9.7 miles.
Outdoor Leisure Map No 298
A walk through some absolutely spectacular Dales scenery,
best appreciated with good visibility (and, if possible, sunshine).
The route utilises the Nidderdale Way footpath for much of the time,
and this significantly helps with navigation. However, where the route
leaves the Nidderdale Way at Armathwaite, the footpath becomes indistinct
and crosses rough moorland. For this section, the use of a compass and
map is essential.
There is some climbing up slopes, but although a moderate height gain
is made none of the slopes are particularly steep.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Park in the Village Hall car park in Lofthouse. (SE 10143
73469).
Head North out of Lofthouse on the Nidderdale Way. The MNidderdale Way
footpath is clearly signposted and waymarked for much of its length.
Follow the Nidderdale Way North past Thrope Farm. Where the Nidderdale
Way meet the River Nidd (at a point where the river re-emerges from
limestone), take the field footpath North eastwards, up the slope, to
the ruins of High Thrope.
From here, take the footpath Northwards to Thwaite House Farm.
At Thwaite House Far, rejoin the Nidderdale Way footpath and follow
it for the next two or three miles to Scar House Reservoir.
Cross the reservoir by the dam.
On the Southern side of the reservoir, turn right along the signposted
Nidderdale Way footpath, before ascending uphill on a stony track in
a South Easterly direction.
Once on top of the moor, continue through the first gate on this stony
track.
About 100 yards past this gate, another gate on your right takes you
onto the footpath across Armathwaite Moor to Intake Farm. The footpath
is quite faint at times, and crosses rough ground. You will need to
use your map and compass.
From Intake Farm, take the waymarked footpath that follows the North
bank of the Armathwaite Gill.
Follow this footpath until you come to rejoin the Nidderdale Way at
a footbridge over the Armathwaite Gill.
Cross the Gill, and when you reach the minor road turn left.
You will pass by the How Stean Gorge, and will have glimpses of it.
However, to actually visit the Gorge costs an entrance fee.
Once past the Gorge, turn left over the road bridge and follow the road
back to Lofthouse.