Tuesday, 29th August 2017

Walk: Yorkshire Three Peaks: Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent & Whernside
Start Point: Chapel-le-Dale Grid Reference: SD 744 777
Distance: 24 miles Ascent: 5,200 feet
Time: 11 hours 30 minutes
Weather: Fine
Comments:

After all the talking we eventually did it!
The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge walk had been on our agenda for a couple of years so with a free slot in the walks programme and good weather forecast 5 of us decided to get it done.
The weather couldn’t have been better with no rain and light cloud all day it was perfect for a walk like this.
Starting at Chapel-le-Dale we climbed Ingleborough first, followed by Pen-y-Ghent and then Whernside.
We dropped down off Ingleborough into Horton-in-Ribblesdale only to find that the Pen-y-Ghent café was closed on a Tuesday which was so disappointing as a big mug of tea was just what was needed at this stage. So it was onwards and upwards onto Pen-y-Ghent where we stopped for lunch. As we approached Ribblehead we met a group of young lads who had started one hour before us. They provided good banter and incentive to keep them in sight as they set off to climb Whernside.
The climb from Ribblehead up to Whernside was a long slog and the very steep descent was pretty tricky due to all the erosion. However we all made it in good spirit.
On completion we called into The Old Hill Inn for a celebratory drink and meal which we were certainly ready for.

Ready to set off with our first summit, Ingleborough in the background . . .

as low cloud drifts across

The summit shelter is accompanied by . . .

a summit cairn which has views across . . .

to Ingleton

As we continue on our way . . .

Pat and Robb pay a quick visit to the trig point

Our morning break is taken near what used to be a shooting hut

Crossing to Sulber Nick our next target, Pen-y-Ghent, looms in the distance . . .

but looks somewhat closer as we reach Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Climbing up from Brackenbottom . . .

to enjoy lunch . . .

on the summit of Pen-y-Ghent

Having descended via the Pennine Way . . .

the sign shows the direction . . .

to our final summit, Whernside

Says it all

Don't let us disturb you

Lodge Hall, Ingman Lodge Road, Selside is . . .

an integral part of a working farm and . . .

is dated 1687

Following Gauber Road we are able to keep up a good pace to reach . . .

Ribblehead with a good view of the viaduct and our last summit, Whernside

We were fortunate to see a passing goods train . . .

which had 22 carriages

We enjoy a short break before . . .

heading out on the next section . . .

beside the railway line, where another goods train . . .

waits for the green signal

As we follow the route up to Whernside, the summit comes into view . . .

and we can look back at Ingleborough, our first summit . . .

and Pen-y-Ghent, the second one

At a higher point we can see distant signs of the sun sinking low . . .

not surprising as it is 7pm when we reach the summit . . .

and with no walkers around to take a group photo we settle for two

After a long steep descent we can see the Ribble viaduct from the opposite side . . .

and take a last look at the summit before we head for the pub and a welcome celebratory meal

Return to 2017 Diary