I am sure that I am not alone within the walking community in finding pleasure in just sitting and studying an OS Map, my collection of Outdoor Explorer Maps now stands at 186 and I can pick one from the bookshelf and immediately recall the walk I did in that area.
Yesterday evening I sat in the awning looking at my latest version of OL2, Yorkshire Dales (West). I say my latest version because I have worn out two previous versions, but I cannot bear to part with them. Whilst studying the map I realised there was a footpath locally I had never walked. Given the number of times we have stayed at Brigholme Farm I find this hard to believe, but recall that the last time I ventured on to this path it crossed a field that was home to some very frisky cattle and I decided to find an alternative route. Looking at the map I feel I need to venture along the path to see what delights it might bring.
I leave Brigholme Farm and turn right and within a couple of hundred yards take the footpath on the right joining the Ribble Way as it crosses a field to head towards the River Ribble. The route now follows close to the river, passing behind barns on Brigholme Farm to enter another field. The water level in the river is low and with no recent rain it flows slowly.
The path hugs the river as it goes through a gate into a spinney and then turns to run parallel to the A65.
Approaching a road bridge over the river I turn right over a ladder stile to climb the embankment and then cross the river on the pavement besides the A65. On the far side of the bridge I take a footpath on the left leading down the embankment and once again joining the river. I turn right and follow a farm track as it sweeps away from the river heading towards Runley Mill.
On reaching the B6480 I cross and continue on the track opposite, Lodge Road, this crosses the railway line giving views across the fields to Settle.
The track climbs steadily to pass Lodge Farm; I go through a gate and turn left and then at a junction of paths fork right to head uphill through a gate on a track besides Hudsa Plantation.
Looking over the wall on my left I get a fine view of Ingleborough in the distance.
I follow the track through gates to reach the edge of Blacks Plantation; here I carry straight on to reach the start of a tarmac lane, Mitchell Lane, I turn right here joining a walled track, Lambert Lane.
This is one of my favourite walled tracks, the view in front of me is stunning.
At a junction with a road I turn right and then within a few hundred yards take a left into Stockdale Lane. As this lane sweeps to the right I cross a ladder stile in front of me and follow the path besides the wall as it heads towards Sugar Loaf, soon on my left there is a disused limekiln.
After passing Sugar Loaf the view in front of Warrendale Knotts and Attermire Scar is cracking.
I have been here many times but I still have to stop and admire the splendour of it all.
I continue on the grassy path across the fields to enter a walled field under the scar, here I turn left to join the Dales High Way and head steadily uphill, overshadowed by the scar on my right. At the brow of the hill I stop to look back along my route.
Staying on the Dales High Way I follow a clear grassy path to a gate. The path now descends steeply.
The well-worn path is easy to follow as it veers to the left to head downhill to a dry stone wall where I turn left and then go through a gate to join a walled track that heads steeply downhill to a tarmac lane. Here I turn left and walk downhill into Settle Market Square.
From the centre of Settle I head back to Brigholme Farm. My walk has covered just over six miles, most of the route I have walked previously but it is the first time I have walked along this section of the Ribble Way.
To view this 6 mile walk on OS Maps Click Here
To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western Area
13th July 2019
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2019)