Walks: An easy Settle walk with stunning views

However, it is simple climb to gain these higher lands with wonderful views over Ribblesdale and the town itself.

The walk starts in the market square, opposite the Co-op. In normal (non-strike) times I would suggest arriving to this walk on the train and the lovely station in Settle. The landslide which has also curtailed the service lately has been fixed but do check the timetable. From the Co-op head up the road and past some small cottages towards Castleberg Plantation. The road soon bends to the left, within a few yards a track forks to the right alongside the woods. Climb this lane for 150 feet (45m) to a gate, a barn and access to the open hillside.

After the gate continue along the wall (on your left) and ignore the sign post pointing up the steep hillside. The short grass and exposed rock (particularly in the form of scars on your right) is typical of the limestone scenery in this part of the Dales. It is unique and spectacular.

For the next half mile it is possible to wander off the path to the right if you wish as it is access land with a right to roam. There are some convenient limestone outcrops to sit on and admire the view over Settle, Giggleswick with Pendle Hill in the distance.

After half a mile and a second gate the path leaves the wall and bares right towards a woodland. At this stage you are outside the access land. The views however are just as good. Looking north up Ribblesdale both Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough stand out well, it is classic Dales countryside.

The path goes through two gates over the next half mile as it contours the hillside. After the final gate meet a road. At the road turn left and descend quite steeply downhill towards Langcliffe. However, there is a faint path for most of the way on the side of the road so any cars you encounter are not an issue.

Settle and the limestone outcrops (Image: Submitted)

Langcliffe is an attractive conservation village with a lovely church (St John the Evangelist built in 1851) set on a large village green. The village was very different in the past with two cotton spinning mills close by. In fact, Langcliffe High Mill was one of the earliest (built in 1785) mills in the dale and was still in operation until the 1950s. It is worth spending some time looking around the village.

Continue through the village till meeting the main road. Turn left on a path alongside the road for 200m to a lane forking off to the right. This is the old road linking Settle and Langcliffe but it is rare to see any car on it now.

Follow the lane for just over half a mile until it meets your outbound route at the top end of Settle. The lane has some lovely views over Settle.

Return in to Settle and enjoy a pint in one of the excellent pubs or numerous cafes in the town.

* Fact Box:

Distance: Roughly three miles

Height to Climb: 80m (260 feet)

Start: SD 821637. The Co-op is in market square.

Difficulty: Easy with a short steep climb to start.

Refreshments: I must admit I do like the Talbot pub and there is a good choice of cafes.

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 (essential on this walk). 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.

* Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales: 
He has published 3 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’) Dates and further information are available on the website.
Where2walk.co.uk also features hundreds of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.