Wednesday, 4th July 2018

Walk: Upper Winskill, Catrigg Force, Stainforth, Stainforth Force, Smearsett Scar, Pot Scar, Feizor, Giggleswick Scar, River Ribble
Start Point: Langcliffe Grid Reference: SD 823 651 
Distance: 11 miles Ascent: 2,000 feet
Time: 5.75 hours
Weather: Sunny all day and a welcome cool breeze
Comments: With high temperatures expected after two weeks of heat wave, I opted for the relatively easy walk over Smearsett Scar. It was interesting to compare Catrigg Force and Stainforth Force with previous visits. A pleasant breeze took the edge of the hot sun and shade was welcome for refreshment stops. The 2 litres of water I took with me had almost gone by the time I got back to the car.

Smearsett Scar comes into view as I pass Lower Winskill

Shortly afterwards Pen-y-Ghent comes into view . . .

more recognisable as I zoom in

Ingleborough and Whernside can also be seen . . .

and are also more recognisable . . .

when the zoom is used

Approaching Catrigg Force the shade is inviting . . .

but the view of the waterfall is blocked by the fallen tree

However, it is possible to get past the tree . . .

but there is very little water . . .

compared to a previous visit . . .

and the same dead tree is still here!

Heading into Stainforth . . .

the stepping stones are hardly needed . . .

to cross Stainforth Beck

Beside the memorial the tree branches are amazing

From Stainforth Bridge . . .

the effects of the recent dry weather can be seen

The well-known waterfalls . . .

are a shadow . . .

of their former selves

Concentrating on one of the waterfalls . . .

and comparing to a previous visit

Heading up to Smearsett Scar . . .

I am treated to a display . . .

with two planes flying up the valley . . .

then one of them returning . . .

giving me the opportunity . . .

of more photos . . .

before turning back again . . .

for one last shot

Smearsett Scar with Pen-y-Ghent in the distance . . .

and showing that I've finally got the legs out!

A little colour in a rather barren landscape

Looking back to Smearsett Scar . . .

from Pot Scar

Looking down to Feizor where I'm hoping the cafe has ice creams!

The tree provides shade for a lunch stop . . .

with views of Ingleborough . . .

and Pen-y-Ghent

A little more colour!

Patches of bracken pop up here and there along the route

The first of two cairns . . .

leads to the Schoolboys Tower . . .

which has a depression in the middle . . .

but no entrance

A BIG hole!

The River Ribble . . .

where there is no water going over the weir . . .

in contrast to the last time I was here

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