Starting point: Settle station (SD 818635)  Distance: 9 miles  Ascent: 1747'  Date: Saturday 17th April 2010

A walk with members of The Wainwright Society to celebrate the launch of the book A Pennine Journey.  In 1938, Alfred Wainwright walked from Settle north through the Dales to Hadrian's Wall, returning to Settle along the western edge of the Pennines.  This new book recreates Wainwright's journey, but utilising public footpaths instead of the roads that AW used in 1938.  This walk was part of the first day as far as Stainforth, retuning to Settle using the route of the final day.

Route: From Settle railway station where AW began and finished his Pennine Journey, walk NNE out of the town on a track to Langcliffe (Banks Lane).  From Langcliffe use a walled track (Howson Lane) climbing to Lower Winskill before dropping back down into the Ribble valley to Stainforth.  Cross Stainforth Beck via stepping stones and then cross the river by a 17th century packhorse bridge.  A short detour to Stainforth Force is recommended.  After crossing the B6479 ascend to a stile and walk through a pleasant upland valley with Smearsett Scar ahead and to your right.  Descend into the hamlet of Feizor where a welcome cup of tea at Elaine's Tea Room can be enjoyed.  From Feizor head SE through fields to Stackhouse, descending back into Settle and the starting point.

Settle from Banks Lane

Langcliffe

Where 'Sheep may safely graze ...'

Howson Lane heading for Stainforth

The Ribble valley below

A closer view

Queuing in style!

Stainforth below

Stepping stones across Stainforth Beck

Stainforth Beck looking upstream

A seventeenth packhorse bridge across the River Ribble

Stainforth Force

A solitary tree with Penyghent on the horizon

Smearsett Scar

Pot Scar

A welcome break on a warm day at Elaine's Tea Room

Limestone pavement

Heading back to Settle

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Comment from Gary
Lovely photos Derek from a lovely part of the Yorkshire Dales.  We are hoping to explore the area around Settle more this year as we do the walks in AW's book.  Gary  Thanks, Gary.

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Copyright © 2010 Derek Cockell     All Rights Reserved