Many consider the limestone pavement in Malham to be one of the finest in the Dales but for me the scars at Moughton are a definite contender to that title. This circular walk starts in the village of Austwick and takes in some impressive Dales scenery and magical limestone pavements.
On our mid-week walk there was plenty of parking available in Austwick (Parking link included below). A large part of the walk is on the Pennine Bridleway so well signposted and great underfoot.
After a short walk through the village you soon pick up the Pennine Bridleway and are presented with the views of the impressive Norber Scar which is popular with climbers. The path climbs gently before a sharp right at the Thwaite Plantation. After a brief descent you are soon climbing again with the path taking you past Ingleborough Cave and some great dales scenery.
The path rock path soon becomes grass as you begin to ascend the hill towards a cairn. The path skirts around the cairn and presents views of the three peaks. After a short walk across the hill, the limestone scars present themselves and you turn right to start your descent across Thieves Moss. It's here that you leave the Pennine Bridleway and the path becomes less obvious.
You continue to hug the ridge with beautiful views across the dales. For a short period you are traversing the scar itself so be mindful of loose stones underfoot. From here you also start your descent back down to Austwick.
All in all a stunning walk with great paths and signage. There are definitely some great photo opportunities, although subject to the right conditions - I'll be back for some blue skies or a sunset/rise.
Austwick has a pub and a few shops and provides an excellent start and end point for this walk.
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