Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Rowland Nock Distance: 12 miles
From Kettlewell we head out towards Providence Pot following Dowber Gill Beck and then on to Hag Dyke. We will then pick up the main path onto Great Whernside (704m, height gain from Kettlewell 500m). From here we head north along the ridge via Black Dike End where we will descend Hem Gill Shaw to pick up the Starbotton road to Starbotton. From here we can walk the banks of the crystal clear River Wharfe back to Kettlewell for some well-earned tea and tiffin or maybe a half glass of beer.
Please note the walk will include some open access walking off footpaths on uneven ground. Please also bear in mind the ascent of Great Whernside involves a height gain of 500 metres but there are no other ascents after that. So, if you are up for a bit of adventure, please join me.
Moderate Leader: Phil Walker Distance: 6.5 miles
Two Dales are included in this energetic walk, which starts from Kettlewell and climbs across steep rugged moorland before dropping down into Littondale and the village of Arncliffe. We take time out here for lunch and, weather permitting, time to explore this lovely village and its medieval church, before easy riverside along the River Skirfare, once again climbing up to and over the shoulder of Knipe Scar and down into Kettlewell. The two steep climbs will be rewarded by magnificent views of both Wharfedale and Littondale.
Leisurely Leader: Sully Adam Distance: 6.5 miles
Starting from the bridge we follow the river for about 2 miles to reach the Fox & Hounds pub in Starbotton for lunch. Following is a little climb up a zig zag path, along the top, and back down into Kettlewell.
Easy Leader: Dianne Pennington & Irene Wilcock Distance : 5.5 miles
We start the walk from behind the garage-owned car park and walk to Town End Fields to pick up the Dalesway path and walk back through the village. We then start a gentle climb as we head for Starbotton. There are quite a few gated stiles on this stretch, but not too difficult to negotiate. We then head back on the Dalesway along the river.