~Pen-y-Ghent~
24th March 2012
I'd mapped a route out and told anyone who would listen that we were going to climb Ingleborough today. However, circumstances dictated that the plan had to be changed, once we reached Settle, and I knew full well that there was another mighty Yorkshire Peak not far away, so Ingleborough's loss was Pen-y-Ghent's gain.
Stainforth Bridge
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Hellifield Railway Station
Peter Ratcliffe and Izzy the Dog were also looking forward to our trip by rail to Ribblehead. It's a misty start, but a warm day is forecast.
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The Midland Railway |
Wyvern Logo |
A Bygone Era
When the train arrived, it was full. All three carriages were fully occupied - approximately 200 passengers plus many standees. We stood in the bit at the end of a carriage. Northern Rail have been running a promotion for unlimited travel on any one day, for a £10 per ticket. It seems lots of folk had the same idea today.
Crowded Carriage
When the train arrived in Settle, another 40 or so folk wanted to get on. Peter and I decided to get off as it was going to be like sardines on the run up the line and there was a risk that the doggies, like Izzy and the one above could get distressed. I've walked up Pen-y-Ghent from Settle before, so I know the way.
Settle Railway Station
If I'd known we were going to walk from Settle, we would not have taken the train. In the event, this train did not leave here for about another 40 minutes, we saw it later on. I wonder if over-crowding was the issue?
Map For Sale
The Ribble Way
The walk from Settle to Stainforth follows the Ribble Way. These trees always catch my eye; mummy, daddy and baby tree...
The River Ribble
Stainforth Force
Stainforth Bridge
Settle to Carlisle Line
No steam trains today.
Stainforth Church
The walk to Pen-y-Ghent climbs steeply out of Stainforth and as we emerge from the mist, photo matter is in short supply as it's all brightness and no shapes or things of interest to point at.
Pen-y-Ghent
We will have walked over six miles by the time we reach Churn Milk Hole, near the foot of the fell. One problem for Izzy and maybe some other dogs are the steep stiles, this is not an ideal walk for them.
Pen-Y-Ghent
The steep, south face of the fell awaits us. This is where the popular path from Horton joins us and we now have company.
Peter and Izzy on top of Pen-y-Ghent
Izzy's first ascent, Peter's first since schooldays, my first for two years.
The Pennine Way
Climbers approaching from the west on the Pennine Way. We are aiming for Horton Railway Station and believe we have just enough time to get there for the 15:35. So we have to keep moving.
Pen-y-Ghent from the West
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Walking Group |
The Crown Inn, Horton |
Walk Scenes
Welcome refreshment at The Crown. Just enough time for a drink.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale
There is one breed of human that is less welcome in these parts....
This is discrimination, gricerism.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale Railway Station
The 15:35 was actually the 15:56 due to a timetable-reading error. The train was a four carriage rake with plenty of seats, most of the Carlisle visitors would be on the next one.
"His 'n Hers" Smart Phones
Walkers: Peter Ratcliffe, Izzy the Dog and Me.
Time taken: 4hr 40mins over a distance of 11.5 miles.
Route: Settle, Ribble Way to Stainforth, Southern approach to Pen-y-Ghent via Overdale, Churn Milk Hole, Pen-y-Ghent, Summit, Pennine Way down to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Crown Inn, Horton Station.
Weather and conditions: Misty start and then sunny and warm.
Greetings Count: A few other folk on the way to Stainforth, then nobody else until the final approach to PyG. The summit area was busy and lots of folk on the route to Horton. Warm weather brings out the flies, the motorbikes and the fellwalkers.
Richard's Refreshment Review: We had a breakfast butty at The Naked Man Cafe in Settle and pints of cold stuff at The Crown Inn, Horton.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2012 ©
Take me back to the start ....