The route starts at Pendragon Castle in Mallerstang and finishes 85km later at Skipton station.
A linear route throws up challenges in terms of transport, the start and finish are linked by the Settle to Carlisle railway. The start is approximately 4km from Kirkby Stephen station and the finish close to Skipton Castle. The finish location for each leg are: Hawes, Kettlewell and Skipton respectively, all of which have a good selection of accommodation options and shops to re-supply.
Route descriptions
The run descriptions follow the same pattern: an introductory overview containing details of distance, ascent, start and finish points, points of interest, amenities and a brief overview of the route.
The descriptions generally state the nature of the route the run follows, namely, path, track or quad bike track, without noting whether it is classed as a footpath or bridleway. Most of the routes use a combination of footpaths, bridleways, and tracks or paths on open access land. For more information on access, visit www.yorkshiredales.org.uk.
Most run descriptions refer to crossing several walls or fences; this means there is a crossing or gate of some type. Where appropriate, to aid navigation, the description is more specific, for example, ‘cross using the ladder stile’.
One of the many types of wall crossing
Mapping
The 1:50,000 OS map extracts indicate the route, and, together with the route description and gradient profile, should allow a competent runner to successfully complete the route. However, a full map of the area should also be carried.
Times and distances
A suggested time is given for each route, based on a speed of 8km per hour and 60 minutes per 1000m of ascent, rounded to the nearest half-hour. Individual speeds and fitness will of course vary. Runners will know their own speed over such terrain and be able to gauge how long each run should take. It is a good idea to run a couple of the routes and adjust your time accordingly. Factors that may affect the time taken include weather or navigational ability.
Each route is split into smaller sections; on shorter routes these roughly equate to 2km, and on longer routes, 4km. The sections are marked on the maps of each route. Where appropriate, grid references and distances are included. A cumulative distance is included at the end of each section, which was recorded using GPS. Inevitably, the distance will only be approximate, and towards the end of the route could differ by a few hundred metres, depending on exactly where you run. As such, they are intended as a guide only. Routes can be run in either direction; occasionally, the weather, for example, wind direction, dictates one way or the other. The run descriptions are probably the best way to run the route.
Run difficulty
Each run has been given a broad level of difficulty. The grade given to each run reflects the maximum level of difficulty on that particular route, even though some parts of the route may fall into a lower category of difficulty. Due to the nature of the terrain, some runs do not easily fall into a given category. Some runs comprise wide, easy-to-navigate paths with few signposts and vice versa. The more difficult runs include both navigational and route-finding aspects. Broadly speaking, navigational ability is about being able to read and follow a map. Route-finding ability is more about mountain experience and the ability to follow a route on the ground, being able to make a judgement about which direction to take. Where particularly relevant, a comment on safety has been included.
| Level | Description |
| 1 | Well-signposted wide tracks and footpaths. No technical ground with medium ascents and descents. Straightforward navigation. May include short sections of road. |
| 2 | Well-signposted tracks and footpaths. Short sections of technical ground with steep(er) ascents and descents. Straightforward navigation. |
| 3 | Signposted smaller tracks and paths. Sections of technical ground with steep ascents and descents. Navigational ability necessary. |
| 4 | Small paths with few signposts. Mainly technical ground with steep ascents and descents. Navigational ability essential. |
| 5 | Small or intermittent paths with few, if any, signposts. Mainly technical ground with steep ascents and descents. Navigational and route-finding ability essential. |
GPX tracks
GPX tracks for the routes in this guidebook are available to download free at www.cicerone.co.uk/922/GPX. A GPS device is an excellent aid to navigation, but you should also carry a map and compass and know how to use them. GPX files are provided in good faith, but neither the author nor the publisher accept responsibility for their accuracy.
THE SOUTH-WEST DALES AND THREE PEAKS
Leaders on the Settle Hills Race, 2017
ROUTE 1
Settle Loop
| Start/finish | Roadside lay-by, just off the Malham Tarn to Settle road: SD 830 652 |
| Distance | 13km (8 miles) |
| Ascent | 440m (1440ft) |
| Grade | Level 2 |
| Time | 2hr |
| Terrain | A mixture of grassy paths and stone tracks with a few hundred metres of road |
| Map | OS Landranger 98: Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale. OS Explorer OL2: Yorkshire Dales – Southern and Western Areas |
| Refreshments | A wide variety of shops, including two running/outdoor stores; cafés; and pubs in Settle |
| Public transport | Bus 580 from Skipton, 581 from Kirkby Lonsdale, 881 from Lancaster. Trains via the Settle–Carlisle railway line |
A fast run, with little ascent and descent, around Langcliffe Scar. The run takes in the paths and bridleways between Settle and Malham, following the Settle Loop of the Pennine Bridleway for much of the route. From the start, the route climbs gently and traverses under the limestone outcrop of Attermire Scar. Many small outcrops and caves lie just off the route, and it is worth taking a torch to explore some of them if you have time.
The second section of the route passes above Stockdale Farm before climbing a track east towards Malhamdale, providing good views over Malham Tarn. The final section follows the Pennine Bridleway as it undulates back towards Settle to complete a circuit of Langcliffe Scar.
1 Take the track uphill, crossing over the cattle grid. Run ahead to reach a gate after three-quarters of a kilometre. Turn sharp R through the gate and pass through a smaller gate. Follow the path up and along the bottom of Langcliffe and Attermire Scar, passing Victoria Cave, to reach a second gate. Continue ahead and then descend a rocky path to the footpath junction 2km.
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