Stainforth Road 10k Loop

Route Overview & Local Insights

The Stainforth Road 10k Loop is a quintessential Yorkshire Dales road run, offering a 10.1km anticlockwise circuit that perfectly balances steady pacing with scenic rewards. Starting in the market town of Settle, the first half of the run utilizes the B6480, providing a wide, paved surface ideal for finding your rhythm. As you turn through the charming village of Stainforth, the terrain becomes more intimate. With 98m of total ascent, this route is classified as hilly, featuring manageable climbs that reward runners with expansive views of the Ribble Valley. The return leg via Stackhouse Lane is a local favorite, trading the main road for quiet, rural lanes and a fast, paved finish through Sowarth Fold back into the heart of town.

Steeped in history, Settle serves as a gateway to some of England’s most dramatic limestone landscapes. Running through Stainforth provides a glimpse into a traditional Dales village, famous for its 17th-century bridge and the nearby Stainforth Force, where salmon can often be seen leaping. This area was historically a vital link for packhorse trails and the Yorkshire wool trade. Runners will pass near the Settle-Carlisle Railway, one of the most scenic Victorian engineering feats in the UK. Whether you are training for a local race or enjoying a weekend long run, this route captures the rugged beauty and peaceful atmosphere that makes running in the Craven district so special.