Gearstones - Birkwith - Ling Gill - Gearstones

One of Walkingworld's Pennine Way Walks. A classic walk in the uplands around Ribblehead, taking in Ling Gill, a rare example of an upland woodland, in a stunning limestone gorge.

We start at Gearstones Lodge, on the Ribblehead to Hawes road, then pick up the Ribble Way, taking it south as far as Birkwith. Some of the paths here are tricky to find and a 1:25 000 map and the ability to navigate using contour lines will be a distinct advantage. However, once you reach Birkwith, you'll be relieved to know that navigation from here on is a breeze.

At Birkwith, we cross to the Pennine Way and head north to Ling Gill Nature Reserve. This breathtaking tree-lined limestone gorge is worth taking time out to explore (though be careful of the steep sides). Its varied arboriculture is the result of the protection from grazing animals offered by those steep sides and such upland woodlands are very rare. The beck, which drops 30m as it descends through the ravine, is Cam Beck, a tributary of the Ribble. We cross Cam Beck a little farther up the Pennine Way at Cam Bridge - a lovely little spot to stop for a rest and a picnic.

A little further up the Pennine Way, at a locale known as Cam End, we reach a footpath junction with the old Roman Road known as Cam High Road, which plays host to the Dales Way. Turning left onto the Dales Way, there are great views of Ingleborough, Whernside and the Ribblehead Viaduct, as we descend gradually towards the end of the walk.

Dog-owners, please note the possible presence of sheep, awkward stiles, mud and fast traffic.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales - Ribblesdale

Walkingworld members near this walk

Walk id: 4517

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

6.4 Miles

Height gain

288 Metres

Duration

3 Hours 4 Mins

Average rating

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