Moors, Monks and Mines: Dale Edge
This is an Upper Nidderdale classic, featuring unrivalled views up and down the dale, up to our highest peaks, and over the magnificent and atmospheric Scar House Reservoir. This walk is now known for its guaranteed peace and solitude, but there are many industrial secrets hidden under our feet.
Discover more about Upper Nidderdale’s history: we’ve hosted Viking invaders, monastic farmers and Victorian coal miners whose workings may still be seen along our route. Delving further back, we’ll discuss how the land and its mineral resources formed. We’ll also look at the construction of the Nidderdale reservoirs – you may be surprised to find out what once existed in these far reaches of the Dale!
After crossing the mighty Scar House Dam, we follow an old drover’s route up and over the moors to the picturesque hilltop village of Middlesmoor and return once more to ancient times with a visit to the Anglo-Saxon relics in St. Chad’s Church. Finally we return to How Stean and the opportunity to explore this amazing limestone gorge or simply enjoy a hard-earned cuppa.
To top it all off, we’ll even give you a lift to the top of the hill at the start of the walk!
8.5 miles (14km) with 1040 feet (320m) ascent and 1650 feet (510m) descent.
This route follows well-established moorland tracks but can still be rough and boggy in places, and is exposed to the elements at all times so appropriate footwear and clothing must be worn.
We meet at How Stean Gorge in the morning which has free parking. On certain days How Stean Gorge can be accessed by public transport which stops a short 10 minute stroll from the Gorge: http://www.dalesbus.org
Discover more about Upper Nidderdale’s history: we’ve hosted Viking invaders, monastic farmers and Victorian coal miners whose workings may still be seen along our route. Delving further back, we’ll discuss how the land and its mineral resources formed. We’ll also look at the construction of the Nidderdale reservoirs – you may be surprised to find out what once existed in these far reaches of the Dale!
After crossing the mighty Scar House Dam, we follow an old drover’s route up and over the moors to the picturesque hilltop village of Middlesmoor and return once more to ancient times with a visit to the Anglo-Saxon relics in St. Chad’s Church. Finally we return to How Stean and the opportunity to explore this amazing limestone gorge or simply enjoy a hard-earned cuppa.
To top it all off, we’ll even give you a lift to the top of the hill at the start of the walk!
8.5 miles (14km) with 1040 feet (320m) ascent and 1650 feet (510m) descent.
This route follows well-established moorland tracks but can still be rough and boggy in places, and is exposed to the elements at all times so appropriate footwear and clothing must be worn.
We meet at How Stean Gorge in the morning which has free parking. On certain days How Stean Gorge can be accessed by public transport which stops a short 10 minute stroll from the Gorge: http://www.dalesbus.org