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.
Table of Contents
Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk Overview
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.
Read our guides about Simon’s Seat, Bolton Abbey Waterfall and The Strid
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 vehicle, we recommend hiring a car.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.
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!
Booking Trains
Trainline is one of the best online platforms for booking trains. By using Trainline, you can easily find the best available prices and times for your journey. We always use Trainline to book our train journeys in the UK and in Europe.
Hiking Essentials
These are our hiking gear essentials for the Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk.
Osprey Skarab 30
The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover
A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.
BUFF Original Ecostretch
The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.
To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.
Other Yorkshire Dales Guides
For more information about the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, click the button below. Otherwise, to help you get started, read our 42 Best Yorkshire Dales Walks or 48 Best Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls guides.
Best Villages to See in the Yorkshire Dales
- Grassington: Everything You Need to Know About Grassington
- Hawes: The 16 Best Things To Do In Hawes
- Ingleton: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Ingleton
- Masham: Everything You Need to Know About Masham
- Buckden: The 5 Best Things To Do In Buckden, Yorkshire
- Keld: The 5 Best Things To Do in Keld, North Yorkshire
- Clapham: The Top 13 Things To Do During A Visit to Clapham, Yorkshire
- Ribblehead: 15 Awesome Things To Do In Ribblehead
Bonus Tips
- Stay at the Conistone Hostel: looking for somewhere to stay in Conistone village? Why not stay at Conistone Hostel? We’ve heard great things about this hostel. Plus, you’ll be perfectly positioned for the Conistone Pie and Conistone Dib Circular Walk. For more information about Conistone Hostel, head here.
- Try other walks involving Conistone: we’ve heard the Kettlewell to Conistone Walk is one of the best Kettlewell walks. Indeed, it’s one of the best circular walks in Kettlewell. Another option is the Grassington to Conistone Circular Walk (via Mastilles Lane) or any of the nearby nice walks from Starbotton such as the Starbotton and Buckden Circular Walk.
- Explore other national parks in and near Yorkshire: don’t just stop at the Yorkshire Dales. Head to the beautiful Lake District (coming soon) and North York Moors National Parks.
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