Weekend Wanders: Discover the Best Dale Trek Near Grassington – Route & Map

Weekend rural stroll: in Yarnbury and Grassington

The legacy of the Yorkshire Dales comes alive on this hike across the moors starting from Yarnbury. The landscape’s character is highlighted through the limestone cliffs and caverns, while the historical aspect is brilliantly captured during the exploration of the lead mines.

Some parking can be found at the road’s endpoint near Yarnbury Farm, located north of Grassington. Follow the lane heading north for approximately half a mile as it descends toward a stream.

Right after the stream, follow the footpath on your right which connects the trail to another mining track just 100 meters ahead. Ascend toward the mine site. Shortly thereafter, look for a signpost directing you to a secondary path that runs through the heart of the mine complex. This detour is highly recommended as it leads you past abandoned mine structures, including the chimney and its flue system, along with an artificial lake created locally. Detailed information about these features can be found at several informational signs placed throughout; expect to exit having gained substantial new insights compared to what you knew upon entry!

Mossdale Scar close to Grassington. Images: Jonathan Smith

The peak era of successful mining occurred between 1820 and 1870, when more than 20,000 tonnes of lead were extracted, providing employment for as many as 200 individuals. As local lead resources dwindled, competition with less expensive foreign imports—especially those from Spain—took its toll on the industry. By the close of the century, this downturn led to a decrease in Grassington’s population by around 400 inhabitants.

Head back to the primary mining trail and make your way slowly uphill across the waste dumps in a northward direction. The landscape here is wide-open, with the path extending for almost two miles as it curves gently to the left around the peaks ahead before plunging steeply down towards a river located within Mossdale Valley. Upon reaching this junction which leads into Mossdale, take a sharp right and continue walking for approximately 200 meters until you reach Mossdale Scar. At this point lies the entryway to the Mossdale cave network—a somber place marked by an unfortunate incident from 1967 where six skilled spelunkers lost their lives after venturing too deep underground; rising waters caught them off guard, trapping and ultimately killing them all. A rather grim locale indeed.

Take a turn at this point and head southeast on a well-maintained trail over what tends to flood regularly. About 200 meters past a gate, a pathway veers off to your left, meandering through a fence and onto the open moorland. This route heads southward and passes through another couple of gates before intersecting with a lane that will lead you back to Yarnbury. This region remains dotted with ancient mining sites and is highly susceptible to harsh weather conditions.

It prompts reflection on the difficult circumstances endured by some of these miners (as well as today’s sheep farmers). As you reach Yarnbury, you’ll notice a prominent triangulation station on your left, signaling the boundary of Grassington Moor and offering splendid vistas across Lower Wharfedale.

Yarnbury map

Fact Box:

Distance: Roughly seven miles

Height to Climb: 280 meters (920 feet)

Commencing with SE 015659, approximately eight to ten car spaces are available for parking at Yarnbury.

Level: Moderate. Primarily along fine old mine trails, the way back follows a footpath that may turn muddy following rainfall.

Refreshments: The nearest option for drinks and snacks like pubs and cafés can be found approximately one-and-a-half miles away in the heart of Grassington.

Get Ready: Both the route explanation and the accompanying map serve merely as guides for your hike. It’s essential that you carry an Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL2 along with you and know how to use it, particularly when visibility is poor due to clouds or mist. A compass should also be included in your equipment. Make sure you dress appropriately for outdoor activities with suitable clothes and shoes. Despite our best efforts to ensure accuracy, hikers proceed under their own responsibility.

* Jonathan owns Where2walk, a walking business located in the Yorkshire Dales.

He has penned three books about trekking in the Dales: 'The Yorkshire 3 Peaks', 'The Dales 30' summits, and the 'Stile-Free Walks' guide. Purchase directly from Where2walk.

Jonathan also conducts Navigation Courses for Beginners/Refreshers in the Dales. For participants keen on straying from pathways and venturing farther, he offers Hill Skills sessions as well. The upcoming session is scheduled for June 7th in Long Preston.

He also organises hiking trips up the 'Dales 30' peaks, with Ingleborough and Buckden Pike coming up next. Check the dates on the website.

Where2walk.co.uk offers an extensive collection of walks complete with detailed descriptions spanning various regions in Yorkshire and further afield, ranging from leisurely hikes to more challenging ascents. For additional information about these trails, guided outings, and navigation workshops, check out their site.