Gargrave, Bank Newton Locks and the Pennine Way

Gargrave to Airton on the Pennine Way

Three and three quarter miles one way, around two hours, following the Pennine Way north over Eshton Moor and then dropping to the young River Aire at Newfield Bridge for an easy riverside mile into Airton. Start at Gargrave church and finish at Airton green; the 210 bus between Skipton and Malham calls at both, so you can walk it one way and ride back rather than doubling the distance. This is grazing country from end to end and lambs are in the fields from March, so keep the dog on the lead; the Aire is shallow and gravelly here and gives a good drink and a paddle, but the stiles are the catch - a run of squeeze stiles and stepped wall stiles that a heavy dog cannot manage without being lifted over.