Attermire Scar & Catrigg Force.

7 miles / 11½ kilometers

Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Grade: Easy/Moderate

Map: OS Explorer 02 - Yorkshire Dales, Southern and Western Areas

Walk summary

This circular 7 mile circular route to Catrigg Force from Settle via Jubilee Cave, Victoria Cave and Winskill Stones, is a moderate walk. From the Tourist Information Centre on Market Place in Settle, turn left and at the end of the road turn right passing the Co-op Supermarket on the left, for a short, but fairly steep climb up Constitution Hill. The path then levels out before another fairly short climb along the western flank of Sugar Loaf Hill. The rest of the walk is gentle going.

There is limited parking around the Market Place in Settle, or alternatively in the pay and display car park. The market town of Settle is worth having a walk around either before the walk or at the end of the walk. The end is recommended to have a bit of a reflection time in one of the pubs or in one of the cafes.

The trail paths are well defined, some over grazing pasture farm land which can be wet after a heavy rain falls, there are some tarmac paths and others well managed with crushed rock. Keep to the marked pathways to preserve the grazing areas. The trail is sign posted though some of the signs are poorly sited and some are worn and weathered.

Victoria Cave has some barriers, please do not go beyond these, the caves are inhabitted by bats, remember it is their home not yours so please respect their privacy! The caves offer a great place for a picnic and a shelter from the blazing hot sun or from heavy rain. Some of the smaller caves are damp and have wet and muddy floors which can be slippery, so take care when exploring these.

Catrigg Force is set within a deep wooded gorge and is most impressive after heavy rainfall, with a deep pool.

Winskill Stones is a nature reserve which is stunning and very scenic with views of Pen y Ghent and Ingleborough, it is very popular with photographers.