Dramatic Castle ruins in stunning scenery

This is a beautiful spot to stop and I'd be amazed if you saw anyone else while you were there, but don't rely on the area being sheep-free. There were many there when I stopped by, so if your dog doesn't like doing their business while on a lead, then this isn't the place for you.

It is however some of the most dramatic castle ruins I've seen with stunning scenery in all directions and the perfect place to stop for a stretch of the legs. It's also right next to the road so no time wasted on finding or walking to it.

The sign on the gate does say dogs must be on a lead at all times, however I'm pretty sure this is because of the sheep, so once you've established there are no sheep, I'm sure letting them off is fine! Star rating is purely because of this, it is not indicative of the beauty of the place which easily gets the full 5*

Great Riverside Walk with views of Ingleborough

I parked at the Bull Beck carpark and walked to Crook o' Lune along the river route, crossing to the other side at the impressive waterworks bridge as there was some shade offered by trees from time on the Northern side of the river and I was here on the hottest day of the year so far!

To do this though you will probably need to carry your dog as the bridge is slatted metal so little paws can't walk on it.

The far side also offers livestock free walking so they can be off lead all the way to Crook o' Lune from this bridge which is great! Can't gaurantee that'll always be the case, but it certainly looked like it isn't frequented by any other animals than dogs!

All the fields on the southern side are farmed so all had either cattle or sheep in when I did the walk in June 2019.

The landscape is very scenic and the views are fabulous. You can see Ingleborough hill for much of the time looking up the valley.

I returned to Bull Beck along the disused railway line (a more direct route - took me 35 mins) which is more attractive than many I've walked along as you regularly see through gaps in the hedges and it opens out in sections adding a bit more interest to the 1.5 mile route. You can easily detour into Caton here for local amenities.

Bull Beck car park has a cracking little cafe hut which I can recommend the hot breakfast baps - completely chocked full of meat. I had one before the walk and when we returned an ice cream was ordered - many flavours on offer from a local Lancashire dairy farm: Mrs Dowsons.

If you want to do this walk, I would say allow an hour really to walk along the river itself - allows for view and photo stops and to manoeuvre round livestock. Then allow 35 - 40min to walk back along the railway line.