Experience the Beauty of Yorkshire Dales: A 16km Hike up Ingleborough.

If you don't already use the Ordnance Survey App, you can download it here, enabling you to download the GPX route from above straight into it. I use this App to plan all my hikes, and as its OS, it mirrors the paper map you should always use in conjunction with.

The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom. It is known for its rolling hills, rugged landscapes, and picturesque vistas. It is also home to one of the most thrilling hikes in the country - the Ingleborough hike. This 16km hike up Ingleborough is a true adventure that combines stunning scenery with a physical challenge. If you want a walk that will leave you with unforgettable memories, this is the one for you. So pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and join us on this remarkable journey into the heart of Yorkshire Dales! 

Facilities 

The hike's starting point is a public car park in Clapham (Clapham, Lancaster LA2 8EQ), which has ample parking space for hikers. 

There are also public toilets, a small café, a pub and a shop where you can grab a snack or a drink before/after the hike (please check opening times before you set off). However, it is essential to note that no facilities are available on the walk, so make sure to bring plenty of water and food. 

The First Leg of the Hike: Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail

From the car park, you turn right towards to church, where you can follow the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail for the first leg of the hike. The Nature trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. There is a charge to enter the estate (£2.50 for adults), so if you choose not to, there is a path that will take you around it. 

The nature trail is a beautiful 3km walk (around 1hr) that takes you through well-kept grounds overlooking a lake and walks through Thwaite Plantation, where you will find interesting follies along the way. Furthermore, towards the end of this bit of the trail, you can explore Ingleborough Cave if you so wish. The cave is well-lit and is a self-guided walk that takes you 500m beneath Ingleborough (a cost of £13.00 for adults, which includes the trail cost). 

The Second Leg of the Hike: Trow Gill 

The second leg of the hike towards Ingleborough takes you through a stunning natural feature known as Trow Gill - a narrow limestone gorge that cuts through the landscape. The path through Trow Gill is a bit of a challenge, but it is well worth the effort. As you make your way through the gorge, you will be surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and the soothing sound of a babbling stream. The path is rocky and uneven, so be sure to watch your footing. You will need to use your hands and feet to scramble over some of the larger boulders, but the sense of accomplishment when you emerge from Trow Gill is well worth it. 

The views from the top of the gorge are breathtaking, and you will be rewarded with a stunning vista of the surrounding countryside. As you continue on towards Ingleborough, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this incredible landscape. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice, the second leg of the hike through Trow Gill is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired.

The Third Leg of the Hike: The Ascent

The third leg of the hike is the most challenging part of the journey. It is a steep ascent up Ingleborough, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The climb is around 3km from Trow Gill long and takes about an hour and a half to complete. It is a challenging hike with steep inclines; however, the views from the top are well worth the effort. The ascent up Ingleborough is divided into three sections. The first section is a gentle climb up a grassy slope. The second section is the steepest part of the climb, with a series of rocky steps that lead up to the plateau. The third section is a final climb up to the summit. 

The Summit: Breathtaking Views and a Sense of Accomplishment 

Once you reach the summit of Ingleborough, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch for miles around. From the summit, on a good day, you can see the Lake District, The Howgills and sometimes even the sea, and of course, the rolling hills of Yorkshire Dales. At the summit, there is a great shelter where you can take a break and enjoy refreshments while enjoying the views. 

Descent from Ingleborough 

The descent from Ingleborough is a challenging hike in itself. It is a steep and rocky descent that requires careful footing and balance. However, the views from the descent are just as stunning as those from the ascent. As you go down, you will see the rolling hills and valleys of Yorkshire Dales, with occasional glimpses of streams below. The descent to Long Scar takes about 1.5 hours to complete and is an enjoyable section due to its remote feel and far-reaching views. 

The Final Leg of the Hike: Long Scar 

The final leg of the hike is a gentle walk to the Long Scar area. This section is around a 4.5km walk. It takes you through a superb section of limestone pavement before hitting Long Scar. It has some of the most beautiful scenery in Yorkshire Dales. It is a great way to wind down from the hike's physical exertion and enjoy nature's beauty. Finally, the walk gently gets you back to the Ingleborough Estate, where you can return to your car and/or the pub!

Conclusion

Why should the Yorkshire Dales and Ingleborough be on your hiking bucket list? The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom. They offer a unique blend of stunning scenery, challenging hikes, and opportunities to connect with nature. The Ingleborough hike is a true adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a sense of accomplishment. It is a hike that should be on every hiker's bucket list. So pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and join us on this unforgettable journey into the heart of Yorkshire Dales. You won't regret it!

Disclaimer: At the time of this walk, all the rights of way were open, and the terrain was easy to navigate, I followed all the rights of way as per the OS maps, but things can change. Please be aware that the weather/farmers etc., can change things and therefore, the route may not be as possible as it was for me. Please make your checks beforehand including the weather. Please get in touch with me if any information that I have included has now changed.