The Stainforth walk in my book being Route 2a. The Hoffmann kiln is not well advertised, which is why we’ve not known about it until kindly told by our friends Tim and Christine Shaw, nor is it named on maps, although shown: it is the long semi-cylindrical building alongside the railway, opposite the northern part of Langcliffe Quarry, one mile north of Langcliffe. From Settle take the Pennine Bridleway (Settle Loop) north, drop down to Langcliffe on the signed path, and north from there on the Lower Winskill path. After 2 -300m take the path NNW which leads to the site, which is well signed and with good info boards.
The “kiln” is very impressive, actually 22 chambers, all in an enclosed semi-cylinder, shaped as an oval with straight sides, about 90m long. A torch helps! Each chamber has a side entrance for filling/emptying, a side flue for air and hence temperature regulation, and two small tubes in the ceiling that lumps of coal were dropped down. Three other earlier kilns built into the hillside are further north. Further details, especially for the reasons for such a design, are best seen on Craven Museum’s website.
We visited Stainforth Force afterwards to see Salmon jumping, along with half of Yorkshire, somewhat disappointing this year: just saw one smallish female in 25 minutes. She didn’t re-try in that time.
From the Force return to the road and ascend through Little Stainforth and by the well tramped path up and over to Feizor, where Elaine’s Tea Room may tempt you, if the Knights cafe at Little Stainforth has not already. Note the popular climbing venue of Pot Scar on the right before Feizor. A short distance down from the Tea Room take the signed path back to Settle, a broad track, but branch right at 1km to Buck Haw Brow. Just before descending to the Brow (of the road) turn left and follow a path through limestone scenery, above Giggleswick scar, to above a large quarry. Go round this to the left and down left, aiming for a gate by a wood through which a lane leads to Giggleswick. From here take either the main road or the back lanes of Giggleswick and Settle. An 8.5 mile romp with about 1500 ft of ascent.
Inside the Kiln Giggleswick Quarry.
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