~Ingleborough~
13th February 2016
The third walk up one of Yorkshire's Three Peaks this year. Interrupted only by bad weather, otherwise they would have been on consecutive weekends. Ingleborough offers the most varied choice of ascent routes and arguably the best views from the top (weather permitting).
Summit Seating
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
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Today we caught the train from Skipton Railway Station and disembarked at Horton-in-Ribblesdale (at 10:05hrs). Presently the Settle to Carlisle Railway trains terminate at Appleby due to a serious landslip further up the line - the sort of thing that would have permanently closed the line in the late '70's, but times have changed and the route will be repaired.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale
The weather is expected to be chilly and very cold at higher levels, cloud levels could vary in height and depth.
Sulber Nick
The early parts of this walk are on private farmland and dog-owners should not need reminding about the duties in the company of sheep. The only other group of walkers I saw near the start allowed their terrier to chase two sheep! Anyway, along comes a cut in the terrain known as Sulber Nick - an upleasant mile or so of mud and slippy limestone - I blame the "Three Peakers", yup - all three of them.
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A way out is to climb up to the left (west) and walk above the main path.
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If you don't have a dog to talk to, I suggest you hum tunes to yourself. Just keep following the path. It's getting colder and a snow flurry leaves the path white (right).
To Ingleborough
For the first time, I can see the summit territory and maybe we'll have a cloud-free summit?
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Sunshine greets us as we make the final ascent. Here, looking back towards Simon Fell, the cloud rushes over the fell.
Nearly There
Molly at Ingleborough Summit
We are fortunate to have a break in the clouds. It's 12:30hrs and for most of the morning, the summit has been in the mist and as we leave, another bank of mist rolls in.
The Shelter
One walker was puffing (or whatever they do) on his E-Cig. Surely, a "quitter" could leave all the aparatus back at the car whilst out on a walk? This would surely help in the plan to beat this, or maybe any other, addiction.
South-West View
Two walkers head off down the "nose" of Ingleborough towards Ingleton. The strong easterly / north-easterly breeze has persuaded me to take the direct path off the top in the direction of Chapel-le-Dale, rather than follow the contour around Simon and Park Fell. There seems to be plenty of time left before we catch the 15:39 off Ribblehead for a return to Skipton.
Down...
This is the way up for those doing the anti-clockwise Three Peaks walk and it's a steep final climb for those weary legs.
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Gritstone flags, probably take from mill floors provide vital footing for the walk across the bogs.
Souther Scales
Whernside
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We walked down as far as Sleights Road then turned left, past the Old Hill Inn and down Philpin Lane and then into Winterscales Beck where the river comes and goes through varied bedrock.
Ribblehead Viaduct
The economic impact of the closure of the line north of Appleby is difficult to measure. Appleby could well benefit as the trains terminate there; what happens to the freight trains? Oddly enough small towns on the Cumbrian coast might gain a little something as the steam charters might take the coast line and the cameramen might nip in the shops and pubs along the way - although rail enthusiasts are not known for their philanthropy, they tend to jump in their cars and head for the next vantage point.
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The Shanty Towns
The TV drama "Jericho" can at least boast one accurate fact. The rest is a considerable disappointment, it really doesn't depict life in the harsh environment of Batty Green.
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Ribblehead Railway Station
The train arrived on time; I had a brew in The Station Inn and checked the running time for this service, if it had been running late, I might have grabbed a pint and a pie or whatever was on offer. Everyone I could see in one part of the pub was messing with their devices ... including me! Great way to get to know people, as long as they are not in the same room...
Walkers: Molly and Me.
Time taken: 5hrs 15mins over a distance of about 10 miles.
Route: Horton Station, past Beecroft Hall, Sulber Nick, Nick Pot / Shooting Hut, Simon Fell Breast, Ingleborough. Humprhey Bottom, Braithwaite Wife Hole, Southerscales Scars, Sleights Road, Philpin Lane, Winterscales Beck, Gunnerfleet Farm, Ribblehead Viaduct, Ribblehead Station.
Weather and conditions: Cool and bleak, welcome break in the clouds on the tops. Pleasant winter sunshine later on.
Pen-y-Ghent on 16th January 2016
Whernside on 23rd January 2016
So, when the next person asks me if I have "done" the Three Peaks, I'll say "Yes, early in 2016".
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2016 ©
Take me back to the start ....