Take a peaceful stroll from Stainforth Force to Settle, with the soothing sounds of the Ribble River accompanying you along the way 🌊. This riverside route takes about two hours, giving you time to slow down and soak in the calm and beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
Looking for an easy stroll packed with stunning views in the Yorkshire Dales? Walking along the riverside to or from Settle to see the beauty of Stainforth Force is a must! 🌿
This well-marked trail follows the River Ribble for 2.8 miles (4.5 km) one way, offering a mostly easy and pleasant walk that takes about an hour 🌟. It’s perfect for little ones or anyone who prefers a gentle route. You can extend it into a longer walk by retracing your steps, making it a 5.6-mile (9 km) round trip.
The Stainforth River walk offers pretty much everything a great Yorkshire Dales trail should have: a flowing waterfall, quaint little stone bridges, dry stone walls stretching across rolling green hills, and charming historic stone villages .
In autumn, besides the stunning fall colors of the trees, you can see salmon leaping over the waterfall to reach their spawning grounds – an amazing natural sight!
If you’re looking for an easy and beautiful stroll around Settle or Giggleswick, it would be a shame to miss this amazing riverside walk . Here’s everything you need to know!
Key stats for the Stainforth River Trail :
Starting point: Settle or Stainforth Force, Yorkshire Dales
Length: 2.8 miles / 4.5 km (one way) or 5.6 miles / 9 km (round trip)
Duration: 1 hour (one way) or 2 hours (round trip)
Trail type: out and back
Elevation: low, mostly flat trail
Difficulty level: easy
Around Stainforth Force Bridge
Approaching Stainforth Force via Dog Hill Brow, you’ll notice signs warning that the narrow old monastic road isn’t suitable for convoys. When you reach the small stone bridge crossing the River Ribble on the steep path, you’ll understand why!
The arched bridge, barely wide enough for a small car to inch across, was originally built in 1675 by a local Quaker to allow packhorses to travel between York and Lancaster.
Despite being around 350 years old, its charming structure is still remarkably well-preserved. The Grade II listed bridge is now owned by the National Trust, providing access and serving as a beautiful backdrop to Stainforth Force.
Around Stainforth Force
Behind the wooden gate by the bridge, you can access Stainforth Force. The waterfall isn’t huge, but its cascading shape over a series of small limestone slabs (known as a “stepped waterfall”) makes it very charming.
The largest waterfall at the bottom is about 4 meters high, with a large, deep pool beneath it.
Although the waterfall is somewhat hidden and not clearly signposted, its location next to the caravan park and small tourist villages in the Dales makes it popular in summer, especially for picnics and barbecues on the nearby grassy bank.
Stainforth Force is also a popular spot for wild swimming. For those brave enough, you can jump or dive into the lower pool from the rocky edges. But after heavy rain, the water flows fiercely, creating a sort of whirlpool below, so it’s best to avoid it in such conditions.
You’ll need to keep an eye on young children here, as there’s no barrier at the waterfall and it’s right next to the grass, which can be a bit concerning.
Stainforth Force is one of four waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales fed by the River Ribble. The other waterfalls on the Ribble include Force Gill Waterfall, Scaleber Force, and Catrigg Force. Stainforth Force is the lowest of the four, with its final drop only a few meters high.
Description of the Stainforth River Trail
If you start walking from the waterfall toward Settle, be aware that parking is very limited. There’s space for only two cars just past the historic stone bridge, so you may need to park further along the road or in Stainforth village. From Stainforth, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the waterfall.
In Settle, there are plenty of free and paid parking options, but in summer the small town can get very busy.
Following the path along the riverside will mostly take you through fields and grassy pastures. There are always stunning or interesting views to enjoy on the opposite riverbank as well.
Beyond its natural beauty, Stainforth Force is also home to wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds like dippers, herons, and kingfishers along the riverside, as they are common in this area.
During the walk, in true Yorkshire style, you’ll need to hop over a variety of stone or wooden stiles between the fields. Some are made of wood, but my favorite are the beautiful stone stiles that seem to float. These stiles and stone walls are truly amazing, standing the test of time in Yorkshire’s harsh and wild weather!
At some point, you’ll reach a metal bridge crossing the River Ribble, and you’ll need to cross it while making sure to stay along the river and not stray away.
Whichever direction you’re coming from, you’ll need to pass through the small cluster of cottages, then turn immediately left (or right!) after the last house to follow the marked path.
Directly behind Langcliffe Caravan Park, there’s a large pond (or small lake – take your pick!) surrounded by reeds and beautiful plants.
However, you’ll reach the least attractive part of the walk here – passing by an abandoned commercial building, which appears to have been a former mill with trucks in the yard. Still, there are some old and interesting machinery pieces to spot next to the derelict mill.
The path curves away from the caravan park to join the main B road leading to Settle. Watch your step while walking here!
Just before reaching the town, you’ll pass by a very beautiful old cotton mill, now known as Watershed Mill. The historic building, dating back several centuries, now houses an outdoor clothing shop, a café, a visitor center, and a family-run farm shop.
It’s especially worth checking out the Ribblesdale Farm Shop’s range of local Yorkshire products, including meats, kitchen supplies, and a great selection of locally made gin and craft beers.
Just a few minutes along the same side of the road, you’ll find Settle Hydro, a community-owned hydroelectric station generating clean, renewable energy since 2010. It’s worth stopping for a look before turning left at the junction to walk toward Settle town center.
As you approach the town, notice the arched iron railway bridge and the 19th-century Settle Parish Church, set against the backdrop of the famous rolling Dales hills!
Exploring Settle
Whether you start or finish this walk in Settle, it’s worth taking some extra time to explore this vibrant town.
Settle’s roots go back to the 7th century, believed to have been founded by the Angles. It flourished during the Middle Ages as a center for wool production and trade.
Settle is also renowned for its role in the Industrial Revolution, especially with the construction of cotton mills in the 18th century. The arrival of the Settle–Carlisle railway in 1875 further boosted the town’s development, making it an important hub for trade and tourism in the Yorkshire Dales.
Settle’s rich history has left a big mark on its architecture, blending medieval, Georgian, and industrial influences. But there’s plenty to do beyond just wandering and admiring the buildings!
You can explore antique shops in the alleyways, the North Craven Life Museum, the intriguing ‘Listening Gallery’ in the old phone booth, and more! Plus, there’s a great selection of bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and pubs for a meal or a drink.
A day trip to Settle, including a riverside walk to or from Stainforth Force, is simply a brilliant way to enjoy a popular part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Have you added it to your list yet?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Stainforth River to Settle Walk:
Is the trail suitable for children?
Yes, the trail is suitable for children who can manage a 9 km walk, as it’s relatively flat and follows a clear path along the River Ribble. However, young children should be supervised near the waterfall and river, as there are no barriers and the ground can be slippery in places.
How long does the walk take?
The distance from Stainforth Force to Settle (or vice versa) is about 2.8 miles / 4.5 km one way and usually takes around an hour at a leisurely pace. If you do a round trip, the walk takes about two hours.
Parking
Parking at Stainforth Force is very limited, with space for only two small cars near the historic stone bridge. Settle town, on the other hand, offers plenty of free and paid parking options, though it can get busy in the summer.
Wild Swimming at Stainforth Force
The deep pool below the waterfall is suitable for experienced cold-water swimmers. However, caution is needed after heavy rain, as the water becomes fast and fierce, and swimming is not recommended in these conditions.
Is the trail dog-friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the trail, but they should be kept on a lead, especially when crossing farmers’ fields with livestock. Since the path mostly passes through open countryside, make sure to bring water and food for your dog.
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