Challenge Walk - Ribblesdale Round

RIBBLESDALE ROUND YORKSHIRE DALES CHALLENGE WALK

With Mark Reid FRGS – author of ‘The Inn Way’ & Mountain Leader

Warrendale Knotts (440m) – Smearsett Scar (363m) – Dead Man’s Cave (330m)
32 km (20 miles) – 1,100 metres of ascent – 10 hours

The Ribblesdale Round is a NEW full day walk, and one of the Yorkshire Dales Challenge Series, devised by Mark Reid. This walk traces a high-level route around the limestone hills, escarpments and moors above Settle in the heart of Ribblesdale.

The walk starts and finishes in the lovely village of Settle, and takes in some of the very best viewpoints in Ribblesdale and the Happy Valley.

THE RIBBLESDALE ROUND

The Ribblesdale Round is a 20 mile route with 1100m of climbing that will take around 10 hours to complete. Essentially, the route follows the limestone escarpments and hills above Settle, Stainforth and Feizor in the heart of Ribblesdale, including…

Warrendale Knotts (440m)
Smearsett Scar (363m)
Dead Man’s Cave (330m)

THE ROUTE

From Settle, we head west along old lanes to reach the beautiful waterfall of Scaleber Force set in a wooded gorge. We then strike northwards to reach the impressive limestone escarpments of Warrendale Knotts and Attermire Scar, caused by the Mid Craven Fault, where we’ll also explore the fascinating Victoria Cave and Jubilee Cave. We then continue northwards across Winskill Stones nature reserve, famed for its limestone pavements and glacial erratics, to reach the amazing waterfall of Catrigg Force. An old lane then takes us down into Stainforth village and Stainforth Force along the River Ribble, an impressive waterfall. The next section is one of the finest stretches of hillwalking in the Yorkshire Dales, with a high-level route along the escarpment of Smearsett Scar high above the Happy Valley, then through the ancient Oxenber Woods to reach the village of Austwick. The return leg of this walk heads through the hamlet of Feizor, before climbing up through the Happy Valley, passing the enigmatic Celtic Wall and then Dead Man’s Cave before striding along the crest of Giggleswick Scar (South Craven Fault) back down to Settle.

It is a demanding walk that requires a good level of fitness and so must be approached with preparation and training, but it is also a rewarding walk that will be remembered for many years for its variety of incredible views, amazing landscapes and diverse terrain. The walk follows paths and tracks across farmland, limestone hills, woodland and moorland, with some rougher terrain beside the waterfalls and across the hills.

This is a beautiful remote challenge walk, away from the crowds.

Mark Reid knows the Yorkshire Dales like the back of his hand and will guide you around this route (whilst also sharing his knowledge of the area), so that you can forget about navigating and concentrate on enjoying the walk instead!

This guided walk is designed for solo or small groups of walkers who want to take on the Ribblesdale Round, but don’t want to worry about route finding.

Fully guided walk with Mark Reid (Mountain Leader)
Experience the comaraderie of walking a challenge route with other like-minded walkers
Discover the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the Yorkshire Dales
Share your sense of achievement with your fellow walkers
Small group sizes – maximum 10 people per walk
You are GUARANTEED not to get lost on our guided walk!

OUTLINE OF THE DAY

7:45am: Meet at Settle Weather forecast, gear check & briefing.
8am – 6pm: Fully guided walk around the Ribblesdale Round challenge walk
6pm: Debrief back at Settle, then head home

NB: Distances, heights and finish time are approximate. The route may vary on the day, given weather, terrain and group needs.

YOUR GUIDE - MARK REID

EXPERIENCE, FITNESS & INFORMATION

No previous hill-walking experience is required as full guidance will be given.
This is a long distance challenge walk that covers 32 km (20 miles) in a single day, with 1100m of ascent that will take around 10 hours to complete. It is a long and demanding walk, with rough terrain in places as well as sustained ascents/descents and exposed moorland. Sections of this route is across grassy limestone moorland, with boggy ground, rocks and rough terrain, which is exposed to the elements. However, the majority of this walk follows good paths and tracks across farmland, moorland, limestone escarpments and hills. There is rocky and steep ground in places, some road walking and crossings, stream crossings, boggy and wet ground, rough and uneven ground. We may experience adverse weather conditions.
A good level of fitness and stamina will be required to complete this walk; preparation and training will be necessary.
Successful completion of this walk will depend upon your own level of fitness, stamina and preparation, as well as good fitting boots and no minor injuries along the walk, such as blisters, pulled muscles or sore knees etc. By taking part in this guided walk, you understand and accept the risks involved in undertaking a long distance challenge walk. Participation of this guided walk is no guarantee of successful completion.
We are fully insured (public, civil & professional indemnity insurance)
All of our instructors are fully qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders
So far, we have taken over 22,000 people out walking, and have a wealth of experience dealing with all ages and abilities.
Part of the attraction of valley, hill and mountain walking is the challenge of tackling different terrains, landscapes and weather conditions. Every effort is made to minimize potential hazards; however, the very nature of hill and mountain walking involves a certain level of unavoidable risk of accident and/or injury. By taking part in this activity, you are aware of and accept these risks.
Our walks are suitable for all ages. Under 18s (minimum age 14) may attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The child must be accompanied at all times during the walk by their parent/legal guardian.
Terms and Conditions

BOOK NOW

CHOOSE YOUR Date

This includes:

Full details of what to wear, bring and expect along the walk
Fully guided walk around the Ribblesdale Round challenge walk, with Mark Reid (Mountain Leader)
Use of our waterproof clothing & boots if required.
Completers' Certificate
TeamWalking Loyalty Reward scheme

NB: Please provide a packed lunch, lots of snack food and plenty of water for this walk, as well as a good pair of walking boots. Please see the Walk Overview for full details of what to wear, bring and general advice.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE