Stainforth Force, Catrigg Foss via Jubilee, Albert and Victoria Caves
Settle’s prehistoric wonder
Summary
Settle, is said to be one of Yorkshire’s best market towns there is, with its bustling atmosphere and easy access to both Forest of Bowland and the Lake District. It is a great location to explore the Dales natural wonders, consisting of prehistoric caves along Langcliffe Scar and secluded waterfalls from the quaint town of Stainforth. The hike follows a gentle path over to Feizor, from here the path takes you to Stainforth Force. Climbing steeply to Catrigg Foss (A magical hidden waterfall) before continuing to Jubilee, Albert and Victoria Caves along Langcliffe Scar and back into Settle.
A superb place to roam and take in the wonders of the Yorkshire Dales.
Victoria Cave
The Hike
We began the hike a little later than usual, in hope that it would be quieter. Luckily it was a Sunday, so parking in Settle is free. The town was buzzing! Everybody outside enjoying the sunshine and the relaxation of the town’s atmosphere. As we started walking, we couldn’t help but notice flowerpot creations throughout the town, giving us both a smile.
It wasn’t long until we found ourselves off the main road and onto a quiet path, taking us alongside the ‘River Ribble’ and onto open fields, away from the hustle and bustle of the town. From here, we gradually began to climb upwards, following signs to Feizor. Whilst we climbed, the backdrop overlooking Settle was fantastic. There was barely a cloud in the sky, and it was extremely warm too. It felt like a true summer’s day! The summit brought us along a vast plateau, surrounded by rolling hills and limestone formations. We couldn’t help but admire the peace and quiet of the landscape, before gently meandering into the quaint town of Feizor for snacks and coffee at ‘Elaine’s tearoom’. The tea room was quite popular, especially with motorcyclists, but it was nice to see people outside enjoying themselves, plus, the coffee was delicious! Shame we couldn’t stop for lunch. Maybe next time.
Feizor
By this point, it was almost 1.30, and we hadn’t stopped for lunch. I started to feel a bit dizzy, I needed to eat. I always find when I am out walking, we want to find the best stop for lunch and end up walking for hours and become more and more hungry. It’s never the best idea. Eventually, we perched ourselves under the shade of a tree on a steep hillside slope, looking out onto an area of high limestone cliffs. I could feel myself recharging like a Duracell battery.
After Lunch, it was time to find Stainforth Force. A place of cascades and is also known for salmon leaping through the waters come autumn for their final journey up river to their spawning grounds. Meanwhile, whilst continuing along the soft grass path, a sense of freedom filled us both as we relished in the moment. The path took us deeper through an expansive sweeping valley of rolling hills, dry stone walls and large limestone cliffs.
It felt great.
Along the way, the path dropped down steeply through a field of cows and onto the main road. This brought us to Stainforth campsite, where we soon arrived at the force. I was excited, as I was craving to go for a little swim, plus, it was very hot! Unfortunately, it was packed full of folk jumping into the pool. They had to same idea as us, but we wanted to be alone. We watched for a bit and continued on, I noticed there was another fall nearby which was Catrigg Foss. To get there we walked through the quaint village of Stainforth, from here the route brought us onto a steep gravel section. Although the area felt remote and quiet, I was afraid when we arrived at the Foss that it was going to be busy.
When we did eventually arrive at Catrigg, we could hear the deep roar of the waterfall the closer we approached. “We need to go down there’ I said. Following a gentle path downwards to the ‘Catrigg Foss’, it began to open up to us. There was nobody there, we had it all to ourselves! “Wow!” What a place” I thought. Luckily, we had brought our swimwear, so we quickly stripped off and plunged into the water. It was freezing, but It felt magical. The high cliff faces towered over us as we swam freely in the secluded Foss.
After the quick dip and feeling somewhat revitalised. We began to make our way towards Langcliff Scar where the hidden caves of Jubilee, Victoria and Albert sat. Slowly taking in our surroundings as dusk began to set in, it was so peaceful. Maybe we should have our hikes a bit later more often. Onwards, we continued upwards on a gently grassy path. It took us to a section of road and upwards to the caves. The first of the three caves was Jubilee, this went deep into the rock face, whilst we looked out over Settle. We continued on to Albert and Victoria, Albert was small and damp, but Victoria was a massive! Rock climbers were climbing the face as we approached. It went deep into the hillside. We had to explore and appreciate the sheer size of this prehistoric wonder!
Victoria Cave
After much excitement we continued onwards, it was beginning to get late, but it was eerily quiet. I felt in touch with nature and surrounded by its silence, as we stood there on top of the last hill of day gazing out onto the limestone landscape. We felt alone, but at peace, before bumbling our way back down into Settle for well-deserved fish and chips.
Ending the hike later on during the day was a great experience, knowing that everyone was settled at home whilst we were still high up in the hills, away from the chaos of everyday life.
Gallery
