Clapham, Gaping Gill & Ingleborough - 12 miles

Distance: ~12 miles / 19 km
Ascent: ~2,300 ft / 700 m
Grade: Moderate to challenging (steep ascent to Ingleborough)
Time: 6–7 hours (including breaks)
Dogs: Well behaved dogs welcome.

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We begin our walk in the picturesque village of Clapham. From here, we head through the scenic Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, following the track as it gently climbs through woodland and alongside Clapham Beck.

Our first landmark is the impressive limestone gorge of Trow Gill, a dramatic cleft in the hillside created by glacial meltwater. After pausing to admire the cliffs, we continue upwards onto the open fell and soon reach the famous natural wonder of Gaping Gill. This huge pothole, 105 metres deep, is one of the largest underground chambers in Britain.

The route then takes us onto the broad slopes of Ingleborough. A steady climb brings us up to the summit plateau, where we’re rewarded with outstanding panoramic views across the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District fells, Morecambe Bay, and even the hills of Lancashire on a clear day. At 723 metres, Ingleborough is the second highest of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks.

From the summit, we descend on the eastern side towards the quiet village of Newby, a peaceful spot that offers a gentler pace after the windswept top. We then follow field paths and tracks back round to Clapham, where we can finish with a well-earned drink in the village pub or café.

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Highlights
• Charming start and finish in Clapham village.
• Woodland trails and limestone scenery of the Ingleborough Estate.
• The dramatic gorge of Trow Gill.
• The awe-inspiring Gaping Gill pothole.
• Summit of Ingleborough with its far-reaching views.
• Quiet countryside descent via Newby.