Walks by Bus and Train in the Dales

Walk 7: High level from Kettlewell to Grassington

One of the loveliest sections of the Dales Way with panoramic views along the whole of Upper Wharfedale.

Map: Outdoor Leisure No 2 Yorkshire Dales Western area

Distance:  7 miles  One moderate ascent, but once height is gained this is a relatively easy walk.

Getting There:  Bus service 72 from Skipton and Grassington to Kettlewell  - (connections off service 74 on weekdays from Ilkley)  On Sundays take bus 874 from Ilkley to Kettlewell (connections from Keighley and Skipton on bus 66A). Alight in Kettlewell.

The Route: Follow the lane to the east of village to the church. Turn right past the church, but then left through a gate along a track, turning right at the path which leads through a series of stiles (waymarked) which joins the quiet lane to the east of the Wharfe near Scargill House.  

Continue immediately past Scargill, then up the track by stile and gate which climbs up through woods. As track levels out above the wood, turn right along the scar and follow a long level path along the limestone escarpment with superb views, above Swinber Scar and past Conistone Pie.   

Where the path descends into a shallow ravine above Conistone Dib, go through pedestrian gates but keep the same direction, maintaining height along the clear path across high pastures over a series of stiles.   Path goes through ancient pastures and limestone scars – keep same direction with main path across Lea Green behind Grass Wood, eventually descending though stiles towards Town Head Farm where the diverted path now turns sharp left before farm uphill over stiles to join an enclosed track. 

Turn right here to reach Chapel Street in Grassington – left to village centre for shops, pubs, cafes.  Toilets are by the National Park Centre and transport interchange. 

Getting Back: Buses 66A, 72, 74 and 874 all leave from Grassington Interchange outside the National Park Centre.