Simon’s Seat, in the Yorkshire Dales, offers one of the most rewarding hikes in the region, especially when approached from the lesser trodden path starting at Stump Cross Caverns. Usually approached via the Valley of Desolation, this alternative, 14km circular route takes you through a changing landscape of rolling moorland, farming valleys and gritstone outcrops, ending in panoramic views from the summit of Simon’s Seat. This hike is a must do for anyone looking to experience the wild charm and natural beauty of the Dales. Check out all the route details and download the map below.
At a Glance
Difficulty: Moderate - some steep sections leading up to Simon’s Seat and boggy terrain along the moorland. Otherwise clear paths with some sections of well maintained track. Confidence with route needed as it is not signposted.
Distance: 14km/8.7 miles
Total Ascent:455m
Est Time: 4.5 hrs (not including rest stops)
Starting location: Free parking in a layby on the B6265 near Stump Cross Caverns
Facilities: None on route. Toilet and cafe at Stump Cross Caverns.
Dog friendly: Yes but there are a few stiles on route and keep them on a lead around livestock
Simon’s Seat Circular walk details
Begin your hike by parking in the layby just below Stump Cross Caverns on the B6265. This is a great showcave that’s worth a visit, with plenty of underground passages to explore. They also have a fabulous cafe that serves a delicious afternoon tea too. From the layby, follow the road downhill for a few minutes to join the bridleway on the left. Head through the gate and follow the stony track called Black Hill Road. The climb is gradual and as you gain height, the landscape opens up to reveal Simon’s Seat directly in front of you, towering over the valley.
This is an area of disused mines and shake holes but you don’t have to worry about them as you’ll just continue following the track. Soon you’ll descend via a tarmaced road on your right into the tiny hamlet of High Skyreholme. There are a few houses here and route takes you through a gate on the left between two buildings. This feels wrong, and like you’re trespassing, but I promise this is a public footpath! Head through a second gate and over the river via a bridge, into open farm fields.
After crossing the fields diagonally and over a stile, you’ll meet the main track where you switch back towards the farm and follow the public footpath, signposted to Simon’s Seat and Barden Moor.
The ascent is short but sharp to the summit of Simon’s Seat, zigzagging up through moorland thick with heather and rocky outcrops until you emerge onto the open summit plateau.
At 485 metres, the trig on Simon’s Seat is set on a jumble of giant gritstone boulders perched on a high ridge, offering spectacular views in all directions. On a clear day, you’ll see down into Wharfedale and Nidderdale. As for the name Simon’s Seat, legend has it that a local shepherd named Simon would rest here and one day found a baby on the summit. The summit is a great place to explore, hopping across the rocks and choosing the perfect location for lunch, sheltered from the wind that frequently buffets the summit.
This is the view from the summit of Simon's Seat wearing the Trailblazer printed cycling shorts; lovely and stretchy for hopping along the rocks!
From Simon’s Seat, follow the paved moorland track heading towards Lord’s Seat and Little Simon’s Seat, two rocky outcrops you can’t miss in the distance. One you reach these outcrops, the path becomes grassy and faint and in wet weather, very boggy underfoot. However, depending on the time of year you visit, swathes of cotton grass or purple heather, will make this section of the walk slightly more bearable if you end up having to dodge the bogs.
Continue along the same path toward Great Pock Stones, another cluster of weathered gritstone boulders rising from the moor. These formations are often overlooked, but they’re a great spot for a second break and provide a last glimpse back at Simon’s Seat before you begin the descent.
From Great Pock Stones, follow the bridleway that curves gently downhill.. The route gradually changes from a stony track, with Simon’s Set now in front of you and to your left, back to farmland. Be sure to check your route or map here as it can be easy to take the wrong path at a junction with three choices. Head through the hate but instead of following the tract, head off on a slight right to take you through farmland, over a stile and back down Craven Moor to the main road in the distance.
Eventually, you’ll rejoin the road near where you began with just a short walk back down the road to your car.
Simon’s Seat Circular Walk - download the route
Download the Ordnance Survey route and map here.
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Starting point from free layby parking on the B6265 near Stump Cross Caverns
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After following a stony track, turn right and follow the road downhill before passing through some houses on your left
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The start of the ascent up Simon’s Seat
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The summit of Simon’s Seat
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After crossing the moorland, head left to join a stony track that leads downhill
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When you meet a gate, head through it and follow the grassy path on a diagonal, join another track and cross a stile over the wall
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When you meet the main road, turn left, pop into Stump Cross Caverns for a cuppa and follow the road back to your car
Komoot App
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.
Is there public transport to the starting point?
Public transport is very limited but there is a bus that stops at Stump Cross Caverns. The Dales Bus 822, runs from Pocklington, York, Boroughbridge and Ripon. Find out more and get the bus timetable here.
Where is the parking for Simon's Seat?
Free parking is available in a layby on the B6265 near Stump Cross Caverns. The route starts a one minute walk down the road from here.
How long is the Simon’s Seat Circular route?
The route is 14km long and should take roughly 4.5 hours depending on pace and how often you stop for breaks. The terrain is good most of the way with well maintained tracks and paved sections with a boggy section at the summit.
How hard is Simon’s Seat?
Simon’s Seat is a moderate hike and good fitness is required. The elevation to the summit can feel steep but once you’re up, the rest of the route is relatively flat and downhill. Some navigation skills are needed here so either have the route on a map or download it to your phone using either the Ordnance Survey App or Komoot.
For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check my other blog posts here on MY URBAN TRAIL and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.
Happy adventuring!
Izzy