Yorkshire Three Peaks
Great Shunner Fell and
Lovely Seat from Hardrew
Fountains Fell, Fountains Fell South and Darnbrook Fell
Buckden Pike
Great Whernside from Kettlewell
Simon's Seat from Appletreewick
Whernside from Ribblehead
Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribble
Ingleborough from Clapham
Mallerstag Tops (Hugh Seat, Gregory Chapel and High Seat)
Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn & Malham Cove
Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn & Malham Cove
Start:
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Malham
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Start (OS ref):
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SD900626
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Maps (1:25,000):
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OL2
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Parking:
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Public Car Park/Information Centre – Pay and Display
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Distance:
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8 miles (12.8 km) if Malham Tarn House is visited
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Time:
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3 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Hazards:
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Scrambling at Gordale Scar if this route is taken
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Refreshments:
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Malham
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Map of Route
The Route
The route starts at the public pay and display car park and tourist information Centre within Malham - Various routes can be taken to take in the various land marks of Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn and Malham Cove however have found that this is one of the most popular routes taken by walkers.
The route heads in the direction of Janet's Foss (a beautiful small waterfall with a deep pool below), walking along side Hell Gill Syke/Gordale Beck.
From Janet's Foss the route follows the footpath over Gordale Bridge to Gordale Scar. At this point a decision must be made either to climb the waterfall (please take extreme care if the waterfall is strong after rain, however a right of way leads up the gorge, but requires some mild scrambling) or to retrace the path to grid ref: SD912634 and follow the alternative route to meet up at SD965652 (as detailed in orange on the map above).
Although an opportunity to see the other waterfall would be missed by not climbing Gordale Scar the alternative route is still picturesque and rewarding.
Once Gordale Scar has been negotiated follow the footpath passed some ancient settlements to a minor road. A footpath branches off to the right until Great Close Plantation is reached. Taking the path to the left will lead to a junction.
By taking the northern path will head in the direction around Malham Tarn to Malham Tarm House passing Great Close Scar, however taking the southerly path will skirt under Malham Tarn and head back into Malham following the Pennine Way through Ings Scar, Raven Scar and onto Malham Cove.
After descending Malham Cove there are a few footpaths leading back into Malham, however following the Pennine Way path is the most straight forward of them.
This is an eventful walk, which takes in the majority of the sites that attracts most visitors to the area and one which is not too strenuous and can be accomplished by most levels of walking ability with an added options to climb Gordale Scar for the more adventurous walker with a head for heights.
Further photos to be found on my Fickr account
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| Janet's Foss |
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| Heading towards Gordale Scar |
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| Me at the top of the first waterfall and also climbing down (if you can see me!!) |
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| Path heading towards Great Close Scar |
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| Heading through Ings Scar and Raven Scar towards Malham Cove |
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| Malham Cove |
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| Malham Cove |
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| Path heading down Malham Cove back into Malham |
Further photos to be found on my Fickr account
Yorkshire Three Peaks
Start:
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Horton in Ribblesdale
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Start (OS ref):
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SD808724
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Maps (1:25,000):
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OL2
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Parking:
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Public Car Park (Please do not park on the road side)
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Distance:
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24 miles (38.6 km)
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Time:
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Aim for 24 Hrs
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Difficulty:
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Difficult
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Hazards:
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Scrambling on Penyghent and Ingleborough – Bogs between Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside.
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Refreshments:
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Horton in Ribblesdale, Ribblesdale
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GPX File - Yorkshire Three Peaks
Map of Route
The challenge is to walk the circuit under 24 hours, however we managed to complete it just under half an hour over the time limit. Although we did not make the official time the whole team did a fantastic job!
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| * The KC Walking Group (with me as an honorary day member) |
Please note that there is an alternative route from Pen-y-ghent to Whernside - See my blog post "Yorkshire Three Peaks - A new alternative route from Pen-y-ghent"
Great Shunner Fell & Lovely Seat
Start (OS ref):
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SD866911
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Map (1:25,000):
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OL19 Howgill Fells & Upper Eden Valley
OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Areas
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Parking:
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Road side parking (Hardrew)
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Distance:
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11.5 miles (18.5 km)
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Time:
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4 / 5 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Climbing:
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Great Shunner fell 716m, Lovely Seat 675m
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Hazards:
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Route from Great Shunner Fell to Butter Tubs road is off path
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Refreshments:
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Hardrew
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Map of Route
The Route
The route starts in the lovely village of Hardrew, where I camped for the weekend. The weather for the three days I stayed was fantastic with a hot sun and no rain which made for a great walking couple of days.
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| *Start and end of the walk |
The route to the trig point of Great Shunner Fell follows the Pennine Way, which is a steady walk without to many steep parts and therefore a fantastic opportunity to take in the views.
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| Trig Point and shelter (Great Shunner Fell) |
From the trig point I took a bearing east to the Butter Tubs road over an 'off path' route, which was wet and the terrain undulating (not an easy walk).
Once at the road I took a steep path up to Lovely Seat. From the cairn I backtracked to join the Butter Tubs road although there are various other routes back to Hardrew.
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| Cairn at Lovely Seat |
From joining the Butter Tubs road I walked south following the road back to Hardrew by taking a footpath at the Simonstone Hotel.
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| *Butter Tubs road back into Hardrew |
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 31st June 2011
Start Time: 12.40am
Finish Time: 4.30pm
Weather: Warm, varied cloud cover, no rain
Map of Route
The Route
The route follows a minor road from Rainscar and picks up the Pennine Way path up Fountains Fell. The climb is not difficult however the final part is steep. The Cairn is off the main path to the south and is easily found by following a well trodden path. The point to turn right is simple to notice as there are two large cairns to mark this point.
Half way to Fountains Fell cairn there is an old minors hut which I understand was used for shelter however is now secured and can not be entered.
Fountains Fell
Start (OS ref):
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SD847717
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Map (1:25,000):
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OL2 Yorkshire Dales Northern and Central areas
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Parking:
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Road side parking at Rainscar (payment is voluntary)
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Distance:
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8 miles (12.8 km)
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Time:
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3 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Climbing:
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Fountains Fell (668m), Fountains Fell South (662m) & Darnbrook Fell (624m)
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Hazards:
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None
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Refreshments:
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None
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Map of Route
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| Black line shows ascent the decent is in red |
The Route
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| Pen-y-ghent from the start at Rainscar |
The route follows a minor road from Rainscar and picks up the Pennine Way path up Fountains Fell. The climb is not difficult however the final part is steep. The Cairn is off the main path to the south and is easily found by following a well trodden path. The point to turn right is simple to notice as there are two large cairns to mark this point.
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| *Fountains Fell - The Pennine Way path |
Half way to Fountains Fell cairn there is an old minors hut which I understand was used for shelter however is now secured and can not be entered.
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| * Minors Hut |
I walked this with my son and now being a little bit of a 'hill bagger' he wanted to visit Fountains Fell South Cairn.
We also visited Darnbrook Fell, which is assessable by walking directly north east over very soggy ground (no footpath to this point). The trig point of Darnbrook Fell is not a very picturesque place, however my son was please to have got to this point.
From this point, to get back to our starting point we took an unorthodox root back (I would advise another route is taken).
A fantastic walk with really nice views of Pen-y-ghent if the weather is kind and no low cloud cover
Personal Walk Details:
A fantastic walk with really nice views of Pen-y-ghent if the weather is kind and no low cloud cover
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 6th March 2011
Start Time: 9.30am
Finish Time: 12.30pm
Weather: Cold however clear sky's although varied cloud cover on top of Fountains Fell
Map of Route
The Route
The route starts in the large public car park within Buckden and heads north west along a well defined public footpath. This path can be followed all the way to the trig point although there are some very steep parts.
On the day we did this walk the weather was warm at the start, however as we climbed the temperature became really cold (it was lucky that we remembered to pack an extra fleece!!)
When on top of Buckden there is an opportunity to look at the memorial cross to the Polish aircrew who lost their lives in 1942. This is a short walk following the watershed wall south for no longer than a mile.
From this point we retraced our steps, although there are a number of different paths to take i.e to Starbotton, however due to the cold and weather we decided to return to the start.
This was a fantastic walk. Although the top isn't too interesting the views of the surrounding fells are really worth the climb (we were able to make out most of the peaks).
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 7th August 2010
Buckden Pike
Start (OS ref):
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SD942773
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Map (1:25,000):
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Yorkshire Dales OL30
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Parking:
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Large carpark within Buckden (starting point)
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Distance:
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6 miles (9.6 km)
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Time:
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2 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Climbing:
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576m (Buckden Pike 702m)
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Hazards:
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None
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Refreshments:
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There are no longer a public house in Buckden (closest is in Starbotton)
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Map of Route
The Route
The route starts in the large public car park within Buckden and heads north west along a well defined public footpath. This path can be followed all the way to the trig point although there are some very steep parts.
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| On the ascent of Buckden with my son |
On the day we did this walk the weather was warm at the start, however as we climbed the temperature became really cold (it was lucky that we remembered to pack an extra fleece!!)
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| Trig point - Buckden Pike |
From this point we retraced our steps, although there are a number of different paths to take i.e to Starbotton, however due to the cold and weather we decided to return to the start.
This was a fantastic walk. Although the top isn't too interesting the views of the surrounding fells are really worth the climb (we were able to make out most of the peaks).
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 7th August 2010
Start Time: 10.00am
Finish Time: 12.00pm
Weather: Warm at the start, varied cloud cover, and mild/intermittent rain
Great Whernside
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| Great Whenside from Buckden Pike |
Start (OS ref):
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SD972724
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Map (1:25,000):
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Yorkshire Dales OL30
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Parking:
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Car park within Kettlewell (starting point)
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Distance:
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4 miles (6.4 km)
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Time:
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2 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Climbing:
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Great Whernside 704m
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Hazards:
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Some off path walking
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Refreshments:
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There are plenty of establishments including a pub, café and corner shop
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Map of Route
The Route
Our route started from our campsite at the bottom of Whernside (about half a mile from the large public car park in Kettlewell) - The campsite was extremely basic and a good 10 minutes walk to the toilet facilities although this was fine for a couple of nights.Kettlewell is a beautiful village with really friendly people and a fantastic pub.
From the car park the walk is through Kettlewell itself to pick up the main path up Great Whernside. The walk is steep in places and therefore not an easy walk. The first part of the footpath is through open fields until you reach a large Scout facility at Hag Dyke (this is where the first main climb starts).
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| My son climbing the first very steep part |
When we visited the cloud was extremely low (about 10 foot visibility) and therefore there was no views to reward us for our efforts, however as this was my son's first 'dales mountain' and trig point I'm not sure it really bothered him ... he was just pleased to be in the clouds!
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| Great Whernside Trig Point and cairn |
Once the top had been visited we descended the same path as we ascended until we reach the scout facility again at Hag Dyke. From this point we took the footpath to Hoobank Pasture to pick up a minor road back into Kettlewell
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 6th August 2010
Start Time: 11.00am
Finish Time: 13.00pm
Weather: Warm at the start, low cloud cover at the summit, intermittent rain
Simon's Seat
Start (OS ref):
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SE046602
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Map (1:25,000):
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OL2
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Parking:
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Road side parking (Appletreewick)
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Distance:
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6 miles (9.6 km)
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Time:
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2.5 / 3 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Climbing:
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485 metres
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Hazards:
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None (however dog access is limited)
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Refreshments:
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Appletreewick
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Map of Route
The Route
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| View from the start of the walk - Camp site (Appletreewick) |
A fantastic walk which takes in the wonderful Yorkshire Dales village of Appletreetwick Barden Bridge
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| My two sons at |
Following the main path of Howgill Lane to Dalehead Farm the main ascent of Simon's Seat starts - The climb is moderate however is steep in parts.
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| Climbing the steep part |
The path up to the trig point is well defined and is easily followed - Once a large style is reached the summit of Simon's Seat can be viewed. This marks the half way point of the ascent.
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| Simon's Seat can now be seen from the half way point of the ascent |
After a short climb the summit and trig point is reached from the north - On this occasion the top was very windy. Although the views were not the best this was my youngest son's first trig point and therefore I was really proud of his achievement.
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| Simon's Seat Trig Point |
From the trig point a number of options are available to complete the walk back to Appletreewich e.g via the The Devil's Apronful path passing the aqueduct back to Barden Bridge, however to vary the walk we took the path from Howgill Lane to Skyreholme.
On our return we visited one of the two fantastic pubs in Appletreewick.
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 5th March 2011
Start Time: 10.00am
Finish Time: 12.00am
Weather: Overcast, Windy
Map of Route
The Route
This classic well known route starts at the lay by parking on the B6255 (Blea Moor Road) of which there are plenty and therefore not essential to get there early. The route I walked followed the Ribblehead viaduct to Smithy Hill crossing the rail way tracks at the aqueduct.
From the aqueduct the main path is followed, ensuring the left hand path is taken at Grain Head. This path is a steady ascent to the summit using a well laid path, which can be extremely slippy if it's wet or has been raining, passing Whernside Tarn
The final part of the ascent is simple by following a dry stone wall to the trig point.
The route from this point follows the dry stone wall to Ref SD734802 to the path that descends down Whernside to the right. This meets the path which passes Broadrake and Winterscales Farm and eventually meets the Ribblehead viaduct and the main route to the start of the walk.
Personal Walk Details:Date: 31st July 2010
Whernside
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| Whernside and the Ribble viaduct |
Start:
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Hibblehead viaduct
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Start (OS ref):
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SD765793
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Maps (1:25,000):
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OL2
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Parking:
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Off road parking (lay-by)
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Distance:
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8 miles (12.8 km)
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Time:
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3/4 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Climbing:
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736 metres
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Hazards:
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None
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Refreshments:
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Lay by café, Public House Ribblehead
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Map of Route
The Route
This classic well known route starts at the lay by parking on the B6255 (Blea Moor Road) of which there are plenty and therefore not essential to get there early. The route I walked followed the Ribblehead viaduct to Smithy Hill crossing the rail way tracks at the aqueduct.
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| Ribblehead viaduct and the aqueduct (Ingleborough in the back ground) |
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| Whernside Tarn and on the main path to the summit |
The final part of the ascent is simple by following a dry stone wall to the trig point.
The route from this point follows the dry stone wall to Ref SD734802 to the path that descends down Whernside to the right. This meets the path which passes Broadrake and Winterscales Farm and eventually meets the Ribblehead viaduct and the main route to the start of the walk.
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| Main path off from the trig point to start the decent (Ingleborough in the background) |
Personal Walk Details:Date: 31st July 2010
Start Time: 13.00pm
Finish Time: 16.30pm
Weather: Fantastic weather, warm and clear
Pen-y-ghent
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| Picture of Pen-y-Ghent at the start of the ascent |
Start:
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Horton in Ribblesdale
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Start (OS ref):
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SD809725
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Maps (1:25,000):
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OL2
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Parking:
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Public Car Park (Please do not park on the road side)
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Distance:
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5.5 miles (8.8 km)
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Time:
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2 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Hazards:
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Scrambling on the final ascent of Penyghent.
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Refreshments:
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Horton in Ribblesdale
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Map of Route
The Route
This is a well know route and links up with the Pennine Way. This is the traditional starting point of the famous 'Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge' incorporating Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough into a 25 mile circular walk which must be completed within 12 hours.
This particular walk starts at the public car park at Horton in Ribbleside and heads south (passing the camp site I stayed at the weekend I was there) towards Brackenbottom taking the minor road passed the primary school. Before getting to Brackenbottom the public footpath should be taken on the right which will be used to meet the Pennine Way path to the summit of Pen-y-ghent.
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| Main path to Pen-y-ghent and right is the path when it meets the Pennine Way |
The final part of the accent is steep and a small scramble to the summit and trig point.
The trig point sits close to a stone wall and a wind break giving a great place to take a break and take in the views. This gives a fantastic opportunity to see other hills in the area and for the walkers doing the YTP challenge a site of the two remaining hills.
From the trig point Plover Hill can also be visited by following the stone wall however to return to the start the Pennine Way footpath back to Horton in Ribble needs to be taken passing Hunt Pot and Horton Scar.
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| Path heading back to Horton in Ribble |
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 30th July 2010
Start Time: 11.30am
Finish Time: 13.00pm
Weather: Warm at the start, varied cloud cover, and mild/intermittent rain
Ingleborough
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| *Ingleborough |
Start (OS ref):
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SD745691
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Map (1:25,000):
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OL2
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Parking:
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Public Car Park
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Distance:
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8.5 miles (13.6 km)
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Time:
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2.5 / 3 hours
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Difficulty:
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Moderate
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Climbing:
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723 metres
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Hazards:
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None
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Refreshments:
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Clapham (Public Houses and Café)
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Map of Route
The Route
My intention was to climb Ingleborough via Trow Gill and return by taking the footpath at Little Ingleborough to Newby Cote, however as I enjoyed the route taken on the ascent so much (due to the weather and fantastic views), I returned the same way. As I found this to be a brilliant walk I will be returning although I will take an alternative route to see what I missed on this occasion..
My walk (and I suppose most of the walks to Ingleborough) starts at the public car in Clapham. I decided to take the public footpath via Limekiln plantation to Ingleborough Cave so that I could return through the woods along Clapdale Drive.
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| Clapham Drive and Clapham Beck (passing Ingleborough Cave) |
The drive took me through the impressive Trow Gill, before taking me over a stony path until I reached Gaping Gill.
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| Gaping Gill |
Upon reaching Gaping Gill I took my first look at the path leading up Ingleborough. This path is hard going to Little Ingleborough. however levels out for a while until the final push to the trig point.
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| Little Ingleborough and Ingleborough |
Retracing my routes I took a small detour following Clapham Drive (through a plantation that runs parallel with Clapham Beck) all the way back to Clapham Car Park - There was a 20p charge to access this part of the route but the very small charge was very well worth it.
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 31st July 2010
Start Time: 8.00am
Finish Time: 10.30pm
Weather: Warm at the start, varied cloud cover, and mild/intermittent rain
Weather: Warm at the start, varied cloud cover, and mild/intermittent rain
Mallerstag Circular
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| High Seat |
Start (OS ref):
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SD808724
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Map (1:25,000):
|
OL19
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Parking:
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Road side parking at lay by just passed
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Distance:
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8 miles (12.8 km)
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Time:
|
4/5 hours
|
Difficulty:
|
Hard
|
Climbing:
|
Hugh Seat (689m), Gregory Chapel (695m) & High Seat (695m)
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Hazards:
|
None
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Refreshments:
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None
|
Map of Route
The Route
This fantastic, although hard walk, starts at the lay by near Cotegill Bridge and heads south to Aisgill Cottages. Taking the footbridge and footpath over the railway lines heading to Hellgill, the ascent to Hugh Seat starts at Hellgill Bridge.
Following Hellgill beck towards Black Fell Moss, upon reaching this point a bearing needs to be taken to Hugh Seat trig point. There are no paths and therefore the bearing needs to be kept (the walk is steep and over difficult ground). Upon reaching the top Lady's Pillar (name of Hugh Seat's cairn) will be visible.
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| Lady's Pillar |
To navigate to Gregory Chapel there is a path which follows the National Park Boundary (detailed on the OS map). This is an easy walk across flat ground with only one short climb.
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| Gregory Chapel |
The last top to visit whilst on the ridge is (other than doing the complete round including High Pike and Wild Boar Fell) is High Seat, again by following the National Park Boundary and a well trodden path. This is a similar walk from Hugh Seat which is relatively level, however difficult to know when High Seat has been reached due to a lack of a main cairn.
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| The unimpressive cairn at High Seat |
At any point there are brilliant views of surrounding hills, including Wild Boar Fell and Fountains Fell.
The descent starts at this point - Heading east the footpath at Sloe Brae Gill needs to be reached which leads into Outhgill. From Outgill the main road south should be taken until reaching a bridle way at The Thrang (this path runs parallel to the ridge which has just been walked) and is a good point for anyone wishing to climb Wild Boar Fell to take a footpath to start the walk.
Following the bridle way (passing the Water Cut) it will eventually lead back to Hellgill Bridge and the starting point to the Hugh Seat ascent. At this junction the path back to the start can be retraced.
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| The Water Cut and Wild Boar Fell |
Personal Walk Details:
Date: 1st July 2011
Start Time: 10.00am
Finish Time: 2.30pm
Weather: Sunny and very warm, very little cloud cover
(Any pictures contained in this blog with an * has not been taken by me)
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