The Celtic Wall, Feizor and Stockhouse.

Start. Stainforth.

Route. Stainforth - Dog Hill Brow - Stainforth Force - Little Stainforth - Happy Valley - The Celtic Wall - Feizor - Feizor Thwaite - Stackhouse - River Ribble - Stainforth Force - Dog Hill Brow - Stainforth.

Notes. This fine ramble links three quintessential dales villages and, the Celtic Wall of great antiquity in an isolated setting, maybe a defensive shield or something to do with ancient burial practices. The latest train of thought is that it is not as old as the name would suggest, the building style would suggest Medieval, whatever it’s purpose it’s there why not come along take a look for yourself.

This walk started in Stainforth, the name derives from “stoney ford”, there is a stoney ford in Stainforth but the ford in question was across the River Ribble at the foot of Dog Hill Brow, replaced in 1670 by a packhorse bridge. That’s where we headed down Dog Hill Brow to access the single arch of Stainforth Bridge, we crossed said bridge before visiting Stainforth Force (while it was quiet), visit over we doubled back to the lane then ascended to Little Stainforth. We continued climbing passed Knights Stainforth Hall dating back to 1672, this fine old building stands at a cross roads, we continued straight on passed farm buildings into high limestone pastures. When the ascent ended we descended into what is locally known as Happy Valley, to our right Smearsett Scar, off route today, above low cliffs to our left a dark structure reached across the skyline, the Celtic Wall, we paid it a visit before continuing through the valley to Feizor.

Feizor's name derives from “fech summer pasture”, it’s a tiny hamlet nestled amidst stunning limestone scenery and, it has a jolly good cafe. We walked passed the cafe to be greeted by a finger-post inviting us to Stackhouse, this path we followed, a green trod, a delight to stroll over. Through high limestone pastures, between rocky scars we wandered, when we started descending it was through sheep pastures to another tiny hamlet, Stackhouse. Here a narrow lane ushered us to the banks of the River Ribble.

Let me start the next section with an apology, the lack of photos, in fact I neglected to take any. As we turned to head along the rivers tree lined banks the heavens opened, hail at first followed by heavy rain, ice cold and drenching. Trussed in gortex, heads down against the tempest we headed back, it was still raining when we reached Stainforth Force, we ignored the waterfall, the photos of earlier will have to suffice. Up Dog Hill Brow we walked, as we entered Stainforth the sun broke through and the rain ceased, walkers sods law, never mind the river will be there another day on another walk.

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home.

The single arch of Stainforth Bridge spans the River Ribble at the foot of Dog Hill Brow.

Stainforth Force where the River Ribble tumbles over a series of cascades, visit when the salmon are running and it's a brilliant place to watch then leap the falls.

Above Little Stainforth viewing Stainforth Scar across the Ribble valley.

Grey along the skyline lies Fountains Fell.

The great summit of Pen-y-ghent seen across the Ribble valley.

Seen from sheep pastures above Little Stainforth Pot Scar and Smearsett Scar.

On the edge of Feizor Thwaite, dark on the horizon, a defensive shield or something to do with ancient burial practices, you decide.

The stunning view from near the Celtic Wall, Pot Scar backed by the flat top of Ingleborough.

Burn Moor in dappled light seen from the Celtic Wall.

The ancient stone work of the Celtic Wall.

Smearsett Scar and Pen-y-ghent on view from the Celtic Wall.

An inspiring place Feizor Thwate and the Celtic Wall, viewing Pot Scar with sunlight on the limestone scars of In Moor.

Striding out through Happy Valley hoping to reach the shelter of Feizor before the rain reaches us.

Rain washed lowlands with patches of sunlight on Burn Moor.

The tiny hamlet of Feizor “fech summer pasture”.

The rain passed quickly allowing us to ascend Feizor Thwaite into sunlight.

Taking in the view over sheep and cow pastures to Burn Moor.

Walkers descend to the tiny hamlet of Feizor.

Above Stackhouse looking across Ribblesdale to Brant Scar, Attermire Scar and the gentle face of Warrendale Knotts.

To the left the grey bulk of Pen-y-ghent, to the right vanishing out of shot Fountains Fell, bridging the gap Overdale.

The River Ribble above the weir at Langcliffe Place.

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