Conistone Dib - Capplestone Gate - Swineber Scar

Paul Shorrock

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Walks in the Yorkshire Dales often contain surprises. They may lack the pretty views of the Lake District, the grandeur of Snowdonia or the wildness of the Highlands of Scotland, but they have a charm of their own. And surprises.

This walk starts from the attractive but unspoiled village of Conistone, near Grassington. The walk has barely started before you are walking up a narrow limestone chasm, which twists and turns up what was once a busy watercourse. The chasm becomes a meadow before rearing up again into another limestone cleft where you will probably have to use your hands for a couple of moves.

After that drama, the route continues gaining height gradually, through typical Dales scenery, to reach its high point at Capplestone Gate (512 metres) The walk then continues at about the same height, passing through the remains of old mines, before heading downhill to join the Dales Way. The return along Swineber Scar, gives great views of Wharfedale before passing the amazing rock feature known as Conistone Pie. The reason for the strange name will be immediately obvious when you see it!

After that, it's a short distance back to the start point, and from there another short distance to some welcome refreshments in nearby Kilnsey.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales - Wharfedale

Features

Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Moor, Pub, Public Transport, Tea Shop

10/31/2013 - mark archer

Because the forecast was poor, I was looking for a walk with good going underfoot, and this walk fitted the bill throughout. Once the high ground beyond Conistone Dib had been attained, the grassy trails were easy to follow and walk along. Conistone Pie is a really unusual limestone feature towards the end and it presented a pleasing viewing platform before arriving at the finish.

1/21/2012 - Chris Bramley

We have just completed this walk on a very windy and wet January day and loved it. The start is a steady climb through an amazing limestone gorge with some easy scrambling. We wanted something that was good underfoot with no bog, and this walk is perfect for a sound underfoot, walking on firm grass and well defined paths. Because of the first element and some high ladder stiles wouldn't recommend this as a dog friendly walk. This is a great walk with stunning views easily accessed