6k Run Craven: Stunning Views at Attermire Scar

Route Overview & Local Insights

Clocking in at 6.3km with 265m of vertical gain, this loop through Attermire Scar offers a concentrated taste of the Yorkshire Dales’ dramatic limestone landscapes. Starting from Settle’s historic Market Square, the route climbs steadily via the Settle Loop and Clay Pits Plantation. You’ll navigate a mix of paved surfaces and rugged bridleways, with the terrain classified as hilly and demanding. The reward for your effort is the panoramic view of the towering limestone cliffs and the sweeping descent via the Dales High Way, making it an ideal choice for runners looking for a short but punchy trail session with technical footing.

The area surrounding Settle and Attermire Scar is steeped in geological and archaeological significance. As you run past the scars, you’re passing through a landscape shaped by the last Ice Age, where caves like Victoria Cave once sheltered prehistoric mammals and Roman artifacts. This part of Craven is quintessential Yorkshire, characterized by dry stone walls and sprawling sheep pastures. Local runners often recommend finishing your session at one of Settle’s traditional tea rooms or pubs, which have served as gathering points for dalesmen and weary travelers for centuries.