~Ingleborough~
27th September 2014
Ingleborough from Simon Fell
Today's walk in the Yorkshire Dales started and finished at Ribblehead, it's our second of the 3 Peaks this year. Ingleborough can be climbed from all directions and this one uses the Park Fell / Simon Fell approach route.
Sunrise at Home |
Ribblehead Viaduct |
Sunrise at home was just after 07:15hrs; the walk started from Ribblehead at 09:25hrs. Don't be fooled by the clear skies; a warm front is due from the north-west and it's not long before we lose the sunshine.
Park Fell / Simon Fell / Ingleborough
The steep ascent of Park Fell can only be gained by taking a short walk along Gauber Road from Ribblehead. A field on the other side of the road is called "Dismal"! The Ribblehead Station buildings can be seen here - the old Stationmasters house is available for self-catering holidays.
The Settle-Carlisle Railway
Absent from the earlier photos, the front appears in the top left of this one. Whernside is dead ahead from this bridge viewpoint.
Park Fell
The climb up Park Fell is quite steep and as it's grassy, it can be slippy.
To Ingleborough
Unfortunately, we now have eight octas of cloud and it kills my enthusiasm for taking photos; so it's best foot forward along the flank of Simon Fell.
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The "Swine Tail" final stage of the climb up Ingleborough and a look back along the flank of Simon Fell.
Ingleborough Summit 2,372ft asl
Chilly up here, the leeward quarter of the shelter is always occupied when I arrive, so they'll just have to budge up.
Descent Route
We headed down the other side and aim for Quaker Pot for a return along the foot of the fell on the north side.
Tatham Wife Moss
Whernside
Looking across the limestone pavement to Whernside and Ribblehead Viaduct.
Clints & Grykes
It's starting to rain; Molly negotiates the grykes (gaps) by walking along the clints (limestone rocks). We're hoping to bump into Gary and Aimee on their 3Peaks walk. Shortly after joining the recognised route, we leave it due to seeing a field full of cows and end up on the road between Ingleton and Ribblehead - so there was a chance we would not see the intrepid walkers.
Back on the main route and refreshments are on sale at Philpin Farm. There are also a couple of tables in the barn and a toilet for customers; tents can be pitched in the adjoining field - ideal for anyone who finds all three peaks to be a bit too much in one day.
"Three Peakers"
Gary (second left) and Aimee (second right) are with their work colleagues raising money for McMillan Nurses. 7.5 hours into the task and just Ingleborough stands between them and the completion of the challenge.
Broadrake
We could have climbed Whernside, but didn't and took the route past Broadrake farm for Winterscales.
Ivescar |
Blea Moor Signal Box |
Four hours on and the front is on its way, sunshine breaking through.
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Park Fell over Ribblehead Viaduct
Ribblehead Viaduct
The viaduct always looks better with lengthy shadows. Roughly one arch per mile of the Three Peaks walk.
Gary & Aimee crossed the line in 11hrs and 25minutes.
Walkers: Me n' Molly
Time taken: 5hrs 50 mins over a distance of about 13 miles.
Route: Ribblehead roadside, Gauber Road, Colt Park, Park Fell, northern flank of Simon Fell, Ingleborough, Quaker Pot, Tatham Wife Moss, Black Shiver Moss, Braithwaite Wife Hole, Souther Scales, road to Philpin Lane, Bruntscar, Broadrakem, Ivescar, Winterscales, Bleamoor Sidings, Batty Moss, Ribblehead Viaduct, back to the car.
Weather: Sunny start, four hours of frontal gloom and occasional light drizzle, clearing to bright and sunny.
Refreshments: Excellent, probably seasonal refreshment facility at Philpin Farm. They even sell "fresh" socks and rain ponchos.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2014 ©
Take me back to the start ....