Walk 3392 - printer friendly version

Darnbrook Fell & Fountains Fell Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.4 miles / 10.4 km

Ascent - 1100 feet / 333 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SD853723
Lat 54.1463150 + Long -2.2265371
Postcode BD24 9PW (approx. location only)

This Yorkshire dales walk visits Darnbrook Fell and Fountains Fell which lie to the east of Pen-y-ghent. Both fells see relatively few walkers and offer views to Pen-y-ghent and beyond. The route uses a short section of the Pennine Way although for part of the route paths are less distinct with a map and map reading skills useful assets.

The start is the grassy area on the minor road from Stainton to Halton Gill just north of Rainscar where the Pennine Way comes down from Fountains Fell (grid ref. SD853723). After parking follow the road north towards Halton Gill. After 600 metres fork right off the road following the path signed to New Bridge. Follow the clear track for just under three kilometres of easy walk as you enjoy the view with Pen-y-ghent rising to your left. Reaching a derelict barn and adjacent gate on your right (grid ref. SD885741), turn right through the gate and follow a feint path uphill with the wall to your left. Follow the wall until a wall comes in from the right (grid ref. SD881730).

Pass through one of the gaps in the wall on your right, and head south-east along the wall and along a fence to reach the OS trig point on Darnbrook Fell (grid ref. SD885728). The summit of the fell is a sea of peat although the views to Pen-y-ghent and Plover Hill and the twin peaks of Fountains Fell more than compensate for the drab surroundings.

To continue return along the fence to a gate and head south-west along a wall. On your left you can see Malham Tarn in the distance whilst to the west the view extends to Morecambe Bay! Continue for 1.5 kilometres to reach a ladder. Once across the stile, head south-west to cross the Pennine Way to reach the summit of Fountains Fell which is adorned with several tall cairns.

Take time to enjoy the view which now includes Ingleborough and on clear days some Lakeland Fells. Fountains Fell was once the site of coal mines and today shafts have been protected with fencing. After enjoying the view, return to Pennine Way and turn left following the well-trodden path back to the start.

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