I plan to walk the Yorkshire Three Peaks tomorrow and have put in plenty of time ensuring my legs are ready for the twenty-four miles and the ascent of the three stunning peaks. I have decided to walk without the dogs, as I am concerned that on a warm day such a challenging walk will be too much for Crosby. It is definitely further and tougher than ten-year-old Dexter now likes to walk.
Before doing the walk I want to do a rapid ascent of Ingleborough from the Hill Inn, on the Ingleton to Hawes Road. To do this quickly I am leaving the dogs with Lynnie this morning, we will all go for a walk later. Starting from the small parking area a few hundred yards from the Hill Inn I cross the road and go through a gate to follow a path towards Keld Bank, on the way I pass a cracking Lime Kiln.
The path soon reaches the limestone pavement of Southerscales Scars and then passes the impressive Braithwaite Wife Hole before going through a gate. From here I stop and look at the traffic on the path in front of me. There appears to be a constant stream of people walking off Ingleborough and I can also see a group ahead of me going towards Humphrey Bottom. I judge that this group are likely to hold me up and stop a rapid ascent, so turn left to walk besides the wall.
On reaching a wall I turn right to follow a pathway uphill. I have walked this path a number of times previously. It is obviously becoming a popular ascent of Ingleborough, because it is now clear and easy to follow. It is my preferred route up Ingleborough from this side; I rarely meet anyone, as it is far less congested than the traditional three peaks route.
This is a stiff climb, in the past I have needed to stop a couple of times to catch my breath, but today partly because the route is easier to follow and partly due to my fitness I make it to the top of the ridge without stopping. At the top I stop to admire the view and get my breath back.
I turn away from Ingleborough here and take the path that follows the ridge above Souther Scales Fell. I have not walked this before and soon get a cracking view of the Ribblehead Viaduct.
As I continue along the path I hear a steam train on the Settle to Carlisle line, so stop to watch the train pass over the viaduct. I have seen a number of trains travel over the viaduct, but cannot recall watching a stream train. It is real treat.
I resume my walk keeping besides a wall, until I reach a junction of paths on Park Fell. Here I take a slight diversion from my route to locate the Ordnance Survey trig point.
This is the sixty-second trig I have bagged. It has cracking views in all directions.
I retrace my steps to the path. The route goes steeply downhill, a real test for the knees. Ahead of me in the distance I can see the Cam High Road, this old Roman Road is now the route of the Pennine Way. Lynnie and I walked that section a few years ago on a hot afternoon.
At the foot of the hill I follow a pathway to the left that merges with a footpath from Colt Park. Crossing the wall I continue through a field of pasture. The path is clearly marked and easy to follow across fields. Soon I reach a section of limestone pavement with another stunning view of Ribblehead Viaduct.
In the next field are a herd of cows and a bull. They are just off the path and I decide to give them a wide berth, I am always wary of cattle after some scary experiences in the past so breath a sigh of relief when I am through the field and a wall separates us.
After another field of pasture, this one containing sheep, I join a track leading to the road. In front of me there is good view of Whernside.
On reaching the road I turn left and walk beside it, taking care with the oncoming traffic. The vast majority of drivers are courteous and give me space. Unfortunately there are a few that do not reduce their speed and only make a slight concession in the space they allow. I struggle to understand the mentality of such drivers.
Arriving back at the car I have covered close to six miles. It has been a cracking ramble and now it is time to head back to Brigholme Farm CL for a spot of lunch before lacing up the boots again and going for a walk with Lynnie and the dogs.
You can view this walk and download the GPX File on OS Maps (OS Maps subscription required)
To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map 2 – Yorkshire Dales – Southern & Western Area
5thJune 2018
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2018)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.