Stainforth via Smearsett Scar & Giggleswick Scar
A walk through limestone country
Summary
The small village of Stainforth is in the craven district of North Yorkshire. Nearby, there is Stainforth falls, which is renowned for wild swimming and is easily accessed on foot. From the falls, the walk rises high above the village, offering magnificent views of dramatic limestone and rocky outcrops towards the hamlet of Feizor. There are several caves along Giggleswick Scar beloved by potholers/archaeologists, not least Kinsey Cave. A majestic walk along some of the Dale's outstanding scenery.
The Hike
The walk began from Stainforths main carpark just off the B6479. We began following a path that went underneath the road, past Stainforth Falls, and up to a farm track. The track continued for a short while, over a small stile and onto an area of soft grass. We continued upwards - The higher we climbed, the more impressive the views became. I stopped and gazed for quite a while, watching pockets of sunshine splash over the fells, including Pen-y-Ghent. I could stay there all day watching. It never gets boring, just more exciting.
We took the route up, and it wasn't long before we came to an area of astounding scenery where the valley was visible. Filled with high limestone cliffs, rounded hills, dry stone walls, and roaming sheep. While at the same time, the view of Smearsett was excellent where we had to locate the correct path. This climbed steadily upwards, short and very sharp, but well worth it for the view. Upon arriving at the summit, I was lost for words by just how good the view was. It looked like something out of a painting. I love this part of the Dales - A 360 panoramic view of rolling fells. It was fantastic!
Smearsett was a grand place to stop for a bite to eat and to admire the view. From my point of view, it doesn't get much better than this. After that, we went along the path that gradually took us downhill. It was time to go down into the valley beneath. We kept walking down the track, and when we got to the valley, we had to climb once more. Everywhere I looked, the sky was beginning to be filled with clouds. Enhancing the drama of the scenery. While continuing, we followed the route down a steep gravel track that brought us toward Fiezor. However, we encountered an ambulance halfway along, also there was a helicopter that was circulating the area too. It wasn’t until we stopped for a coffee in the tearoom in Fiezor that we found out there was a fatality! Even in the safest of places, there is always danger.
After leaving the tearoom, we began our last part of the hike. Traversing the tracks through the valley towards Giggleswick Scar. We sauntered up the hill and were greeted by a full rainbow on the left, whilst ominous dark clouds filled the sky. As we continued, we finally emerged onto the scar. I could see the path snake along. It was something like from a postcard. It filled the pathway with pockets of golden ferns, making a lovely colour in contrast to the creamy white of the limestone outcrops shielding us to our left. Upon following the path, we found a cave nestled in the cliff. We couldn’t resist exploring it. A perfect place for a few photographs and to look out over the view.
Meanwhile, we continued following the path, taking us toward Giggleswick Quarry. We passed the large squat cairn of Schoolboys Tower, and from here the path circled along the very large quarry. Providing some impressive views. Afterward, we continued to follow the path, taking us slowly downhill toward the River Ribble. This was slightly misleading, however; whilst descending, the most incredible rainbow filled the sky. Lost for words, we stood and gazed before we descended towards the River Ribble. A long stretch of path that took us to Stainforth Force. A 2.5-metre-high cascade waterfall! It looked extremely inviting and if it wasn’t so cold, I would have jumped in. (Not fully clothed)
Maybe next time. Having said that, it was the best ending to the hike.
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