Over the years I have done numerous walks around Settle, but I have never visited the trig point on Warrendale Knotts. For years trig points have featured in our walks, but until recently it has been a case of finding one on our route, as opposed to going on a walk with the specific aim of “bagging” a trig.
There is a website devoted to those who log the trig points they have bagged. For some the aim appears to be to get as close as possible by car to minimise the effort required to achieve their goal. Whilst recognising the limited mobility of some, I do find it quite strange that so many seem to celebrate the minimum amount of exertion needed to get to a trig. I can only assume they are after quantity rather quality.
Leaving Brigholme Farm CL we turn right and head into the centre of Settle and from the market square head up Constitution Hill. On reaching a footpath on the right we follow this as it heads steeply uphill on a wall-lined track. Soon after going through a gate we head right to follow the route of the Dales High Way footpath.
This is a ferocious climb, a real calf burner. We purposely push ourselves to get up the hill in one blast, so avoid the temptation to stop and admire the view behind us. To our left is the striking Blua Crags.
After going through a gate we follow the path as it heads below the Warrendale Knotts Scar. I have walked this section of path many times but always stop to admire the beauty of this scar.
On reaching Attermire Scar we turn left on a path that goes uphill and then through a gate below the scar. The path continues uphill and then after levelling out we continue below the scar and then leave the main track to follow a route across the open access land that runs besides a stonewall.
Going through a gate we follow the path as it gradually heads to the summit of Warrendale Knotts. Reaching the cairn near the summit we are blown away with the view.
From the cairn it is a very short walk to the trig point, this is the sixty-first I have bagged.
This is a trig point that does take a significant effort to bag. It is someway from the nearest road and even from there it involves a good walk, but the views are reward enough.
As I admire the view I spot Brigholme CL in the distance below us.
We don’t rush to leave this stunning spot. Lynnie occupies herself looking for Orchids and other wild flowers whilst I enjoy the tranquillity.
Resuming our walk we retrace our steps from the trig point and on the way take in the cracking view of Victoria Cave in front of us.
On reaching the point where we turned off the track below Attermire Scar we turn left and head below the scar. Passing through a gate we are soon below Victoria Cave, we briefly contemplate diverting up to the cave entrance, but we have visited many times and doubt it has changed since the last time.
Continuing along the track we go through another gate and turn left to go through another before following the track as it heads downhill. After the next gate we head down to briefly join a road before turning left through another gate to join the Pennine Bridleway back to Settle.
The well-worn route from here is easy to follow. Once in the town we have a brief wander around before heading back to Brigholme CL. Back at the site I look towards Warrendale Scar to see if I can spot the trig point, but I will need binoculars to pick it out.
We have covered six and a half miles and I am sure that this will be a walk we will repeat on future visits.
You can view this 6.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here
To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map 2 – Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western
3rd June 2018
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2018)
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Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.