The view from Schoolboy's cairn

Schoolboy’s Tower, Giggleswick Scar

This is a linear walk, that takes you to Schoolboy’s Tower.

It’s pretty short, has views to die for and has loads to explore on the way up!

What is Schoolboy’s Tower?

Well, it’s a massive cairn on top of Giggleswick Scar.

Doesn’t sound like a particularly exciting walk for the kids right? Well, I’ll admit, when I was sat geeking out over the map of Settle and the surrounding areas, this walk was entirely motivated by the desire to explore some cool sounding caves and get to the bottom of some weird sounding places. Like Schoolboy’s Tower (turns out it has a story…. scroll down to see it!)

What actually happened upon walking, was that we managed to find only one of the caves, Schoolboy’s Cave and the walk turned out to be pretty cool. So here it is!

It’s a ‘walk’ that is more of an explore. You’ll see the remains of an enormous disused quarry, there will be views across to Pen Y Ghent and Pendle Hill, limestone pavement, and a giant cairn. If you have older kids, you will be able to find the cave too, which used to be the favourite haunt of some of the local schoolkids.

❗ Whilst we visited the cave on the side of Giggleswick Scar, it should be noted that it is located on the side of a very steep hill, with a steep incline to each side. The track to it, is not well walked, and is very narrow. Please take great care if you choose to find it yourself.

What are the walk details for Schoolboy’s Tower and Cave?

Distance: 2.5 miles

Terrain: Mainly well walked footpaths, some ascent (450 feet).

Parking: Layby in Giggleswick, Mill Hill Lane. Do not block any access points or roads, be respectful to residents.

Public Transport: Sadly, the start point of this walk is not easily accessible by Public Transport

Dog Friendly? Yes

Location: Giggleswick

Map: OS Explorer OL02 Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western

What 3 Words Locations: Start point: bribing.renovated.inspected (lay by, but we did not block access or passing points)

Toilets/ Baby Change: No

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Giggleswick and Settle

Exploring schoolboy's cave with a torch

The limestone pavement on top of Giggleswick Scar

How to find Schoolboy’s Cave

Directions:

  1. Beginning at the top of Mill Hill Lane, carefully cross the very busy road, to the opposite side. The old entrance to the quarry is there, and the footpath is on your right. Head into the wooded area, and follow it round to the left. The path ascends stone steps and follows the boundary of the quarry. There are some spectacular views into the quarry at this point. The path is very easy to follow, as it follows the perimeter of the quarry all the way to the top!

  2. After around half a mile, the landscape opens up at the top of the quarry, and you will see patches of limestone pavement appear. Here, the path turns left, but leaves the direct perimeter of the quarry a little, although it roughly follows it still, but at a distance. You will first see a small stone cairn. At this point the path veers leftwards and you will soon see the massive cairn up ahead, Schoolboy’s Tower.

  3. This is a top spot for a picnic and boasts spectacular views all the way across to Pendle Hill.

  4. In the even you decide to try and find Schoolboys cave, you need to head down the scar a little at the far side of the tower (only 25 yards or so) and turn right. Schoolboy’s cave is located in the side of the scar. Be aware that the track is very narrow and has a steep unguarded drop to the left hand side. To take this detour is not for the fainthearted, but you will be rewarded with a very cool little cave to explore, no wonder those schoolboys thought it was a great hideout! (The cave mouth was overgrown so we laid a picnic blanket down on top of the nettles!)

  5. This is s linear walk, so once you have picnicked away, head back the way you came. Whilst I am always more of a fan of a circular route, the views on the return route are STONKING!

    Last walked July 2021.

The entrance to Schoolboy’s cave

 What’s Cool for Kids on this walk

✨ The site of Schoolboy’s Tower cairn is thought to be the original location of a prehistoric cairn, and the remains of prehistoric settlements have been found in the surrounding areas. The pupils of nearby Giggleswick School were rumoured to add to the cairn every time they took a trip to their favourite hideout, Schoolboy’s Cave! There are several caves around Giggleswick Scar on account of the the fact the scar is made up of limestone, cave making material!

🥪 Pack up a picnic and use Schoolboy’s Tower as an epic picnic spot!

🌳 If you need some inspiration to get rid of the walking whinges, then check out our walking games or scavenger hunt sheets!

Walking around the top of the quarry
Exploring inside of Schoolboy's Cave

Helpful Information!

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS 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.

⭐ Caves can be dangerous. If we have ever entered a cave, is has been easy to access and we have never progressed further than where it has been safe to do so. Specialist caving equipment and expertise is required to explore beyond the entrance.  

One of the caves of Settle

More cave walks please!

We think they are fascinating places to explore and the Yorkshire Dales is absolutely packed full of caves!

Most are inaccessible without specialist knowledge and equipment, but there are some that are easy to check out!

Like our Settle Caves walk, which is just down the road from Schoolboy’s Tower!

This walk takes you to Victoria and Jubilee Caves, so remember to take your torches to explore properly!

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

Follow us for up to date Outdoors Adventures!

We live and BREATHE the Yorkshire Dales outdoors life!

Come follow our journey over on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, where you’ll find up to date walk info, breaking news on Yorkshire Events, new Yorkshire Dales wild swim spots, climbing, caves and more!

Follow us on Social Media for all the up to date info: @thereluctantexplorers