how I love the Dales
I spent a very pleasant day yesterday trekking over Pen-y-ghent. For those who don’t know, Pen-y-ghent is one of the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales. I say one of the three highest because the three together (Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough) form the famous “Three Peaks Walk” - a 26 mile trek that takes in all three peaks on one day. I fancy giving the three peaks a try later in the summer, but I think I need to walk each one separately first to get a feel for them.
I approached Pen-y-ghent from the south, starting from Helwith Bridge. The ascent up the south face of the hill is rather steep, almost sheer in places. Ostensibly there is a footpath up the south face but in practice it is more of a hand and foot path. It’s worth scrambling up, for there is a cracking view across a breathtaking sweep of the western dales from the summit. I then followed a gentler path down the western side of the hill and into the village of Horton in Ribblesdale, where I stopped off at the Pen-y-ghent Cafe for a cup of tea and a slice of fruit cake. From the village I followed a path along the banks of the River Ribble back to Helwith Bridge and the car. A splendid way to spend the day. If you live within striking distance of the Dales I can recommend the walk. I’ve prepared a Google Earth kmz of the route for your delight and delectation.
This photo was snapped looking back as I headed away from the hill towards the village:
