The Reluctant Explorers: Yorkshire Walking With Kids

Child standing between rocky walls of Conistone Dib

Conistone Dib and Pie

It may SOUND edible, but it’s almost certainly not!

This family friendly walk takes you from the tiny hamlet of Conistone up the epic and overlooked Conistone Dib to the valley beyond, then takes a detour to scramble up Conistone Pie!

It’s short sweet and a budding climber’s dream!

Have you heard of Conistone Dib and its affectionately nicknamed Pie?

Well, perhaps not! Because Conistone Dib is the underrated little brother of Trollers Gill and Trow Gill, a narrow rocky limestone gorge carved out by glacial meltwater just outside of Conistone in Upper Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales. It may be mini, but that makes it ideal for mini-adventurers who will love the little scrambles and atmospheric nature of the gorge making this a true adventure for kids!

Conistone Pie is a rocky outcrop, also offering a little scramble to the top to see some epic views across Wharfedale and beyond!

Want the walk details and route instructions? Then read on!

Child standing at the top of a snowy valley with trees

Walk details for Conistone Dib and Pie

Distance: 3 miles ( 5 km)

Terrain: Varied. Some rocky paths requiring some very simple clambering or scrambling (no exposed drops) wide grassy routes and some easy to navigate rocky tracks.

Parking: At the bridge in Conistone. Do not block access to gates, properties or fields. Do not block access for emergency vehicles.

Public Transport: There are buses that run to Kilnsey, which is down the road from Conistone. Check out the bus timetable on the Dales Bus Website.

Dog friendly? Yes, dogs to be kept under close control

Location: Conistone near Kilnsey, Wharfedale

What 3 Words: wedding.gambles.fishery

Toilets/ Baby Change: Nearest is Grassington

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Grassington/ Kettlewell

Child looking at tree that's growing into rock

Looing at a tree growing into the side of the Dib

Walking up from the rocky steps

How to walk to Conistone Dib and Pie

Family Friendly Walk Instructions

Walk Instructions should be used in conjunction with a map.

Beginning at the bridge in Conistone, head into the hamlet, passing Kilnsey Pony Trekking Centre on your left as you reach the little triangle crossroads in the middle. Here, head straight on, towards the stony residential access track to the properties ahead. The access track splits into two and you will just about see a wooden five bar gate ahead of you.
Continue through the gate signposted Conistone Dib and head straight on, until you see some large rocks forming giant-like natural steps ahead of you. This is your first chance for the little ones to get clambering! Head up the rocks and into the limestone gorge ahead.
The path continues through the gorge, emerging into a slope-sided valley with large ‘spoil heaps’ of limestone at either side. The path here is wide and grassy. Continue straight on until you reach a further gate. Continue through the gate.
The path thereafter follows the dry stone wall as it begins to rise through the valley ahead. Keep the drystone wall to your left and continue straight on and up. You will reach a small gate in the wall ahead. Head through this, then up the rocky scramble beyond (this bit is a lot of fun for the kids!)
Continue straight on through a further gate, then directly ahead, you will see a small track intersecting the path you are on, heading right/ left. Turn left onto that track and continue through another gate and then a further gate immediately beyond.
After the the final gate you will see a signpost pointing in the direction of the Dales Way footpath to Kettlewell. Follow this path and you will see the distinct shape of Conitone Pie ahead of you on the horizon. The path takes you to a stile over the dry stone wall. Cross that and head to the offshoot path to your left, heading to the rocky outcrop of Conistone Pie.
Retrace your steps to the Dales Way signpost pointing to Kettlewell. There you will find a wide stony track. Here, turn right onto the track as is bends downhill, back towards Conistone.
Follow the track to the bottom, where it meets the road back in Conistone. Turn left and head back to where you began!

Last walked December 2024.

The beginning of the walk from Conistone

Climbing up the scramble at the top of the valley

The children walking towards a rocky outcrop

Walking towards Conistone Pie

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

✨ The ROCKS! This walk truly …. rocks (ahem) Genuinely, this walk feels more like an adventure than a walk, with so much to clamber up thanks to that glacial meltwater creating the geology we see today. Plus, there is some excellent limestone pavement, just up from the walk to Conistone Pie if you want to check that out!

🐴 Kilnsey Pony Trekking Centre is at the start of this walk, if you fancy heading out on a pony trek too (booking a necessity, no experience required)

🌳 why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

Want to grab the route?

Head to the Ordnance Survey Navigation App where you can download the route!

(Always carry a back up map and know how to use it)

Image is Copyright of Ordnance Survey

Tap here to head to the Ordnance Survey Route

Helpful Information!

For more helpful information head to our safety tips and advice page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! These walks are intended as a guide only and are undertaken at your own risk. The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. If in doubt, turn back. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS or your phone alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

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