THE walk from Stump Cross Caverns is a simple, circular walk across the high moors of Greenhow Hill with some beautiful views, particularly to the south over Simon’s Seat.
Mining pot holes exist in the area nearest the caves but now it is only sheep traversing the rough moorland.
Stump Cross Caverns lie on the B6265 midway between Grassington and Pateley Bridge. It is easy to find, the caving tour, café and parking all easily accessible.
The area around Stump Cross Caverns has been extensively mined for a 1,000 years and it was through the mines that the large network of caves were discovered.
The caves themselves run for four miles although just one mile is open to the public. Maybe take the tour and this walk one after another, alternatively some members of your party take the tour and others do the walk.
If you take the walk, head alongside the road east towards Pateley Bridge. A gate after 400metres offers access on to the moor.
The right of way is a further kilometre along the road and this is Access Land so enter the moors at the gate.
From here follow the faint path heading to the left of the crags of High Crag.
The path picks its way through the pot marked landscape of old mines before dropping to a farm track. Cross this track and climb slightly and join the more obvious path.
Turn right and follow the path across open moors for 400m to a ladder stile. Rather than cross the stile immediately turn right and climb steadily to the excellent viewpoint, on the boulders of High Crag. A lovely spot with great views, particularly to the west.
Return to the stile, cross it and continue along the path just west of south over the wild moors. Cross a fence after half a mile but continue towards a second boundary.
Before reaching the boundary turn left towards a locked shooting hut. There are some excellent views from here towards Simon’s Seat directly to the south with its distinctive boulder summit. Continue on the track towards a farm lane. The gate is locked but there is a stile a few metres to the left.
On meeting the walled lane turn right and follow it for over half a mile to a junction. To the left the lane leads downhill in to Wharfedale and on to the Bolton Abbey estate. However the walk turns right and climbs a little along Black Hill Road. Here the views open to the west over Grassington and beyond. After half a mile the lane becomes more of a wide path before it drops towards Dry Gill - which isn’t!
It is, however, a lovely spot despite its proximity to the road. Cross the river on the wide track (ignore the fork to the right) and join the main road which you then follow back to the parking at Stump Cross.
* Fact Box:
Distance: Roughly five miles
Height to Climb: 210m (690 feet)
Start: SE 089635. There is parking at Stump Cross Caverns but do go into the café, at least, for a drink.
Difficulty: Average.
Refreshments: The café at Stump Cross Caverns is very good (not open Monday/Tuesdays).
Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 2) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass.
You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.
Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.
* Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales. He has published three books on walks in the Dales, ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’, ‘The Dales 30’ mountains and the Brand New ‘Walks without Stiles’ book.
All are available direct from the Where2walk website.
Book a Navigation Training day in Long Preston, near Settle (Beginners or ‘Compass & Contours’) The 2023 dates and further information are now available on the website.
Where2walk.co.uk also features hundreds of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.
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