Stainforth, Feizor and Giggleswick Scar

The Settle area has much to interest the walker, with the biggest attractions (in every way) being the famous 'Three Peaks' of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen y Ghent. Having these bigger neighbours nearby means that some of the lower surrounding areas are neglected by many walkers; this walk sets out to remedy that.

The route starts from the small village of Stainforth on the Settle to Horton in Ribblesdale road. A very short section of road-walking soon leads to open country, following the path from Little Stainforth to Feizor (that's pronounced 'Fayzer' if you want to impress the locals). That path is soon abandoned, to head for the high point of the walk, Smearsett Scar, standing all of 363 metres high. Lack of altitude doesn't mean lack of interest. Because Smearsett Scar stands on its own, it appears to be much higher and gives great views of some old favourites. It can also attract wild weather in season – on one of the walks preparing this route we were blasted by a near blizzard - in March!

After the drama of Smearsett and Pot Scars, you drop down to the hamlet of Feizor, before heading off to Giggleswick Scar. The route tracks along the top of the scar, giving views down to Settle. If you have never driven along the B6480 road which runs below the scar, you might like to do that before doing the walk, to put it all in context.

After Giggleswick Scar you drop down to join the picturesque riverside walk of the Ribble Way to return to the start point.
There are other points of interest nearby that might divert you. The mysterious Celtic Wall is not on the OS map, but the location is given in Additional Information. There are also various caves dotted about the place, some marked on the map. On a warm summer day you could pass several hours exploring and probably see very few other walkers.

This would also make a smashing half-day walk, perhaps a good way to start a holiday on the day of arrival. Or try it in a near blizzard in early spring and discover that small hills are not necessarily tame hills.

Please note you do need good GPS or map and compass skills to navigate one section of this walk which is across country with no defined footpath.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales - Ribblesdale

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7/14/2008 - Roger Denison

I have just spent ages typing a comment on here and when I decided I had nothing to "add" I didn't press the "add" key I pressed the "close" key so now it is lost. Please, please amend "add" to "submit". Also since yesterday the route is measured in kilometres not miles. Please return to miles or at least put both on the description page. Did the walk on 13 July in bright, dry and, at lower levels, warm conditions. Enjoyed the walk but found the route between 5 & 6 difficult to follow. Finished up scrambling down the hill to Feizor to be met by gates saying "private property, no access". Eventually found the route but probably added another mile to the path. At point 9. the distance to the waymarker is nearer to a mile than a kilometre so don't start looking for it too early. At one stage we thought we had arrived at the quarry but in hindsight it was little more than a rabbit hole compared to the real thing. If you have never seen a quarry close up and personal prepare to be amazed at the size of this one! At Feizor there is a farmhouse selling drinks and snacks and the pub at Stainforth doesn't close late afternoon. Food is available from lunchtime opening into the evening.

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Walk id: 4733

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

7.8 Miles

Height gain

450 Metres

Duration

3 Hours 53 Mins

Average rating

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