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Ingleborough dominates the landscape in the south-western sector of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is one of Yorkshire's 'Big Three' peaks. This route starts from the attractive village of Clapham, which has the benefit of ample parking and other facilities. During the walk you are able to experience some of the highlights of the limestone scenery in the area together with excellent views as far afield as the Lake District.
The start is the large car park in Clapham (Grid ref. SD746692). Exit the car park and turn left. Cross the footbridge over Clapham Beck and on reaching the other side turn right up the road. Follow the road as it turns left and turn right almost immediately up to a cottage. Turn right in front of this cottage and pay the toll to use the path through the grounds of the Ingleborough Hall Estate. The well maintained path proceeds alongside a small reservoir and through woodland to continue alongside Clapham Beck to reach the entrance to Ingleborough Cave. (Note - You can avoid the toll by using the walled lane to Clapdale Farm and the onward footpath to rejoin this route near Ingleborough Cave.) The climb so far has been gentle and you have yet to see Ingleborough. Staying on the main path you enter Trow Gill. This narrow limestone gorge is a result of a cave collapsing and it leads you in dramatic fashion onto open moorland and your first views of Ingleborough. The path meanders across the moor and leads you to Gaping Gill, which is one of the largest caverns in the Dales although the opening does not do justice to what is hidden underground. The onward path is clear and you can see the steep climb onto Little Ingleborough. Once this has been completed the worst of the ascent is over. The views are improving as the path leads you onto the summit plateau. This is adorned with a shelter, trig point and an assortment of cairns. For the best views head west to the edge. On reaching the escarpment turn right (north) and follow the edge to reach the main path heading northeast. Take the first path on your right and contour across the slopes of Simon Fell. Note that this is not the path used for the ascent but the main path to Horton in Ribblesdale. Follow this path for some way passing a derelict shooting hut. Cross the next wall and leave the main path picking up a less clear track heading south with the wall on your right. This track trends away from the wall and crosses a superb section of limestone pavement before descending gently to reach Long Scar. There are a number of tracks across this area and it can be confusing. However the best advice is to choose the most worn path and head generally south and then south west to reach a gate (Grid ref. 762717). Go through the gate and follow the track for a short way before going through the gate on your left that leads you into Long Lane. This walled track lives up to its name but it does offer a straightforward and pleasant way back to Clapham. Reaching a T-junction turn left and descend through a tunnel into Clapham. Suggested Maps It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.
Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps. The Old Station Inn, Giggleswick, Settle - North Yorkshire Brookhouse, Clapham near Settle - North Yorkshire Arbutus Guest House, Clapham - North Yorkshire Ruby's Cottage, Sedbergh - Cumbria River House, Malham, near Skipton - North Yorkshire Bridge End Farm, Grassington - North Yorkshire Lakeland Lodge, Borwick, Carnforth - Cumbria Mirefoot Cottages, Kendal - Cumbria Cartmel Holiday Cottages, Cartmel - Cumbria Hilton House, Windermere - Cumbria Self Catering Directory Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales
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