Overview: Challenging walk along part of the Six Dales Way to the top of Guisecliff starting in Glasshouses with stunning views over Nidderdale from the top. Dog-friendly but be on the look out for sheep in surrounding fields and near the top.
Difficulty Rating: Challenging walk. Steep hill to climb to the top.
Distance: From Glasshouses to the top of the cliff is approximately a mile – however, there are plenty of paths to explore along the way and if you walk along the top of the cliff to the folly you can obviously add to the distance.
Details: Start at the bridge in Glasshouses. Parking is available on the road. Cross over the River Nidd with the village behind you and turn left up the private road. Turn right onto the dirt track and follow this up past a few houses along the way. Once in the woods follow the winding footpath until you come to a large group of rocks. Behind these is a beautiful tarn. Continue on up the path to the left. There is a path leading to the top that goes around the tarn on the right. If taking this one please be aware this leads to a section popular with mountain bikers. While bikers can be found along all sections this part can be particularly busy.
Follow the left-hand path (rocks and tarn will be on your right as you see path leading off to left) up and around the side of the hill. This leads to the top where there are spectacular views. Continuing along the top of the cliff (views on your right) will take you to the ruins of Yorke Folly, built in the late 1800s.
Notes: Mountain bikers also use this path watch out for them on corners or near blind summits on the various small drops located along the way. Watch out for shear drops on the top, especially on windy days. The path through the woods can get very muddy, especially in winter.
