The dramatic series of limestone headlands above Langcliffe, Settle and Malham attract walkers who return often to enjoy this magnificent area. This walk, from the lovely village of Langcliffe, goes close to these well-known spectaculars', but continues on from Attermire, along the Pennine Bridleway almost to Pikedaw Hill. It then descends towards Langscar, where, turning left, it returns over open moorland, on a delightful track, pausing to view, first, the Three Peaks and then Jubilee Cave, before dropping down to Langcliffe once more. Take the A65 to Settle, and take the B6480 off the bypass into the town. Langcliffe is on the B6479 going north from the centre of Settle. Park in the car park, in front of the little school, at the top end of the village (grid ref 823651).

  • 1/ From the car park, turn left and climb a few steps to take a signposted gate on the right side of fell road, just before the first wall. Go on up the small pasture beyond, to go through a gate in the top right corner and bear right to walk a narrow path beside the wall on your right, with a fine view down to Langcliffe, Giggleswick, Little Stainforth, and the fine limestone hills beyond. Carry on the stiled and gated way along the foot of the steepish slopes and also where the way narrows between walls. Go through the next gate and just before a gate gap and a signpost, turn left to climb the grassy slope, beside a derelict wall on your left. Cross a narrow path and go on up the wide green way, bearing slightly right to arrive close to a wall corner. Stroll on, winding right, beside the continuing wall on your left. The way is wide and the springy turf is a delight to walk.
  • 2/ At the Y-junction, take either of the trods to descend to a large hollow among the magnificent limestone heights, where you will want to pause to enjoy such fine scenery. Head on, with a wall to your right, and wind slightly right with it, to pass through a gateless gap on a good path that continues in the same general direction out beside the rough moorland to your right, still with limestone scars and outcrops to your left. Walk on along the way for almost three-quarters-of-a-mile from Attermire, passing through gates, and then with the wall to your right, until you reach a well waymarked gate through it. Beyond, descend a little slope on to metalled Stockdale Lane and turn left. Stroll the metalled way into the depths of the valley, still with limestone outcrops to the left and now with the steep moorland slopes of Rye Loaf Hill to your right.
  • 3/ Then when you reach the brow where the road begins its descent to Stockdale Farm, set among its large level pastures in the quiet valley, go through another gate on the left, clearly marked Pennine bridleway, Malham'. From now go on along a glorious stony track. It is easy to walk and takes you on deeper and deeper into the head of valley before climbing gradually below more limestone outcrops and with pleasing views around. Soon you reach a fine level stretch over the high pastures, where the track has been churned up a little, the first erosion seen on this walk. After strolling a narrower reinforced track you arrive at a gate and a three-armed signpost.
  • 4/ Do not pass through the gate, but turn left and pause to enjoy the splendid view of Malham Tarn. Continue beside the wall on your right and then, when the wall drifts away, slightly right, join a wide grassy trod dropping down to a gate in the wall below you. From now on descend the glorious gated slopes, on a trod which is distinct and most pleasing to walk, until you reach another signpost.
  • 5/ Turn left to continue on the Pennine bridleway, 4.25 miles, Langcliffe'. At first the grassy way climbs steadily and you must pick your way where it has been churned up and then, after this short ascent, a fine well-maintained reinforced track stretches ahead over the extensive moorland. Over this mainly level gated way the four miles are hardly noticed. At first Penyghent peeps out from beyond nearby hills, then, as you progress, the whole of the elegant hill can be seen. Ahead stands Ingleborough and between the two looms Whernside.
  • 6/ Approximately 3.25 miles along the track it begins to wind left and you can see the limestone hills beyond Little Stainforth. After a little climb you pass through limestone crags on both sides. Just beyond, take a grassy trod, left, if you wish to visit Jubilee Cave, and then return to the track. Stroll on down through a gate and past a barn. Walk on down beside woodland, to your left, to come to a gate. A short way beyond, you join the fell road down to Langcliffe. To avoid a stretch of road walking, use the grassy verge to your left, making use of a sunken way - probably the old road. Go on down until just before a barn where you must join the road before a cattle grid. Then descend a short way to the parking area.