Mossdale from Conistone
Walk 10- Mossdale from Conistone - 12 miles - An excellent walk over isolated moorland with good views and interest points - allow about 6 hours.
Looking back towards Consitone Dib
Start from the centre of Conistone pass between the houses on a track slightly uphill to go through a gate. The path quickly enters Conistone Dib a narrow ravine. Emerge at the top of the valley crossing two stiles left and right to join track. Follow the track for some 3 miles until Mossdale is reached. On the right is Mossdale Scar with a fast flowing stream running underground to emerge via the Black Keld Cave system at Scargill House (on the back road to Kettlewell). This was the scene of a caving tragedy some years ago. The track passes through a ford to get to Mossdale House (possibly of mining origin or a shooting lodge?).
Mossdale Scar - the river disappears here
If the river is in spate there is a footbridge about 1/4 upstream. The track becomes a path passing uphill now to eventually reach a boundary fence and stile after about 1.5miles. Turn sharp left and follow this fence over exposed moorland passing Blake Hill and eventually reaching Stone Head Crag.
At this point a deviation may be made to reach the summit of Great Whernside which will add approximately 2 miles
Leave the fence and proceed directly downhill to reach path from Providence Mine towards Capplestone gate. This path follows the contour with a wall to the right for much of the way passing through extensive lead mine workings after which it starts to descend diagonally toward Consitone. The path becomes a track and is easily followed past the transmitter and emerging on the back Conistone to Kettlewell Road
Typical moorland scene from Blake Hill with Angram Reservoir in distance
There are no facilities the nearest being at Kilnsey about 1/2 mile from Conistone where there is a cafe (in the fish farm) and a pub