Settle Loop
Classic Dales limestone running — pavements, green lanes, and big views for modest effort. Settle is one of the best trail running towns in the Dales.
Effort: Good distance, solid climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
E3·T2 — how we grade routesMostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
A limestone circuit from Settle onto the high ground above the town, with views across Ribblesdale and towards the Three Peaks. Good tracks and clear paths make this reliable year-round.
Classic Dales limestone running — pavements, green lanes, and big views for modest effort. Settle is one of the best trail running towns in the Dales.
The route
From Whitefriars car park in Settle, the route climbs steeply out of town onto the limestone upland above. The high ground gives wide views across Ribblesdale to Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough before looping back to the valley.
Starting in Settle
Settle is exceptionally well served by train. If you're on the Leeds–Carlisle line, you can run from the station door. The town has proper cafes, a bakery, and pubs for post-run.
Limestone pavement can be slippery when wet. Some exposed edges above town.
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
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