Ingleborough (from Clapham) - 11 miles

NEW WALK!! Probably the most challenging walk I’ve led for the Group. Ingleborough is the second highest of the Three Peaks, standing at 2,372’ and this is the longest of the Three Peaks walks.

We start from the picturesque village of Clapham (just beyond Settle on the A65) climbing up through the village and then ascending a stony track before a short descent drops us down into Clapdale where we walk alongside a stream towards Trow Gill, a narrow gorge. Having walked through the gorge and clambered over some rocks at the exit, Ingleborough finally and majestically comes into view and then the serious uphill walking commences!

However, in order to prepare ourselves for the ascent, we will take a little detour to have a short break near the famous pothole of Gaping Gill.

Having ascended Little Ingleborough, we walk along the summit plateau before a final ascent up onto Ingleborough itself, where there happens to be some stone seats which we can hopefully claim for our lunch spot.

We will admire the views from on high, taking our pics at the trig point, then begin the descent and the return leg of today’s epic walk through some stunning scenery including a great example of a limestone pavement before we find ourselves overlooking Trow Gill from the other side of Clapdale as we complete our route along easier grassier paths and a solid track.

The descent is nowhere near as challenging as the ascent on this walk.
Stony tracks and grassy tracks make up most of the walking terrain together with a stepped ascent up Ingleborough and down the other side, utilising the rocky uneven steps. One gate to clamber over.

The walk will be led at a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. Please be ready to start walking at the advertised time.

Walk fee: £3. No dogs please. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of liquid refreshment with you.

Start point: Clapham National Park car park. Fee is £6 and there are toilets. Car sharing recommended to reduce the cost of travel & car parking. Postcode (of the New Inn pub) is LA2 8HH. We’ll meet by the entrance/toilet block.

Notes: no mobile reception. The weather can be very different at the summit so be prepared.

There is roadside parking but also a sign requesting visitors to use the car park…... I’ll leave it up to you!

Start time: 10 for 10.30am. Please aim for the earlier time of 10am so we can get off to a prompt start, given the length & challenge of this walk.

After-walk refreshment: the New Inn which has an excellent playlist!

I have no formal walk leader or first-aid qualifications and the Group doesn't have insurance. When you RSVP for any walk, you accept that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times. You are required to respect the walk leader and be mindful of the safety of others. Please keep to the pace of the group and don’t go off ahead even if you think you know the route.

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