Ribblehead to Moorcock via Great Knoutberry

Ribblehead to Garsdale Station via Great Knoutberry Hill

Walk 14 Ribblehead to Garsdale Station via Great Knoutberry Hill [672m] - A long linear walk but not particularly challenging with no severe uphill stretches most of the route using the Dalesway and the new Pennine Bridleway. Ideal for low cloud with some good views the only down sides being a stretch of main road at Ribblehead and the Coal Road above Dentdale. By train to Ribblehead returning from Garsdale - 11.5 miles 5 hours. Back to Moorcock Walks


Trig point on Great Knoutberry	Widdale Great Tarn

Alight the train at Ribblehead Station and turn right at the main road in front of the Station Inn. Follow the main road towards Hawes for a mile or so turning left up the vehicle track just after Gearstones and signposted Dalesway, Pass behind the farmhouse at Winshaw and continue to High Gayle with the wall on the right. The path dips sharply at two locations to cross small streams. Note it is possible to strike out from the main road across Blea Moor at a bend beyond the small bridge to reach the path above Winshaw however the terrain can be confusing.


Cairn on descent to Coal Road	Pen-y-ghent from Great Knoutberry

After High Gayle bear slightly left in a northerly direction to follow the very obvious and well used path to Dent Head. Turn right along the minor road for 1/4 mile and then left through a gate to follow the recently created Pennine Bridleway rising slightly uphill to Wold Fell. Passing through a gate the track is now in a walled enclosure for a short while. At the top of the walled section pass through the gate and bear left and proceed with the wall on the left around the side of Wold Fell eventually to intersect the bridleway at the head of Artengill.

There are two options at this point. To take in the easy ascent of Great Knoutberry Hill turn right for 200m to so and then left over a stile. Follow the path uphill with the wall/fence on the right. The summit trig point will soon come into view. Carry on now with the fence on the right to emerge at the bridleway at bottom at a gate. Turn right and continue to reach the Coal Road. Alternatively it is possible to descend from the summit crossing the fence/wall next to the trig point and following the other fence down to Widdale Great Tarn. From here it would be necessary to free-range across the open fell (and an odd fence) to reach the Coal Road down below - only recommended for the more hardy!

However the easier option to avoid Great Knoutberry altogether would be to cross the Arten Gill path [actually now part of the Pennine Bridleway] and continue straight on, the bridleway following the contour around the side of Dent Fell still with excellent views down into Dentdale. This eventually meets the Coal Road and continue as described below.


Wold Fell	Distant view of Whernside from the bridleway

Continue straight along the Coal Road at the same elevation The Coal Road provides a link between Dentdale and Garsdale although at 1750ft elevation is often impassable to motor vehicles in Winter! Unfortunately the next 2 miles is by road although the views are impressive and there is very little traffic. The road drops steeply down to Garsdale Station and finish.

Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should always consult the relevant OS map. All timings are approximate and for a person of average fitness and ability.

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This page was last updated on 25-Dec-2024