Stump Cross Caverns lie on the B6265 midway between Pateley Bridge and Grassington.
It is set high on the moors, making any walk at this time of the year a wild experience.
Mining used to dominate but now this short walk is highlighted by superb long-reaching views.
It is straightforward to find, with the caving tour, café, and parking all easily accessible.
The area around Stump Cross Caverns has been extensively mined for a 1,000 years and it was through the mines that the large network of caves was discovered.
The caves themselves run for four miles although just one mile is open to the public.
Maybe take the tour and this walk one after another, alternatively, some members of your party take the tour and others do the walk.
If you take the walk head alongside the road east towards Pateley Bridge.
A gate after 400 metres offers access onto the moor.
The right of way is a further kilometre along the road and this is access land so enter the moors at the gate.
From here follow the faint path heading to the left of the crags of High Crag.
The path picks its way through the pot-marked landscape of old mines before dropping to a farm track.
Cross this track and climb slightly and join the more obvious path.
Turn right and follow the path across open moors for 400 metres to a ladder stile.
Rather than cross the stile, immediately turn right and climb steadily to the excellent viewpoint, on the boulders of High Crag.
A lovely spot with great views, particularly to the west.
Return to the stile, cross it and continue along the path just west of south over the wild moors.
Cross a fence after half a mile, but continue towards a second boundary.
Before reaching the boundary, turn left towards a locked shooting hut.
There are some excellent views from here towards Simon’s Seat, directly to the south, with its distinctive boulder summit.
Continue on the track towards a farm lane.
The gate is locked, but there is a stile a few metres to the left.
On meeting the walled lane turn right and follow it for more than half a mile to a junction.
To the left the lane leads downhill into Wharfedale and on to the Bolton Abbey estate.
However, the walk turns right and climbs a little along Black Hill Road.
Here, the views open to the west over Grassington and beyond.
After half a mile, the lane becomes more of a wide path before it drops towards Dry Gill (which isn’t!).
It is, however, a lovely spot despite its proximity to the road.
Cross the river on the wide track (ignore the fork to the right) and join the main road which you then follow back to the parking at Stump Cross.
FACT BOX:
Distance: Roughly 5 miles
Height to Climb: 210 m (690 feet)
Start: SE 089635.
There is parking at Stump Cross Caverns but do go into the café, at least, for a drink.
Difficulty: Average.
Refreshments: The café at Stump Cross Caverns is very good (not open Monday/Tuesdays).
Be Prepared:
The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk.
You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 2) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass.
You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors.
Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.
Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.
Jonathan runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales.
He has written 3 books on walking in the Dales: 'The Yorkshire 3 Peaks', 'The Dales 30' mountains and the long distance path 'The Bracken Way'. Buy them direct from Where2walk.
Jonathan runs Navigation Training Courses.
The first Beginners Course of 2026 is on Saturday 14th March from Long Preston, near Settle.
The 2026 Mini walking breaks programme is also available to book.
Details on the website.
Where2walk.co.uk features 100s of walks with descriptions across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.
Visit the website for details of all these walks, guiding days, and navigation course.
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