Route: Pen-y-ghent
Area: Yorkshire Dales
Date of walk: 19th December 2013
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 7.2 miles
Ascent: 1,500 feet
Pen-y-ghent is one of the three giants of the Yorkshire Dales. I’d been up here a few years ago as part of the Three Peaks Challenge but on that occasion I was focussed on completing the round rather than sightseeing, so now was the time to enjoy the surroundings properly
I parked in Horton in Ribblesdale and walked out of the village towards Brackenbottom, taking the classic route up the fell
The sun was shining and I had a spring in my step as I viewed the way ahead. It was easy going all the way, though hands were needed for a few of the final sections up the steep limestone edges
I could see some weather approaching and it was a shame that by the time I reached the top it had clouded over. The way down was easy, so easy that I jogged much of the way with gravity doing all the hard work
I took a minor diversion to see the spectacular feature of Hull Pot, well worth the detour. I’d timed the walk well, by chance, as rain and sleet started to fall towards the end but this didn’t spoil what had been a great walk
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
The River Ribble
An early view of Pen-y-ghent as I walk out of Horton in Ribblesdale
Brackenbottom ahead. The path leaves the road just ahead and leads up to Brackenbottom Scar
Looking back down to Horton in Ribblesdale
It’s a popular way up, but I didn’t see anyone else today on the whole round
Pen-y-ghent comes into view again
Another view back down, with Ingleborough in the distance
Pen-y-ghent was looking at its best in this light, though it didn’t last much longer
The final push to the top
Looking back down along Gavel Rigg
Not far to go now
Just a few rocky staircases to climb
The summit cairn, but weather was approaching from behind and I wasn’t going to linger up there
I had to take care on this slippery section at the start of the descent
Pen-y-ghent Side
I jogged down this section assisted by the gentle gradient
I took a short detour to see Hull Pot - the largest hole in England and a spectacular sight
A last look back up to Pen-y-ghent
Almost back to the start - Horton in Ribblesdale ahead
