks can also be seen in the distance.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
This is a fairly hazard free walk. The descent from Langcliffe Moor into the small valley by Pikedaw Hill is steep in places and could be slippery when wet and muddy.Tips and hints
Settle is a small market town with a full range of facilities. There are several hotels, pubs and cafes as well as local shops and a supermarket to stock up with supplies. There is a bank, cash point facility and a pharmacy. There are no opportunities for refreshments on the route so be sure to carry what you need, i.e. a picnic and plenty of water.
Points of Interest
Castleberg Crag
This is a prominent carboniferous limestone rock outcrop on the outskirts of Settle. It is a local beauty spot and viewpoint, marked with a flag pole.
http://www.visitsettle.co.uk/castleberg-rock.html
Settle to Carlisle Railway
At 72 miles long this is one of the most iconic railway journeys in the UK. Crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct and through Blea Moor Tunnel, superb views are afforded of the “Yorkshire 3 Peaks” of Ingleborough, Pen y Ghent and Great Whernside.
https://www.settle-carlisle.co.uk/
Museum of North Craven Life
Situated in the centre of Settle the museum celebrates the story of the local people, landscape and the way of life in the area.
http://www.ncbpt.org.uk/folly/
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00 km - Standing with your back to the Tourist Information Office, TURN LEFT past the red phone box, then BEAR RIGHT onto High Street, past the pub on the left. At the junction TURN LEFT onto Victoria Street then almost immediately BEAR LEFT, past the Folk Museum and ascend up Albert Hill Street.
0.20 km - At the top of the street, BEAR RIGHT onto Castleberg Lane, past the old school on the left.
0.30 km - Reaching a small road junction TURN LEFT uphill, signposted Kirkby Malham & Airton.
0.50 km - At the road junction continue STRAIGHT ON, following the sign for the Pennine Bridleway to Long Preston. Follow the tarmac track, climbing steadily and marked with an acorn signed post.
1.50 km - At a path junction and small wood, TURN LEFT onto a gravel track following the Pennine Bridleway sign for the Settle Loop. Continue STRAIGHT ON for approx 1 km passing some derelict farm buildings on the left.
2.50 km - On reaching the tarmac road TURN RIGHT, signposted Stockdale Lane, then almost immediately at the junction, BEAR LEFT, still on Stockdale Lane. Continue STRAIGHT ON gradually uphill on the tarmac lane and around the zig zag bends for approx 1.50 kms.
4.20 km - At the bend in the road go through the wooden gate and TURN LEFT along the grassy path signposted Settle 2. Continue STRAIGHT ON for approx 1km through a number of gates and keeping the stone wall on the left.
5.10 km - Arriving at a wooden gate in a stone wall, TURN RIGHT and head up the grassy slope to the gap in the limestone crag. Do not go through the gate. Continue STRAIGHT ON for approx 1.30kms with the crags above on your right and views of Pen y Ghent ahead.
6.40 km - On passing through a small gate and reaching a gravel track, TURN RIGHT and continue STRAIGHT ON passing Jubilee Cave in the crag to your right. Stay on this gravel track for approx 5 kms across the moorland, through a number of gates and across several streams.
11.5 km - At the signpost before the stone wall, TURN RIGHT up onto the grassy path signposted Stockdale Lane 2. Continue STRAIGHT ON through the fields with good views back to Malham Tarn.
12.7 km - At the signposted path junction, TURN LEFT through the gate, the BEAR RIGHT off the gravel track following the grassy footpath. Do not follow the Cove Road Bridle path. Continue STRAIGHT ON along the path, muddy in places, descending steeply into a small valley, over a stile and down to a small ford.
14.4 km - Just after the ford, continue STRAIGHT ON, through the gate, across the fields and over another stream.
14.7 km - At the stile, TURN LEFT onto the gravel track signposted to Malham. Continue STRAIGHT ON along the track towards the village for approx 1 km and past the water treatment works.
15.6 km - Just before some farm buildings, TURN RIGHT onto a small rocky footpath between two stone walls.
15.7 km - At the end of the path, TURN RIGHT onto the tarmac road and continue STRAIGHT ON into the village.
15.9 km - Arriving at Malham Village Hall and the bridge, you have reached the end of your walk.
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy boots or walking shoes are recommended as the terrain is rough and muddy in places. Walking poles may be an advantage on the descent by Pikedaw hill if preferred. The weather is changeable in the Dales so waterproofs should be carried especially as the moorland sections are fairly exposed.
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Photos from others