Pen-y-ghent Circular
Walk 15 - The classic circuit of Pen-y-ghent (694m) starting and finishing at Horton in Ribblesdale Station with the option of Plover Hill - 6.5 or 9 miles. A strenuous ascent using the 3 Peaks path but moderate for the remainder of the walk. Impressive views throughout with the opportunity of visiting Hull Pot - By car or train - 4 or 5 hours. Back to Ribblehead
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| Pen-y-ghent | Summit trig point looking towards Plover Hill |
Commence at Horton Station walking down the station access road and straight on along the main road towards the village. Bear right across the footbridge avoiding the narrow road bridge and regain the main road passing the Golden Lion and the church. Take the second turning left after the church and walk up the lane towards Bracken Bottom. Just before Bracken Bottom farm turn let on to the 3 peaks path to the summit of Pen y Ghent. This rises steadily uphill through a rocky outcrop and two stiles always with the wall on the left. Eventually the crest of the hill will be reached. Pass through the gate and turn left scrambling up the path to the summit of Pen y ghent and the trig point. Take a while to admire the views in all directions.
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| Pen-y-ghent from station | Horton Church |
Pass over the stile and if taking the shorter option and take the well surfaced path straight ahead down to a gate and a stony vehicle track. Turn left and follow this track all the way back to Horton and the main road, Turn right at the main road and back to the station.
However, if taking the longer option pass through the stile on leaving Pen y Ghent trig point and follow the crest of the hill with the wall on the right eventually arriving at Plover Hill. From Plover Hill bear left as the well worn grassy path descends steeply down the hillside to meet the Foxup path at the bottom. Turn left again and follow the path to which eventually becomes a stony vehicle track and thence back to Horton as described above. It is worth taking a moment to visit Hull Pot a large crater to the right of the path.
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| Looking towards Littondale | The approach to Pen-y-ghent |
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| Hull Pot | Hull Pot |
If time permits the Crown Inn at Horton - near the bridge - is a fine establishment and worth a visit in addition to which there is the Golden Lion Inn (on the way towards Settle). Remember to allow about 10 minutes for the walk back to the station.
Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should always consult the relevant OS map. All timings are approximate and for a person of average fitness and ability.
©John Carey 2010
This page was last updated on 13-May-2020