Ingleborough may only be the second highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales (Whernside is the highest), but it is the finest, at least in my humble opinion. This route provides the most straightforward climb, from Ingleton, but captures much of its appeal.
The walk starts roadside on the B6255 which runs from Ingleton to Ribblehead. The start is through open sheep countryside on a wide bridleway. After half a mile the track becomes a lane enclosed on each side by stone walls. After one mile the track leaves the lane through a gate and past two benches.
It is a little early to stop, though, so continue up past Crina Bottom, a lonely house recently turned in to a small, off grid B&B. The farmhouse was built in 1630 and being a mile and a half from the road has its own power (wind) and bio mass boiler. The walk continues past the house, alongside a small stream until it starts to climb towards the distant mountain.
Ingleborough looks great from here, the flat-topped summit is beautifully shown with a blue sky behind (clearly in cloud you will have to imagine the views). The path climbs steadily through limestone outcrops for one mile until confronted with the final steep pull on to the summit plateau.
The path at this stage is steep and rocky. However the steep section does not last long and soon pops out on the vast, nearly flat, summit plateau. Fortunately this route up Ingleborough emerges very close to the summit marked by an enormous cairn, trig point and large cross shelter. The views across to Whernside to the north very impressive.
The summit has an interesting history. Although it’s now believed the plateau was used in the Bronze Age for some rituals and paganism for a long while it was believed to be a Roman fort. More recently a building was constructed in the early 19th century as a shelter for those shooting grouse, sadly it was burned down in the 1830s after a wild night partying (allegedly).
From the summit, it is easy to return via the outbound route but better (in good weather) is to head just north of east for 250m to a path, marked by a cairn, that descends from the plateau to your right/south. After a rough start the path flattens and heads due south for one mile towards Little Ingleborough.
Before reaching Little Ingleborough veer off the track to your right/west and join a faint path in the short grass heading just south of west. The path is intermittent but it does not matter if you do not follow it as this is easy terrain and in access land with a right to roam.
It is nearly two miles down the nearly uniform slopes to the Old Road at Cold Cotes with splendid views to the west, not mountainous but all the way to Morecambe Bay. Towards the road the walls on either side will funnel you in to a farm track that connects with the road. Turn right and follow the road downhill for a mile and a half in to Ingleton.
Fact Box:
Distance: 8 miles.
Height to Climb: 620m (2,040 feet).
Start: SD 708738. There are two large car parks in the town centre, less than 10 minutes walk from the start of the bridleway.
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard. The walk is tougher returning via Ingleborough Common.
Refreshments: There is a choice of pubs and cafes in Ingleton.
Be prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL2) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk. Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.
Jonathan runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales:
• He has written 4 books on walking in the Dales; ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’, ‘Walks without Stiles, ‘The Dales 30’ mountains and the long distance path ‘The Bracken Way. Buy them direct from Where2walk
• Jonathan runs Navigation Training Courses. The next Beginners Course is on Saturday June 27th from Long Preston, near Settle.
• You can buy Dales 30 Guide Book, T Shirts and branded caps from the NEW Dales 30 website. Start the challenge today.
Where2walk.co.uk features 100s of walks with descriptions across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs. Visit the website for details of all these walks, guiding days and navigation.
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