Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk: An Epic Trail

The Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk is a genuinely underrated short walk in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Along this infrequently explored trail, you’ll enjoy two excellent natural attractions – Conistone Dib and then Conistone Pie. Conistone Dib is a spectacular dry limestone valley, whilst Conistone Pie is a stunning limestone outcrop. Both Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib can be easily explored on this breathtaking walk in North Yorkshire, which starts in Conistone village.

In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk. After describing the highlights of the walk, we’ll discuss how to get to Conistone village. We’ll then look at hiking essentials and cover some bonus tips when exploring the area.

We hope you find this guide helpful. For information about other great walking routes, read our guides about Simon’s Seat and Valley of Desolation, Grassington Moor Leadmining Trail and the Burnsall to Grassington Walk (coming soon).

Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk Summary

Also known as the Conistone Dib Walk and Conistone Pie Walk, the circular walk, which visits both attractions is a simple short trail in the Yorkshire Dales. Beck and I are surprised that this walk isn’t more well-known. After all, walking through Conistone Dib is simply epic. Whilst, Conistone Pie is an amazing limestone structure, which provides lovely views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. We’re sure, that with a bit more exposure, this walk will become more popular in the future.

Anyway, before we describe the walk, please find below the trail specs and a GPS-guided map.

Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk Map and Stats

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 165m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Conistone
• Grid Ref: SD981675
• Map: Wikiloc

If you prefer an Ordnance Survey Explorer map, you could find a GPS-guided map on the Ordnance Survey Explorer app.

Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk Report and Photos

In this trail description, we’re going to briefly describe the Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk. It all starts in Conistone village in North Yorkshire.

Conistone, North Yorkshire

From Conistone village in North Yorkshire, you’ll pass Greystone Cottages, as you begin to follow a path towards Conistone Dib. This trail is also known as Gurling Trough, which immediately leads you to the immense Conistone Dib.

Conistone Dib

Conistone Dib is an incredible limestone gorge, that pierces through the rugged Yorkshire landscape. As mentioned, Beck and I are surprised that this mindblowing gorge doesn’t see more visitors. Besides, it’s so quick and easy to reach from Conistone village! Certainly, this natural attraction is underrated. But, with that, comes tranquillity and calmness as you explore this dry limestone gorge without the crowds.

As you ascend Gurling Trough, the walls of Conistone Dib become less imposing as you climb out of the small gorge. You’ll soon reach a flat grassy area at the top of Conistone Dib, which leads to a steep trail. As you negotiate the uneven limestone rocks on the ascending path, you’ll soon reach the limestone pavement of Hill Castle Scar.

The section between Conistone Dib and Conistone Pie, along Hill Castle Scar, is one of the best parts of the circular walk. Indeed, the limestone pavement is simply mesmerising. Feel free to walk along the pavement in a northwest direction towards Conistone Pie. Otherwise, you can walk along Dales Way, just south of and underneath Hill Castle Scar, on your way to Conistone Pie.

Conistone Pie

Nearing the western end of Hill Castle Scar, you’ll soon turn right to reach Conistone Pie, which is just another highlight of this brilliant walk in North Yorkshire. As you may have guessed, Conistone Pie is a pie-shaped circular structure. From atop this limestone outcrop, you’ll enjoy views towards Buckden Pike Yockenthwaite Moor and Kilsney Crag.

From Conistone Pie, there is an option to extend you’re walk to Capplestone Gate. Otherwise, if you’re just doing the Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk, it’s time to return to Conistone village. To continue along the loop route, you’ll soon join Scot Gate Lane, which winds and descends in a southwest direction back towards Conistone village and the River Wharfe.

Soon enough, you’ll arrive back in Conistone having finished the walk!

How to Get There

The easiest and quickest way to get to Conistone village in North Yorkshire is to drive there yourself. Basically, you can park anywhere in Conistone village to complete the walk. We found free parking at this address – The Sheep Dip, Skipton BD23 5HS (see map).

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, we recommend hiring a car using Rentalcars.com. You’ll find a wide variety of cars on Rental Cars, which are very easy to book online.

It’s also possible to use public transport to get to Conistone village. But, it’s a drawn-out and tedious journey. So, we don’t recommend it. But, if you have no other option, you’ll want to get to Skipton. From Skipton, you can catch the 30 minute 72 bus to Grassington. From Grassington, catch the 15 minute 72B bus towards Conistone. You’ll need to alight at the Tennant’s Arms Hotel in Kilsney and walk around 1.5km to reach Conistone. As you can see, driving to Conistone village yourself is much easier and straightforward!

Hiking Essentials

These are our five hiking gear essentials for the Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk.

• Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots: these hiking boots are super comfortable and lightweight.
• The North Face Venture Jacket: a fantastic windproof/waterproof jacket.
• Osprey Skarab 30L Day Backpack: a great backpack for hiking, which has plenty of space to store your gear.
• The North Face TKA Glacier Fleece Jacket: an excellent warmth:weight ratio fleece jacket that’ll help keep you warm.
• Columbia Convertible Trousers: a value for money pair of water-resistant convertible trousers.

Make sure to also pack water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat! For a longer hiking gear list, read our 66 Travel Items You Must Travel With. For a list of everything else you’d need for travelling, read our Packing Checklist.

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