Pen-y-Ghent from Horton is the classic climb on this iconic Dales mountain. The walk is much improved by continuing on the mile long ridge to Plover Hill.
Pen-y-Ghent (probable meaning hill on the border) is the most famous and popular of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Whether it is the best is a matter of conjecture, it is the smallest in height. However it presents a dramatic outline from Horton in Ribblesdale. The 3 great rakes on the summit rock cap were formed only in 1881 after a tremendous thunderstorm washed away the top soil leaving the millstone grit and limestone exposed. This exposed millstone offers a pleasant little scramble up loose rock before the extensive summit views take the attention.
Starting the climb from Horton (the best start point) walk through the woods to the farm at Bracken Bottom. From here there is a long rolling climb to the hole is the wall. During this climb there is some lovely exposed limestone and good views over your shoulder. From the stile turn left and climb steeply in to the craggy slopes below the summit.
For the more adventurous it is worth visiting the subsidiary summit of Plover Hill. From the summit of Pen-y-Ghent simply follow the wall north and then east for a mile. It is even better to carry on north from Plover Hill and drop down steep slopes to join a major bridleway. Turn left and follow it all the way back to Horton, this is truly the best way to enjoy Pen-y-Ghent.
Pen y Ghent is the real heart of England lying on the watershed of the country. Waters to the West entering the Ribble and ending up in the Irish Sea, to the East the Wharfe eventually finds its way in to the Humber estuary – a truly tortuous journey!
Pen y Ghent and Plover Hill are two of the Dales 30 Mountains
Visit Hill Pot. Whether taking the simple route down from over the wall at the summit or taking in the better extension over Plover Hill what you must do is visit the collapsed cavern of Hull Pot. It is found 150 metres from the junction where the 3 Peaks challenge route and the return to Horton meet. It is actually a collapsed limestone cavern but today makes for a dramatic ‘hole in the ground’ particularly after heavy rain.
On the climb east from Bracken Bottom farm count the number of walls you pass. It is the best way of gauging how far up the slope you are. Stone walls (or any boundaries) are marked on Ordnance Survey maps by continuous black lines.
I completed this walk in May whilst 24 weeks pregnant, to bag Plover Hill as part of my dales 30 challenge (with a second visit to Pen-Y-Ghent). A challenging walk at that point! The section between the peaks was a bit of a peaty drag, and the steepness of the descent from Plover Hill down to the bridleway should not be underestimated. But a beautiful hike on a sunny spring day! Would definitely recommend as an alternative to the typical 3 peaks Pen-Y-Ghent ascent!
Ran this today, stunning loop, overcast but good visibility, extended the route to include Plover Hill, between Pen Y Ghent and Plover it was wet underfoot today, I imagine in winter would be a nightmare. Paths are being repaired and were in great shape up and down. Enjoy this route you will not be disappointed!
Love ready details of these hikes even though I live in usa….I long to return
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