Friday 18 April 2014

I'll Settle for Settle. . .

Much as I love the Lake District, I'm a Yorkshire lass, born if not bred, so I'm always happy when our rambling group heads east. Last weekend's walk was a circular one from the town of Settle, taking in gorgeous views of the Yorkshire Dales.  And a bit of Yorkshire humour.
 

There are lots of waterfalls in this area. This is Stainforth Force on the River Ribble where we had an early lunch.


Our walk then took us over the Settle to Carlisle railway line which is a lovely scenic route and one I'd highly recommend.  It's celebrating its 25th anniversary of being saved from the railways cuts in the 1980s.


I haven't been in this area since last summer when we did the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. It was lovely to see two of the peaks in the distance. There's Pen-y-Ghent . . .


. . . and in the other direction is Ingleborough.


A large part of our walk was on moorland with the dales in the distance and tiny, quiet, meandering streams such as this. . .


. . . which suddenly tumble over. . .


. . . and become another picturesque waterfall.  This is Catrigg Force, just outside the village of Stainforth.


The way back to Settle, high up on the moors, takes in some of the limestone outcroppings.


And the beautiful undulating countryside.


There's nothing better underfoot than a soft, grassy path (when it's dry of course).


The sheep love the grass too except when they think the farmer has something better in store (he didn't - he was just returning some naughty sheep who had learned how to jump over stone walls.)


And look how green and lush the springtime landscape is.  Balm for the soul along with lots of fresh, bracing air.


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