Gargrave 12-08-2026 – leader David R

On a lovely sunny morning 21 Rossie Ramblers arrived in the picturesque village of Gargrave, tucked in the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales. After our customary photograph we set off from the outskirts of the village before joining a quiet lane (Pennine Way) leading up to the footpath to Airton. Soon after joining this pathway one of our lady walkers was seen rooting around on the floor,  being helped by others. From a distance it looked like somebody was in distress. Well, she was, as her earring had popped out and unfortunately could not be found.

The route offered good views of the limestone countryside and we arrived in Airton some 3 miles later. We carried on towards the small village of Calton. Just outside Calton we were fortunate in finding a freshly cut field offering some shade where we rested and had lunch. From there, the walk climbed gently up towards Winterburn, where the countryside opened up to provide good views of the Craven district. We passed close to the Eshton Hall estate (which we couldn’t see) which is a Grade 2 listed building now converted to private apartments. We continued our journey back towards Gargrave, finishing the last few hundred yards along the towpath of The Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The final part of the day was rounded off with most of the group enjoying ice creams from a van parked on the towpath.

Thanks to Diana for back marking and to Steve D for taking the photographs.

Total walk 9.5 miles with an ascent of 769ft and a descent of 783ft.

If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one go, then click here.

Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture.