SD8999 : Cairn near summit of Kisdon

Kisdon

499m Elevation
186m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

SD8999 : Cairn near summit of Kisdon

Bill Griffiths Photo source

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Kisdon Force Trail

A scenic route starting from Keld, winding past the picturesque Kisdon Force. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty and gentle incline.

6.4 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

499m

1,636 ft

Prominence

186m

Coordinates

54.3941, -2.1569

SD899998

OS Map

98

Explorer: OL19S OL30N

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a stone cairn that offers a perfect spot for a selfie or a breather—don't forget the view over the stunning Yorkshire Dales!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and rocky with some well-trodden paths giving way to occasional boggy patches that could catch you unawares.

Kisdon is primarily composed of limestone, with some beautiful sedimentary features that illustrate the area's geological history. The surrounding rocks tell tales of ancient marine environments.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, gaze upon Swaledale and the picturesque scenery of the surrounding valleys, along with glimpses of the Pennine Hills. On a clear day, you might even catch sight of Farndale.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Kisdon' possibly derives from 'cisme', meaning a rocky hill, reflecting its rugged terrain.

Historical Significance

Kisdon's historical significance lies in its prominence in local folklore and its role as a landmark for shepherds navigating the surrounding moors.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking at the Keld car park, which provides easy access to the start of the Kisdon Force Trail.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in Keld, serviced by an infrequent bus route so plan ahead if you're relying on public transport!

Nearby Facilities

There's a handy café in Keld offering refreshments and toilets, ideal for a quick pit stop before and after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be on the lookout for slippery rocks, especially after rain. The weather can change quickly, so always be prepared for a surprise shower or two!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Kisdon?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Kisdon through the maps

Are there other walkers around Kisdon?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Kisdon search or of course create your own walk for Kisdon

Can I organise a walk to Kisdon?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Kisdon.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Kisdon?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Kisdon here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SD899998

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.