Yorkshire Walks

Catrigg Force and Stainforth Scar

Map based on Ordnance Survey mapping by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright.

Length of walk: 3 1/2 miles
Start: Stainforth (car park)
Terrain: Uphill to Catrigg Force

Cowside Beck, which gathers momentum across Malham Moor, crashes in spectacular fashion through a narrow passage to the east of Stainforth. This is Catrigg Force, a high waterfall visited long ago by the great composer, Edward Elgar. The Force is the feature of this short but satisfying outing.

Leave the car park (alongside the B6479 road) at Stainforth, walking past the telephone box towards the village centre. At the road junction turn right; cross the bridge then immediately pass through a stile on the left to walk alongside Stainforth Beck.

Merging with a road turn left, pass 'the green' then turn right and commence the upward slog to the waterfall.

At the top of the lane turn left (signpost Catrigg Force) to visit the waterfall. Resume the walk from the other ladder stile, to walk along a vehicle track, which rises steadily towards another gate.

This spot is a wonderful location ~ the three highest points in Yorkshire are all in view! Ingleborough (left), Pen-y-ghent (right) the highest and least impressive, Whernside (right).

The signpost points to Winskill, a location reached by following the track used previously. High Winskill is encountered first.

Pass through an open gateway to cross a stile situated alongside a facing gate and follow the signpost to Stainforth. This leads along the access road to Low Windskill farm. Pass between the buildings, cross a ladder stile and rise up the bank to follow a clear path. After 20 paces Stainforth appears far below.

After crossing two intervening ladder stiles the way enters a woodland and descends a limestone stairway (take care!) emerging into a field. Here turn right and follow the yellow painted markers towards Stainforth. Please fasten all gates.

Once in the village head towards the public house, cross the bridge and turn left to the car park.

The information given in this walk has been provided in good faith and is intended only as a general guide. Whilst all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that details were correct at the time of publication, the author and Country Publications Ltd cannot accept any responsibility for inaccuracies. It is the responsibility of individuals undertaking outdoor activities to approach the activity with caution and, especially if inexperienced, to do so under appropriate supervision. The activity described in this walk is strenuous and individuals should ensure that they are suitably fit before embarking upon it. They should carry the appropriate equipment and maps, be properly clothed and have adequate footwear. They should also take note of weather conditions and forecasts, and leave notice of their intended route and estimated time of return.