The Settle Loop – Walk or Ride into the Heart of the Yorkshire Dales
- jillcrowson66
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Just 10 miles from Ashes Farm, the Settle Loop offers an unforgettable experience for both walkers and horse riders. Whether you're on foot or exploring on horseback, this circular 10-mile route takes you through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, where dramatic landscapes, hidden history, and wild beauty await at every turn.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a slower pace of adventure – whether you’re staying in one of our cosy B&B rooms, self-catering lodges, or arriving car-free by train.
🚂 Easy to Reach from Ashes Farm
No need to worry about parking or busy tourist hotspots – just hop on the Settle to Carlisle railway at Ribblehead Station (a mile from Ashes Farm) and enjoy the scenic journey to Settle. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll be at the start of your loop and ready to explore.
And if you're riding, there are local livery options and access to the route from several bridleway-friendly areas. Just ask us if you'd like help organising a horse-friendly break!
🗺️ A Scenic Circuit Full of Surprises
Part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, the Settle Loop was designed with riders and walkers in mind. The route begins in Settle and loops around through open moorland, limestone escarpments, and quiet valleys with far-reaching views across the Dales.
Expect:
Grassy tracks and ancient green lanes perfect for cantering or a steady stroll
Sheep-grazed meadows and winding dry-stone wall paths
Epic viewpoints like Langcliffe Scar and Warrendale Knotts
Optional detours to explore Victoria Caves and the dramatic Attermire Scar
Whether you're walking with a camera in hand or riding with the wind in your hair, the Settle Loop offers space to breathe and connect with nature.
Victoria Cave, located just a short walk from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales, holds an incredible archaeological and historical significance. It’s not only a beautiful natural limestone cave but also one of the most important prehistoric sites in northern England.
🏞️ Discovery of Victoria Cave
The cave was accidentally discovered in 1837, the year of Queen Victoria’s coronation—hence the name.
Early excavations uncovered a wealth of animal bones and artifacts, drawing the attention of antiquarians and scientists from across the country.
🦣 Ice Age Finds – Prehistoric Wildlife
Some of the earliest finds in Victoria Cave date back around 130,000 years, before the last Ice Age.
Bones of animals like hippos, elephants, hyenas, and rhinos were found—creatures you'd never expect in the Yorkshire Dales today!
These remains indicate that the climate was once much warmer and more like modern-day Africa.
👣 First Signs of Mankind
The first human-related finds date to the Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods (roughly 10,000–12,000 years ago), shortly after the last Ice Age.
These include flint tools and bones showing signs of human modification, suggesting early people used the cave as a shelter or perhaps even for ceremonial purposes.
Later layers revealed Roman artifacts, including coins and brooches—suggesting the cave was revisited across different time periods.
🏺 Victorian-Era Excavations
19th-century excavations were among the first scientifically recorded digs in Britain.
Many of the items discovered were sent to museums, including the Craven Museum in Skipton and the British Museum in London.
📍 Today
Victoria Cave is part of a fantastic circular walk from Settle, often paired with Attermire Scar and Jubilee Cave.
The entrance is still visible, although it’s now gated to protect the site.
Information boards on the trail help explain its significance to walkers.
🦅 Wildlife & Wildflowers
Spring and summer are especially rewarding – the hillsides come alive with lapwings, curlews, and fluttering butterflies, and verges are dotted with primroses, vetches, and wild orchids. It's a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Horses too will enjoy the peaceful terrain and fresh grazing along the way (though please dismount and follow guidance when near conservation areas or farmland gates).
📸 For the View-Seekers
The Settle Loop is a dream for photographers and painters alike, with highlights including:
Sweeping views over Ribblesdale
The haunting beauty of Attermire Scar
Limestone pavements and cliffs with storybook textures
Ever-changing skies that make every visit unique
One of our recent guests walked the loop solo, capturing stunning photos and meeting fellow walkers along the way. He even ventured up to Victoria Caves and shared his route with us – a perfect example of Dales exploration at its best!
🐾 Route Notes
Distance: Approx. 10 miles
Time: 4–6 hours walking, 2–4 hours riding
Start/Finish: Settle town centre
Terrain: Mix of gravel paths, grassy tracks, and open fells
Refreshments: Available in Settle before or after the loop
Map: OS OL2 or ask us for our popular yellow walking maps at Ashes Farm
Whether on horseback or foot, the route is well-marked and easy to follow. However, we always recommend bringing a map, suitable boots, water, and snacks.
🏡 Return to Ashes Farm – Your Dales Base
After your day on the Settle Loop, return to Ashes Farm and relax in comfort. Our location is perfect for those who want to explore without needing to move the car again. We’re ideally placed for long hikes, scenic loops, and even horse-friendly escapes.
Fancy bringing your horse or exploring more bridleways? Let us know – we’re happy to help with local contacts and advice.
🌿 Make the Settle Loop Part of Your Dales Adventure
Whether you’re riding high or striding out, the Settle Loop is a fantastic way to see the Yorkshire Dales in all its rugged beauty. And staying at Ashes Farm puts you right at the heart of it all – with easy access, stunning views, and a warm welcome waiting at the end of your journey.
Book your stay now, and let the Dales lead the way – by hoof or by boot!
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