Sunday, 15th November 2009

 

Walk: Langcliffe, Catrigg Force, Stainforth, Stainforth Force, Smearsett Scar, Feizor Scar, Giggleswick Scar
Start Point: Langcliffe car park Grid Ref: SD 823 651
Distance: 12 miles Ascent: 2,050 feet
Weather: Mainly dry with a little sun
Accompanied by:

On my own
Comments: Having previously walked in this area I decided to return and adapt the route so that I could use it for a group walk. Setting out from Langcliffe, where there is a free car park, I headed up to Catrigg Force. With all the rain we have been having it was putting on quite a show. Rather that take the direct path to Stainforth I made my way through pasture which turned out to be rather muddy in places, but more interesting than the alternative. Passing through Stainforth (where there are public toilets) I diverted from the route to visit Stainforth Force - a good spot for elevenses. A short road walk soon gave way to an enclosed green track which eventually allowed access to Smearsett Scar. After visiting the trig point I made my way along the ridge, past Pot Scar and onto the limestone pavement at the end of the ridge. From here I had to head north to join the track leading into Feizor which is a tiny hamlet of just a few houses - and a cafe. I then took the path signposted to Stackhouse but left this at a junction of paths to head across to Giggleswick Scar. After descending past the quarry it was necessary to head north again so that I could cross the River Ribble before turning south to Langcliffe. A very enjoyable walk with only a few muddy sections in the mainly dry, green terrain.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

With no leaves on the trees much more of the woodland is seen as I head for . . .

 

Catrigg Force . . .

 

and experiment with the camera to photograph the movement of the water . . .

 

and try out different angles . . .

 

plus one as I leave

 

Stainforth Beck becomes Catrigg Force

 

We've all got our eyes on you!

 

Stainforth Force - shame about the photographers . . .

 

so I'll go for a shot a little upstream - and include the bridge

 

While eating lunch on the banks of the beck . . .

 

I decided to experiment . . .

 

zooming in on the top of the Force

 

A green lane heads up to Hargreaves Barn - but it's wetter than it looks

 

Pen-y-Ghent hides in clouds, from the slopes of Smearsett Scar

 

The sun peeps out for a shot on Smearsett Scar . . .

 

but it's quite windy up here . . .

 

and it's even sunnier looking along the ridge to Pot Scar . . .

 

and across the valley to Moughton Scar

 

The rocky top of Pot Scar . . .

 

and limestone pavement overlooks Feizor Wood

 

An unusual garden (water) feature

 

Pot Scar in the centre and Smearsett Scar to the right, from the path to . . .

 

Giggleswick Scar

 

Looking down the Ribble Valley, Settle can just be seen

 

You can do a little cave exploration en route . . .

 

but I'll just zoom in on it today

 

There is still a little Autumn colour around

 

The weir on the River Ribblw

 

War memorial in Langcliffe . . .

 

and the village green

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