Settle, Yorkshire Sunday 30th October 2011

Today’s Walks

Strenuous Leader: Dag Griffiths   Distance: 11 miles

Total Ascent 473m, Maximum Height 395m.
We head firstly in an easterly direction to Attermire Scar before heading north to pass Victoria Cave and Cowside to reach Westside House. Next objective is heading west to Cattrigg and Stainforth. Weather permitting lunch will be taken by the beck before reaching Stainforth. From Stainforth we move on to Little Stainforth crossing the Ribble by Stainforth Force. The final stretch is heading basically south skirting Borrins Wood to Stackhouse before returning to Settle alongside the Ribble. Quite muddy in places.

Moderate Leader: Cynthia Prescott   Distance: 7 miles

The first half of this circular walk is a steady climb uphill towards higher ground east of Settle. This is generally on very good paths. We pass near Victoria Cave (closed) and continue past Brent Scar and come down a rocky path to round Attermire Scar and cross a field heading to Stockdale Lane. The way back from here is on tracks, good paths, lanes and bridle ways. There is definitely no pub on the way round as we walk away from civilization for most of the time. Expect lots of gates rather than stiles.

Leisurely Leader: Margery Howe   Distance: 7 miles

The Leisurely walk was originally planned by Margaret Black and Joan McGlinchey but both are unable to walk today, and Margery has very kindly stepped in at short notice.
The walk takes us along one side of the Ribble valley to Stainforth and back along the other side to Settle. On the outward part we go up lanes, across fields, and pass through the village of Langcliffe. There are some lovely views overlooking Settle and Giggleswick and, at one point, we are very close to the Settle to Carlisle railway line, and also walk alongside the very impressive Hoffman Lime Kiln. On the return, we walk along the banks of the River Ribble. Apart from a little climb out of Settle, the walk is generally fairly flat. There are a few stiles to negotiate and some stretches, especially along the Ribble, are rather muddy.

Easy Leader: Hazel Anderton & Ruth Melling   Distance: 4.5 miles

A very pleasant walk with some lovely views overlooking Settle as we head in a generally southerly direction through Upper Settle, as far as Clea Top Park, and then turn and return to Settle. We cross fields, go down lanes, through a little wood, and return to Settle through the park. There are a few stiles and some uphill bits, but generally nothing demanding.