Day 1: Settle to Horton-in-Ribbledale
7.25 miles - 1,788ft of ascent

The first stage of the 2008 journey is unquestionably a modest one at 7½ miles. It does, though, give the modern ‘journeyers’ an opportunity, whilst they still have the energy and enthusiasm that may not be in evidence when they have completed the journey, to get to know Settle. The time spent will be well rewarded.

The route from the station makes its way through the town and emerges onto limestone slopes before dropping down to Langcliffe. From here there is an ascent above a prominent limestone scar and then a descent on steps down the scar to Stainforth. An inviting grassed area by the stepping stones over Stainforth Beck makes an ideal lunch spot. Then the path heads across moorland and meets a rough track which joins a green lane with views of Penyghent before losing height gently on short cropped turf to meet a metalled lane. This in turn descends to the main valley road and into Horton in Ribblesdale to reach the Millennium Stone which marks the end of this stage.

Settle Station


Stepping Stones at Stainforth


Millennium Stone at Horton