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.
Detailed description
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Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 11 miles (17.75 km)
Total ascent: 557m
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start National Park car park in Horton in Ribblesdale, SD807726; Finish , SD807726
Nearest town:
Horton in Ribblesdale
Terrain:
Mostly on well-maintained paths, but Horton Moor and the ridge between the two summits can be quite boggy. At the end of the walk, there is a short section along a minor road.
Seasonal variations:
The steep sections leading up Plover Hill and down from Pen-y-ghent can cause a few problems when icy.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Peak District & Yorkshire Dales – Met Office: Yorkshire Dales
Public transport:
Horton-in-Ribblesdale station is on the Settle-Carlisle line, which is generally considered one of the most scenic railway journeys in the UK.
Maps:
OS Explorer OL2 (1:25,000), OS Explorer OL30 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 98 (1:50,000)
Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route
Tourist info:
Horton-in-Ribblesdale (01729 860333); Settle (01729 825192); Ingleton (015242 41049)
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by Chris Scaife
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