Stainforth and Catrigg Force represent the standout features of this brief ramble in the vicinity of Settle. The limestone landscape offers impressive panoramas throughout, complemented by sections of appealing woodland. The village of Stainforth serves as an ideal departure point, equipped with refreshment options and parking facilities.
Commence the route in Stainforth, where a pay and display car park and public conveniences are available. The village itself is visually charming, with St Peter’s church particularly deserving of a visit. Proceed beneath the B6479 highway and alongside the watercourse to reach Stainforth Falls. The trail ascends across the railway tracks via an overpass connecting to the celebrated Settle to Carlisle line, before joining a minor road that descends toward the River Ribble.
Traverse the pack horse bridge and bear left immediately toward the tumbling waterfalls. This location provides a peaceful environment for lingering. Seasonal blossoms adorn the area and adventurous bathers occasionally take to the deep plunge pool. Retrace your steps to the original car park to conclude this initial section.
From the parking area, proceed along the road toward the Craven Heifer establishment. Take the opposite road, curving past additional handsome buildings constructed from Yorkshire stone. The surfaced road transitions to a track as it leaves the village, with a signpost directing you uphill toward Catrigg Force. The initial steep section soon evens out to a more gentle incline while running alongside the stream on the left.
Upon covering approximately half a mile along the track, a gate blocks the route and a signpost directs left toward Catrigg Force. Descend the path. After roughly 20 metres, an open picnic area marks the upper section of the waterfall, while a stile on the left provides access to dense woodland.
The trail descends to the picturesque Catrigg Force, comprising a solitary 7-metre cascade dropping into a concealed deep pool. During periods of high water, this constitutes a spectacular sight and ranks among the finest in the Dales. Fifteen years prior, both the waterfall and surrounding land were placed on the market, with a local newspaper characterising the location as One Dales beauty spot, no mains supply but plenty of running water. Price £35,000. Composer Edward Elgar numbered among the waterfall’s distinguished admirers.
Head back through the picnic area to the gated signpost junction and continue across expansive open farmland along the farm track. The vistas now become the walk’s defining characteristic. All three Yorkshire Peaks—Pen y Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside—remain visible alongside numerous other limestone outcrops, rocky scars and shake holes where the ground has collapsed into crater-like depressions.
The track passes through an additional gate before veering right toward the isolated Upper Winskill farmstead. Despite its solitude, the surrounding prospect is considerable.
A trail runs alongside the farm for 100 metres in a south-westerly direction toward Lower Winskill. The route shifts westward, crosses a ladder stile and proceeds north-westerly toward a limestone escarpment. This geological feature exemplifies the region, where limestone bedrock terminates abruptly due to erosion from water and glacial action shearing away the rock face. The trail descends readily through pleasant woodland before reaching the fringe of Stainforth.
Key Information:
Length: Approximately 3.5 miles
Ascent: 180 metres (600 feet), with a sharp initial climb
Commencing point: SE 821673. Pay and display parking available in Stainforth
Grade: Straightforward ramble on maintained paths throughout. The section through woodland toward Catrigg Force may become treacherous
Refreshment options: The Craven Heifer in Stainforth provides traditional Yorkshire hospitality
Preparation essential: The written description and accompanying sketch serve as a general guide only. Walkers must carry and be capable of interpreting a map (O/S Explorer OL2) and, during poor visibility conditions, a compass. Appropriate attire and footwear for countryside walking are also required. Despite careful preparation, walkers venture out at their own discretion.