Grassington to Kettlewell

6 miles (9.5 km)

A linear walk on the Dales Way between these two popular Yorkshire towns. The route includes some wonderful limestone scenery and fabulous, far reaching views from the high points. It's about a 6 mile hike, with some moderate climbs along the way.
You pick up the Dales Way in the centre of Grassington and head north, climbing to Lea Green, Old Pasture and Conistone Pie. This unusual limestone outcrop is shaped like a pie and commands great views of Wharfedale and Littondale.
The route then descends along Swineber Scar toward Scargill House. The house dates from the eighteenth century and is constructed of stone, rendered and colour-washed, under a stone flag roof. It is now used as a Christian conference Centre run by the Scargill Movement.
The route then passes Crookacre barn before coming into Kettlewell.
You can extend the walk by continuing along the Dales Way through Wharfedale. It's a lovely riverside path which will take you to the village of Buckden where you can try the climb to Buckden Pike.
Our Circular Walk around Kettlewell takes you on a tour of some of the area's popular peaks, including Great Whernside, Blackfell Top and Blackfell Dike.

Grassington to Kettlewell Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Grassington to Kettlewell Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Grassington to Kettlewell OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Grassington to Kettlewell Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At the end of the route in Kettlewell you could head to The King's Head for a rest and some refreshment. The quality inn is ranked by�The Sunday Times�in the�top 10 pubs in The Ultimate 100 British Hotels, as well as named in the�Sunday Times Top 50 affordable hotels�in the U.K. They do excellent homemade�food and have a nice outdoor area for warmer weather. You can find them at The Green with postcode BD23 5RD for your sat navs. They also have a sister pub called the The Blue Bell Inn which is dog friendly and can be found on Middle Lane at postcode BD23 5QX.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

At the end of the route you can pick up the Kettlewell to Starbotton and Arncliffe Walk. This route visits the two neighbouring villages which are both full of character. There's excellent views of the countryside of Wharfedale and the Littondale valley on this walk. Just to the north west of Arncliffe you can pick up the Littondale Walk. This starts from the nearby village of Litton and explores the northern end of the dale with more riverside trails and excellent views.
Just to the west of Grassington you'll find the worthy village of Threshfield. The pretty settlement includes an historic 16th century inn and the nearby Threshfield Quarry. The quarry is an unusual and atmospheric place for a walk with its limestone rocky cliffs and distinctive turquoise lakes.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Nidderdale Walks page.