Ingleborough, Simon Fell and Park Fell

9 November 2014

The flat summit of Ingleborough has been one I've seen many times from the Lake District, both while walking and from the car. The forecast suggested rain in the Lake District but better weather further east, so George, Lottie and I headed for the Yorkshire Dales on our way back to Suffolk, took a train to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, then walked up Ingleborough, and over Simon Fell and Park Fell back to Ribblehead. A lovely walk. Still no problems for the 12½-year-old and some signs of a bit more maturity from the youngster.

Another advantage of this route is the nice gentle ascent, with the 500 metres or so of height to be gained spread over 7km. Here we are fairly near the beginning, with the typical mixture of grass and fragments of limestone pavement.

Looking back to Pen-y-ghent

George with Simon Fell in the background - technically most of the ascent is up the slopes of Simon Fell, eventually moving across to Ingleborough near the col between the two fells.

Simon Fell with Ingleborough on the left, the land dropping away to Park Fell on the right

More decayed limestone pavement

Sadly, though the day had started out sunny (if with some high cloud), the mist came down as we gained height.

Ascending the only steep bit of the walk onto the Ingleborough summit plateau

On the edge of the summit plateau, looking back to Simon Fell

The summit plateau of Ingleborough

Simon Fell and Park Fell, with Ribblehead Viaduct running across the picture in the distance

More of the summit plateau

The dogs were not keen to have their photo taken

Later, we reach Simon Fell, and look back to Ingleborough

Heading down to Park Fell

Ribblehead Viaduct starting to get a bit closer

Exploring the limestone pavement

After taking an unsanctioned route through the timber yard, we have crossed the railway and are ready to head for home.

First a heavy train heads through

Wheels in the car park - these wheels once belonged to a contractor's waggon used for the construction of the railway. They were unearthed at Dent Head during clear-up operations following a coal train derailment in July 1998.
 

A pleasant walk, with a nice easy ascent, though a slightly less interesting descent from Simon Fell.

Total distance 14.3 km and 679 metres of ascent in 4 hours 55 mins