Giggleswick Scar (8.5 Miles)

This 8.5 mile walk starts and ends in the beautiful village of Giggleswick and takes in the stunning limestone scars of the surrounding area including an abandoned quarry. Giggleswick is also home to the Independent school that shares its name with the village. The school can trace its history back to 1499 and its impressive buildings cover a large part of the village.

THE WALK

On a grey July morning we arrived at Giggleswick and quickly found a parking spot on Raines Road (see suggested Parking). After a quick set up of cameras, trackers and boots we set off. The route takes you out of the village past the many school buildings and onwards towards Giggleswick Quarry.

At the quarry, which has been closed for the last 10 years, there is a short climb to some impressive views across Giggleswick and beyond. The quarry is all fenced off but you can still get a perspective of just how big this hole is in the side of the mountain. The path follows the Giggleswick Scar in a north westerly direction with several caves and cairns along the way. The path is well trodden and easy to follow. After leaving the scar you head north towards Feizor Thwaite another impressive range of limestone.

The path now drops down into Feizor itself, a small hamlet with a popular tearoom, we had brought our own refreshments so pushed on. The path takes you through the tea room's car park and up onto the Dales Highway. You have an option here to stay on the Dales Highway or take a short diversion (and climb) up to the Smearsett Scar and the Trig point - this route rejoins the Dales Highway.

The Dales Highway takes you down towards little Stainforth and it is here you get some wonderful views of one of the Yorkshire three peaks, Pen-y-Ghent. I've taken several shots of Pen-y-Ghent over the years but I have to admit these are some of the best views I've seen and definitely a highlight of the walk.

You now descend into the village of Little Stainforth and pick up the road to Knight Stainforth Caravan and Camping Park. Follow the well signposted path to the banks of the river Ribble and Stainforth Force. Stainforth Force is a popular spot for a picnic and paddling during the summer months. But, if you don't like crowds, it's best avoided on sunny weekends and bank holidays. It's also here in autumn, salmon can often be seen leaping on their final journey upriver to their spawning grounds.

Follow the river for around 1.5 miles and turn right at the weir (towards Stackhouse). You are now on the home straight back to Giggleswick.

Overall an excellent walk with plenty of photo opportunities and interest locations on route.