Pen-y-ghent and Plover Hill Walking

A dominant feature of the Horton in Ribblesdale skyline, Pen-y-ghent has a distinctive and inviting shape, its steep upper flanks rising out of the surrounding limestone. Many walkers, following the direct approaches shared by the Three Peaks walk and Pennine Way, merely touch upon the summit and then immediately descend, missing out on a highly enjoyable broad ridge. This walk makes the most of that ridge from Plover Hill, as well as passing two enormous natural chasms. Hunt Pot is a classic pothole, 60m deep, with a stream tumbling into the entrance. Nearby Hull Pot is shallower - the floor of the main shaft barely 20m from the surface, but at 90m long and 20m wide it is a spectacular sight.

Plover Hill and Pen-y-ghent from Hull Pot  © Chris Scaife
Plover Hill and Pen-y-ghent from Hull Pot
Fetching Map

Detailed description

1
SD8077472591 Leave the car park and turn right to follow the road a short distance, then go left along the Pennine Way. This is a steady ascent along a gravel track where drystone walls enclose large fields of sheep, with one or two derelict barns. There is some impressive limestone scenery, particularly the rocky valley down on the right. When the Three Peaks walk is met, at a crossroads, turn right to visit the abyss of Hunt Pot. Go through the first gate and head towards Pen-y-ghent. Before the second gate, there is a faint grassy path off to the right, which leads to Hunt Pot. Now return to the crossroads and turn right to see Hull Pot. After heavy rain, a waterfall plunges into this huge pothole from the north, and in extreme conditions the whole pot fills with water. It seems unnecessary to add a disclaimer when describing such deep holes but, you know, don't fall in.
Pen-y-ghent from Hunt Pot  © Chris Scaife
Pen-y-ghent from Hunt Pot
© Chris Scaife

2
SD8244674573 From Hull Pot, walk south-east to the drystone wall and go through the gate to continue on the bridleway towards Foxup. This part is noticeably less travelled, mostly along a grassy path, and is likely to be soggy underfoot in places. After following this path for about 3km, on Foxup Moor in an area of small shakeholes and clints, take the footpath to the right to head up Plover Hill. There are stone steps on the steepest part near the summit, and before long you'll be enjoying wonderful views of the Three Peaks, with Pen-y-ghent in front, Ingleborough and Whernside far away to the right.

3
SD8492775200 The path from Plover Hill to Pen-y-ghent never strays far from a drystone wall. It is initially through peatland and is damp in places. In summer, look out for cotton grass, bog asphodel, cloudberry and bilberry as you traverse this broad ridge. The leisurely stroll is followed by a brief effort to reach the top of Pen-y-ghent. You're unlikely to have the summit to yourself, but this is a place to savour, and on a clear day you can enjoy sweeping views all around. Descend steeply to the south, via two easy scrambles - the first on gritstone, the second on limestone that has been worn smooth by the passage of thousands of walkers through the ages.

4
SD8363172773 The shortest route back to Horton is to follow the Three Peaks footpath, which branches right not far below the limestone scramble. But for a more offbeat - and almost certainly quieter - descent, continue along the ridge and follow this path down to a large shakehole known as Churn Milk Hole. Turn right here along a byway towards Helwith Bridge, passing a few more shakeholes and some small patches of limestone pavement. Large quarries can be seen on the opposite side of the valley. On Dub Cote Scar Pasture, take a sharp right along a grassy footpath to Dub Cote and join the minor road here. Turn right at the next junction to pass through Brackenbottom and follow this minor road back into Horton. Cross the wooden footbridge and turn left, then right along a narrow footpath up some steps and through a field to return to the main road. Follow this to the right and you will soon be back at the car park.

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