We left Kettlewell at 10:15 and headed out of the village climbing steeply up a track on to Conistone Moor.
The path took on a more gradual ascent as it passed through a series of fields. This was a very quiet section, with only a few grazing sheep to be seen.
The green pasture gave way to rougher moorland grasses as we progressed towards the summit of Capplestone Gate. Around the summit there were signs of the old mines in the area, with several tracks and spoil heaps. There were extensive views across the dales from the summit.
The path took us down towards Conistone through a pretty area of limestone pavement to rejoin a section of the Dales Way. The route suddenly became busy with people appearing from all directions.
We skirted above The Dib, a dry limestone valley which drops steeply down to Conistone.
Turning back up the hillside, there were lots of little wild pansies and violets dotted around, adding some colour among the grass.
A good track led to Yarnbury, another large site of lead mining history. The landscape beyond this point was scarred by numerous spoil heaps and pits, and the occasional remains of mine workings.
We followed Hebden Beck, flowing away from the mines towards Hebden. There were lots of rabbits in this area, deciding that taking up residence in the mines was easier than creating their own burrows perhaps.
22.Clarendon Hotel, Hebden - 3:30pm
Sat outside on the benches to enjoy a drink. Quiet at this time of day.
We followed the lane through the pretty village of Hebden down to the River Wharfe. The water was very still giving perfect reflections of the trees along the river banks.
Some of the stepping stones looked a little bit uneven so we crossed using the swaying suspension bridge.
We climbed up the steep bank away from the river on the other side and took a moment to enjoy the view back over to Hebden (while getting our breath back)
After passing through the small village of Thorpe on little lanes we walked down a footpath through fields to reach Linton. This is a very pretty village with a beck flowing through the large green.
23.Fountaine Inn, Linton - 5:15pm
Very smart pub. Busy both inside and out.
At Linton Falls we crossed the River Wharfe for the final time. The water rumbled over the rocks below the bridge. The noise was quite a contrast to the tranquility of the crossing a little further down at Hebden.
An enclosed paved track led up from the river to reach the edge of Grassington and the end of a very enjoyable and memorable walk.
We returned to the same B&B where we had spent our first night in Grassington, Springroyd House.
24.Black Horse Hotel, Grassington - 7:30pm
Busy outside when we arrived, but quiet indoors. Nice friendly pub with good food.
25.Foresters Arms, Grassington - 9:00pm
Busy bar, plenty of outside tables.
26.Devonshire Hotel, Grassington - 9:30pm
Very nice pub with several seating areas. We enjoyed the food on our first night in Grassington. Just needed to collect our final stamp today.
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