Settle: Attermire Scar and Victoria Cave
North Yorkshire
Settle sits where the Yorkshire Dales meet the Ribble valley where dogs need a lead and close control near the exposed rock and steep drops, and this 7km circuit climbs steeply out of the market town onto the limestone scars above it, gaining 362 metres over the loop. The route passes Jubilee Cave, named in 1935, and Victoria Cave, discovered in 1837 and later found to contain the bones of hippopotamus, elephant and hyena from a warmer interglacial period, evidence that has made it one of the most important cave sites in Britain. From there the path continues beneath the sheer limestone wall of Attermire Scar and past Warrendale Knotts, a series of limestone knolls, before dropping back down to Settle with wide views over Ribblesdale to Ingleborough and Pen y Ghent. The going is on gravel track, walled lane and grassy path, with some steep sections.
This is a dog friendly walk with genuine steep ground in places, so it suits a fitter dog rather than an older or less mobile one. Off-lead potential is limited: the route crosses grazing land with cattle grids and gates, a sign that livestock is regularly present, and the ground near the caves and scars includes exposed rock and drops that call for a lead and close control. There is little water higher up, so carry some for a thirsty dog on the climb. Settle itself has plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes around the Market Place for afterwards, many of them used to muddy boots and dogs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Pubs, restaurants and cafes around Settle Market Place.
- Parking
- Pay and display car parks near Settle Market Place.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Settle: Attermire Scar and Victoria Cave, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Stable At Coppy House Farm
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,040 / 7 nights
Town End Farm - Stable Cottage
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £745 / 7 nights
Wayside Cottage - Kettlewell
Sleeps 3 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £572 / 7 nights
Waterfall Cottage - Barnoldswick
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £551 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Settle: Attermire Scar and Victoria Cave dog friendly?
This is a dog friendly walk, rated 7 out of 10, though it suits fitter, more able-bodied dogs rather than older or less mobile ones. The 7km circuit climbs steeply from Settle, gaining 362 metres, so your dog will need to be comfortable with sustained ascents and some rough, uneven ground near the limestone scars and cave sites. After the walk, Settle's Market Place has plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants that are well used to muddy boots and dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Settle: Attermire Scar and Victoria Cave?
Off-lead potential here is limited. The route crosses grazing land with cattle grids and gates, indicating livestock is regularly present, and the exposed rock and steep drops near the caves and scars make a lead and close control necessary in those areas. It's best to treat this as an on-lead walk throughout and enjoy the views rather than worry about where your dog is heading.
What should I know before visiting Settle: Attermire Scar and Victoria Cave with my dog?
The climb out of Settle is steep and the ground near Attermire Scar and the cave sites includes exposed rock and drops, so keep your dog on a lead and under close control in those sections. There is little water available higher up on the route, so it's worth carrying some for your dog on the ascent. The going is a mix of gravel track, walled lane and grassy path, which is generally manageable but can be uneven in places.
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