Loop - Skipton Canal, Sharp Haw and Christmas Markets - 10.5mi/17km

Start Time: 9:52am - PROMPT START DUE TO LIMITED DAYLIGHT. We will set off as soon as those by train arrive. I will not wait for anyone needing to use the toilet. Make sure you go on the train.
Miles/Kilometres: 10.5mi/17km (Approx)
Total ascent: 340m (Approx)
Difficulty: Moderate.
Estimated length of time: 5 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes.
Public Transport: Yes, train leaves Leeds at 9:09am and arrives at 9:52am.
Parking: Plenty of car parks in Skipton - park at the train station at your own risk of a fine.
Payment: £1 for the walk - Use this link to pay - https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1?amount=1.00- please put "Skipton" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet outside the train station. The walk will start as soon as those coming by train arrive. We cross the main road, take a short walk down Manville Lane to the canal. It is then 4mi/6.4km through the Aire Valley along the Liverpool/Leeds canal. We cross over the canal, walk along the otherside and then take a footpath through countryside to Eshton Road. We will likely stop for lunch on the slopes of the hill in this field we walk around, giving us views of Gargrave and the Aire & Ribble Valleys.

We walk up this road for a bit until we can take a footpath to the hamlet of Flasby, passing Flasby Hall. We then walk through farms and follow a dirt road into the evergreen woodland. We ascend out of the woodland up to the top of Sharp Haw for great panoromic views.

We then descend down the Dales Highway for 2mi/3.2km to Grassington Road, cross over and walk down the country road opposite. We veer off and follow the Dales Highway through Skipton golf course. Cross over the A59 and then follow the Dales Highway up a slight incline to the top of the hill, enjoy views of Skipton before descending down into the town.

We can then go enjoy the Christmas Markets where they have over 100 stalls to browse. Enjoy some food & drink at the markets or we can go find a pub afterwards.

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.
Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for leisurely and easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.
All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.
Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.
We recommend bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.