Ingleborough – UK Hill Walks for Beginners

Perhaps Yorkshire’s most famous summit and certainly one of its more recognisable landmarks, once you’ve laid eyes on Ingleborough’s giant wedge-shaped profile, you’ll vow to one day walk on its lofty top. A geological marvel, its western side contains many karst features, with caves, sinkholes and limestone pavements to explore, while hikes to its summit reveal layers of sandstone, gritstone and shale.

It’s also one of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks, along with charismatic Pen-y-ghent and Whernside, the highest of all Yorkshire’s hills. However, getting to know Ingleborough in isolation is very worthwhile and this hike is just one of the ways to the top.

Starting from Ingleton, the ascent begins almost immediately, following Fell Lane up to Crina Bottom. A well-built path continues from here and you can enjoy superb views of Ingleborough’s spectacular south west profile. There’s some interesting rock scenery in the upper reaches and, before long, you arrive on the summit plateau.

The top is a grand viewpoint, with everything from the neighbouring hills above Ribblesdale and the wider Yorkshire Dales, to the rolling Forest of Bowland and fells of the Howgills and the Lake District. Leaving the plateau can be challenging in poor visibility, so take care, particularly on the steep, initial descent.

Once the switchbacks are done, you can relax a little and appreciate the scenery, as you make your way down to Chapel-le-Dale. Limestone outcrops and pavements characterise the landscape above this quintessential Dales village. After this, follow the Roman road beneath the impressive Twisleton Scars and cross the River Doe via charming stepping stones. From here, it’s just a short hop back to the start point.