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Wainwright Walks

This section of the web site is aimed at doing the 'walks' that Alfred Wainwright has described in his books, rather than just the '214 Fells' that he described in his pictorial guide books. We are starting with his Limestone Country and Howgill Fell books, for a bit of a change of scenery more than anything else. We aim to add as many of his other 'walks' as possible, but I think the 66 walk detailed in these books will give us enough to be going on with. We will try, as far as possible to stick to the routes that are described in the books. However, as we've found when walking in the Lakes that some of his routes are no longer possible or the rights of way have changed. Rather than leaving this page mainly blank, what I've done is to list all of the walks below. Each is given the title from the book, with it's starting point and the distance, and brief extract from the relevant chapter. As we complete each of the walks I'll update the page with a 'link' to the relevant walks page. We are starting these walks at the beginning of 2010, we haven't set ourselves a 'completion date' yet as we've still got about 50 of the 'Wainwrights' to complete, as well. But we hope to make good progress on them over the next 12 months.


walks in limestone country by alfred wainwright goto arrow Walks in Limestone Country - A selection of thirty four walks in Yorkshire's famous limestone area, in and around the 'Three Peaks' of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent. Each walk was selected by Alfred Wainwright for having it's own particular charm or special objective. Unlike his Lakeland 'Pictorial Guide' all of the walks are arranged to start and finish in places where car may be parked. In the main the walks are reasonably short and easy, making them particularly suitable for family parties.
walks on the howgill fells by alfred wainwright goto arrow Walks on the Howgill Fells - A selection of thirty two walks in the lofty country which is like a stepping stone between Lakeland and the NW Yorkshire Dales was, until 1970 when the M6 motorway was opened here, a little known region of lonely hills called the Howgill Fells. The motorway traverses the valley of the River Lune, along the base of the Howgill Fells and provides an intimate view of this distinctively beautiful and compact group of hills. For lovers of solitude, here on the Howgills is fellwalking par excellence.




Walks in Limestone Country
Walk 1 - Casterton Fell and Easegill Kirk from Casterton (12.25 miles)
There are two good expeditions from Casterton: (a) the ascent of Casterton Fell and (b) a visit to Easegill Kirk (a limestone gorge, not a church). The approach to both is the same, and here they are linked in a single walk of great interest and contrasting variety.
Walk 2 - The caves and pot holes of Leck Fell from Cowan Bridge (7.5 miles)
Wild moorland and pleasant river scenery contribute equally to this interesting expedition into lonely pot hole country.
Walk 3 - The ascent of Gragareth from Ireby (7.5 miles)
Wild moorland and pleasant river scenery contribute equally to this interesting expedition into lonely pot hole country.
Walk 4 - Marble Steps Pot and Hunt's Cross from Masongill (6.25 miles)
A pleasant traverse along the crest of a typical limestone escarpment.
Walk 5 - The Turnbary Road, Rowten Pot and Yorda's Cave from Ingleton (9.5 miles)
A fine walk introduces the lonely and secluded valley of Kingsdale, revealing many of its secrets in an easy expedition of sustained interest and haunting charm.

Walk 6 - The glens and waterfalls of Ingleton from Ingleton

We completed this walk on Sunday, 14 March 2010 it's a walk that we have done many times before but each time is as special as if it was our first visit. I have to agree with AW when he says this walk has to be one of the most delightful walks in the whole country, I can't find a similar one that I enjoy more!
Walk 7 - The ascent of Whernside from Ingleton (14.25 miles)
The full length of Whernside's south-west ridge, from the confluence of the rivers Greta and Doe to the summit, is traversed on this ascent and, with a variation, repeated on the descent.
Walk 8 - White Scars and Meregill Hole from Ingleton (8.0 miles)
Every walk should have an objective. Meregill Hole is chosen for this not primarily for it's own intrinsic attractions but because it marks the termination of a fine traverse of the limestone plateau west of the top of Ingleborough.

Walk 9 - The ascent of Ingleborough from Ingleton

We completed this walk on Saturday, 13 March 2010 it was a lovely walk despite the misty conditions on the ascent. It's a very popular route with a well blazed trail all the way to the summit, the latter sections were very wet and muddy in places, and the final climb up onto the summit was steep and loose in a few places.
Walk 10 - The pot holes of Newby Moss from Newby Cote (4.0 miles)
The easy climb up to Newby Moss is tedious, in uninspiring surroundings, but two of the potholes, Fluted Hole and Pillar Holes are botanical gems on a barren moor and worth a visit.
Walk 11 - The ascent of Ingleborough from Clapham (9.0 miles)
Of the many walks described in this book, the ascent of Ingleborough from Clapham is pre-eminent, the finest of all, a classic!
Walk 12 - Juniper Gulf and The Allotment from Clapham (8.0 miles)
It is a fine walk to The Allotment and it is a fine walk from The Allotment, but The Allotment itself is a wilderness.
Walk 13 - The ascent of Norber from Ingleton (5.0 miles)
An easy climb to a pleasant summit - but it is the famous boulders that will be most remembered.
Walk 14 - The ascent of Ingleborough from Crummack (8.5 miles)
Although Horton in Ribblesdale appears to be the obvious starting point for the ascent of Ingleborough from the east, the direct route crosses private farmland, and the only right of way is the devious footpath into Crummack Dale.
Walk 15 - The ascent of Moughton from Wharfe (4.5 miles)
A delightful ramble with interesting features, not to be done in the mist.
Walk 16 - The environs of Freizor from Buckhaw Brow (5.0 miles)
This is a splendid walk in quiet and peaceful surroundings, near to the busy A65, yet a world away. Here is typical limestone country, easy to walk upon, and lovely to gaze upon.
Walk 17 - Giggleswick Scar from Giggleswick (4.5 miles)
Giggleswick Scar provides a simple and delightful high-level traverse, abounding in interesting situations and splendid viewpoints.
Walk 18 - The 'Celtic Wall' and Smearsett Scar from Stackhouse (5.0 miles)
Smearsett Scar, so named on Ordnance Survey maps is better known locally as Smearside.
Walk 19 - The ascent of Great Coum from Dent (7.5 miles)
An easy climb, rewarded with fine views in clear weather.
Walk 20 - Hell's Cauldron and Ibbeth Peril from Dent (6.0 miles)
Although this is largely a road walk, this simple tour of mid-Dentdale is an excellent introduction to the delights of the valley.

Walk 21 - The ascent of Whernside from Dent (10.5 miles)

We completed this walk on Sunday, 2 May 2010 we didn't follow exactly the route described by AW in his book, as we wanted to avoid so much road walking. So we did the described route in reverse and climbed up Flinter Gill to follow Occupation Road round to meet the road at the head of Deepdale. The other alteration was we followed The Dales Way along the river back to Dent from Mill Bridge. This increased the over all distance to 12.25 miles but I think the extra effort was well worth it.

Walk 22 - The caves of Ribblehead from Ribblehead

We completed this walk on Friday, 12 March 2010 it turned out to be a very enjoyable couple of hours wandering over the moors. The caves and potholes do need a little bit of detective work to find them, but they are there honest. It would be a perfect walk for a summers evening, rounded off by supper at The Station Inn.
Walk 23 - The ascent of Whernside from Ribblehead (7.5 miles)
The direct ascent of Whernside from Winterscales is a continuous climb and very tedious because it lacks interest. This route is better used as the way down.
Walk 24 - The Bruntscar area from Chapel-le-Dale (5.0 miles)
It provides a simple walk, which is everywhere interesting and in some respects unique, and is especially delightful in the summer when the meadows are rich in flowers.
Walk 25 - The ascent of Ingleborough from Chapel-le-Dale (6.0 miles)
The charming plateau of Ingleborough provides plenty of interest for the visitor.
Walk 26 - The Alum Pot cave system from Selside (3.0 miles)
This is a simple walk, little more than a stroll, but very rewarding in spectacle and interest.
Walk 27 - The Birkwith area from Horton-in-Ribblesdale (10.0 miles)
North Ribblesdale is a wide expanse of rolling moors, with desolation the keynote - its beauties are hidden away in the wooded ravines that carry the streams down to the Ribble. The finest of these is Ling Gill, visited on this interesting expedition.
Walk 28 - The ascent of Pen-y-Ghent from Horton-in-Ribblesdale (6.0 miles)
Probably one of the best walks in Yorkshire, if not the whole world!
Walk 29 - Stainforth Bridge and Cattrigg Force from Langcliffe (4.5 miles)
The Ribble's loveliest bridge and Craven's finest waterfall are featured in this beautiful walk .
Walk 30 - Attermire Cave and Victoria Cave from Settle (5.0 miles)
A fine walk of exceptional interest and beauty, visiting some well known caves in typical limestone scars.
Walk 31 - The ascent of Rye Loaf Hill from Settle (7.0 miles)
A splendid walk, full of interest, in contrasting scenery.
Walk 32 - Pikedaw, Nappa Cross and Langscar Gate from Malham (5.0 miles)
A visit to the site of a former industry and the summit of an ancient road, with excellent views.
Walk 33 - Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn and Malham Cove from Malham (8.0 miles)
Limestone scenery at its very best and most impressive. A superb walk in unique surroundings.
Walk 34 - The 'Three Peaks' walk from Horton-in-Ribblesdale (24.0 miles)
A very long walk visiting the summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
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Walks on The Howgill Fells
Walk 1 - The Whinfell Ridge from Huck's Bridge (4.0 miles)
The NW section visiting Ashstead Fell and Mabbin Crag.
Walk 2 - The Whinfell Ridge from Evattsike (4.75 miles)
The central section visiting Whinfell Beacon and Castle Fell.
Walk 3 - The Whinfell Ridge from Grayrigg (6.0 miles)
The central section visiting Whinfell Beacon.
Walk 4 - The Whinfell Ridge from Borrowdale (6.25 miles)
The central section visiting Whinfell Beacon.
Walk 5 - The Whinfell Ridge from Borrowdale (6.0 miles)
The SE section visiting Grayrigg Common.

Walk 6 - Calders and The Calf from Sedburgh (7.5 miles)

We completed this walk on Sunday, 4 April 2010 which was Easter Sunday, but we still didn't meet that many people considering. It was a great route with grand views of the dales and the Lakes. As AW said a great introduction to walking in The Howgills, would definitely suggest that you do this walk first if you've never walked there before.
Walk 7 - Winder from Sedburgh (3.0 miles)
A simple of ascent to the summit of Winder overlooking Sedburgh.
Walk 8 - Arant Haw from Sedburgh (5.5 miles)
A very pleasant circular tour around winder on velvety turf and easy grass.
Walk 9 - The Calf from Castley (5.75 miles)
One feels really amongst the hills, intimately so, on this impressive expedition. This is a beautiful walk with the advantage of distinct paths almost all the way.
Walk 10 - Fell Head and The Calf from Fairmile Gate (6.75 miles)
This high level traverse of the plateau splendidly reveals the topographical details of The Howgills.
Walk 11 - Black Force from Carlingill Bridge (3.5 miles)
Spectacular scenery of geological interest reached only by rough scrambling, apart this an easy walk.
Walk 12 - Carlin Gill and Uldale Head from Carlingill Bridge (4.0 miles)
This walk cannot be done of the beck is in flood. A half mile section is a battle against nature in the raw and ends in a desperate scramble. Nonagenarians should think twice before attempting this walk.
Walk 13 - Tebay Gill, Blease Fell and Hare Shaw from Tebay (6.25 miles)
An exhilarating hill walk with easy gradients, but interesting rather than exciting .
Walk 14 - Eller Gill and Rispa Pike from Gaisgill (6.0 miles)
An excellent exercise for the legs on very easy gradients. The distant scenery is better that the near vicinity.
Walk 15 - Langdale, Uldale and Simons Seat from Langdale (9.0 miles)
A fine expedition into the wild vastnesses of upper Langdale with contrasting scenery and mostly easy walking.
Walk 16 - Langdale Knott from Langdale (5.5 miles)
A simple climb, tedious in ascent but with a fast and exhilarating descent.
Walk 17 - Bowderdale, The Calf and West Fell from Bowderdale Foot (12.0 miles)
This is the longest direct ascent of The Calf, which more distant from the road at Bowderdale than any other road around the perimeter of the Howgills.
Walk 18 - Randygill Top and Green Bell from Weasdale (6.25 miles)
This circuit of Weasdale valley is a splendid walk, interesting in it geography and excellent in its far reaching views.
Walk 19 - The source of the River Lune from Ravenstonedale (5.5miles)
An interesting objective, but not very inspiring journey.
Walk 20 - Hater Fell and Wandale Hill from Huck's Bridge (6.5 miles)
A beautiful walk on a fine day, good views and lovely valley scenery.
Walk 21 - Westerdale, Kensgriff and Yarlside from Cautley (5.0 miles)
The tree lined beck adds a charm to the hidden valley of Westerdale and with a good ridge walk to follow this is an enjoyable tramp over unfrequented territory suitable only in fine weather.
Walk 22 - Cautley Spout and The Calf from Cautley (5.5 miles)
This is the most impressive corner of the Howgills, with dramatic scenery and splendid views. The route is not safe in mist and should not be done in reverse.
Walk 23 - Great Dummacks and Hobdale from Cautley (5.0 miles)
A long and tedious ascent, a supreme moment and a charming valley.
Walk 24 - Sickers Fell and Knott from Sedburgh (4.5 miles)
A simple half day expedition, easy walking and fine views.
Walk 25 - Crook from Sedburgh (3.0 miles)
A very pleasant afternoon stroll.

Walk 26 - Fell End Clouds from The Street (2.75 miles)

We completed this walk on Sunday, 27 June 2010 which turned out to be a brilliant short walk over limestone pavements/outcrops. Highly recommended for a warm summers evening with a picnic to watch the sun set?
Walk 27 - Wild Boar Fell from Stennerskeugh (7.0 miles)
This is the least interesting side of Wild Boar Fell but the walk thereto and there from is pleasant.
Walk 28 - Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell from Asigill (7.25 miles)
More than any other in the book, this expedition savours of real mountaineering, the ramparts forming an exciting parade. A little elementary potholing is included for good measure.
Walk 29 - Baugh Fell (East) from Grisedale (6.5 miles)
Grisedale is lovely, Baugh Fell is desolate. An easy walk with no steep gradients.
Walk 30 - Baugh Fell (West) from Rawthey Bridge (10.0 miles)
This walk, tracking the River Rawthey to its source should be regarded as a major expedition requiring a full day. The river is a delightful companion, but Baugh Fell is a vast wilderness. Fine clear weather is essential, not for safety but for enjoyment.
Walk 31 - Baugh Fell (West) from Longstone Fell (7.0 miles)
This is the simplest way up Baugh Fell, the route being uncomplicated and foolproof even in mist but its also tedious and uninteresting. it starts and finishes in pleasant scenery.
Walk 32 - Dovecote Gill and Hebblethwaite Hall Gill from Burntmill Bridge (4.0 miles)
Dovecote Cave is the sort of place that makes an old man feel young again.
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