Peregrinating the North West and Beyond

Tag: Hike in the Yorkshire Dales

  • Pen-y-Ghent, the long way: a peak, a pint, a collapsed cavern and a French Patisserie – 16 miles from Austwick, Yorkshire Dales

    Pen-y-Ghent is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, standing at 694 meters (2,277 feet), it the lowest of the three. Its distinctive shape and dramatic, tiered appearance makes it the most visually striking.
    As we were looking for a longer walk, without doing the three peaks; we started in the village of Austwick. Resulting in a 16 miles circular route combining wild limestone country, green fields with lambs, scars and caves (including Hull Pot) and a more solitary approach compared to the classic Horton circuit.

    Pen-y-Ghent is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, standing at 694 meters (2,277 feet), it the lowest of the three. Its distinctive shape and dramatic, tiered appearance makes it the most visually striking. As we were looking for a longer walk, without doing the three peaks; we started in the village of Austwick. Resulting in a 16 miles circular route combining wild limestone country, green fields with lambs, scars and caves (including Hull Pot) and a more solitary approach compared to the classic Horton circuit.
    Click on the image above to see the walk-through video
    Pen-y-Ghent is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, standing at 694 meters (2,277 feet), it the lowest of the three. Its distinctive shape and dramatic, tiered appearance makes it the most visually striking. As we were looking for a longer walk, without doing the three peaks; we started in the village of Austwick. Resulting in a 16 miles circular route combining wild limestone country, green fields with lambs, scars and caves (including Hull Pot) and a more solitary approach compared to the classic Horton circuit.
    Click on this picture to open the full route on Komoot

    Stats
    DifficultyStrenuous – Technical skills are not required but some level of experience in hiking is necessary, a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear
    Length16 mi – 25.75 km
    Total elevation2,943 ft – 897m
    Highest point2,277 ft – 694m
    Walking time6h00
    Terrainmostly footpaths, gravel tracks, a small section of road and a very short of mountain path That some people describe as a scramble
    EquipmentGood boots, those are essential for the muddy Parts in the fields as well as the rocky section of Pen-y-Ghent. Plenty of layers, the weather can be mild in the valley but very windy and chilly at The top. A map or GPS. Plenty of water and snacks to sustain you through c. 5 hours of Exercise.
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    Send me a message on social media or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or other apps.
    Click here for the link on Komoot

    Getting there
    • Driving: On street parking in Austwick Village
    • Public transport: Bus from Giggleswick train station
    • From Lancaster: bus to Kirkby Lonsdale then bus to Austwick (c. 1h40)
    • From Leeds: Train to Giggleswick then bus to Austwick (c. 1h30)https://www.komoot.com/tour/2133823803

    Watering Holes
    • The Helwith Bridge Inn – Helwith Bridge (c. 3.5 miles into the walk)
      A great little traditional country pub serving good home cooked food with a warm welcome
      Outdoor seating, including some overlooking the river for the summer and cosy fireplace in winter.
      Everyone is welcome including wet and muddy dogs. You will find yourself in the company of walkers, climbers, cavers, and cyclists amongst others, as well as the locals of Helwith Bridge and Horton in Ribblesdale.
      Accommodation offered on the campsite and bunk barn (see below for details)
    • The Game Cock Inn – Austwick (Start / end of the walk)
      A Traditional Country pub with a genuine French bakery, thanks to Eric, the French Chef / owner.
      Food is home-made and offers traditional English pub fayre as well as genuine French food such as onion soup and duck confit parmentier. With the exception of Sundays, for the traditional roast (including vegan options).
      It opens at 8:00 am for breakfast with traditional butties, hot-drinks and French pastries.
      There is a sunny beer garden and other outside seating for the summer. A cosy fire-place to warm yourself up in winter.


    Make a week-end of it – Where to stay

    For a basic camping week-end: The Helwith Inn offers basic camping spaces for tents as well as a small bunk house for 4 people.
    Toilets are at the side of the pub and there is a cold water only tap.
    The bunk barn has a fridge, kettle and basic cooking facilities. You need to bring your sleeping bag and bedding

    For a camping week-end with electric hookups: Silloth House Campsite near Austwick
    If you have a camper van or caravan, the site offers pitches with electric hookups.
    It also has toilets and shower blocks.
    There are soft pitches for tents.

    For a camping week-end with pods: Buckden camping Heber Farm, Buckden.
    A small campsite on a farm.
    The 3 camping pods include: lighting, heating, electricity, kettles, a mattress covered seating area which folds down to create a sleeping platform, outdoor seating and access to fridge
    They also have soft pitches for tent, some with electric hookup.
    And 5 pitches for camper van and 2 caravan pitches. All grass surface with electric hookups
    All guests have access to: toilet, warm shower and a communal fridge.
    You’ll also find a pub a few minutes walk away.


    For a quiet and comfortable stay: The Game Cock Inn – Austwick
    The pub has 5 B&B rooms.
    Delicious cooked breakfast is included in the price of the night.
    But the French chef / owner also runs a genuine French bakery downstairs.
    Food is home-cooked and absolutely delicious. (see section above for more details)
    All rooms are ensuite and sleep between 1-4.
    The pub also offer a self-catering cottage with 3 bedrooms.
    If you come by public transport, there is a shuttle service to the train station of Clapham.

    For a luxurious and romantic week-end: The Traddock Hotel
    A is a small family run 5 star hotel. Set as a typical country house with Georgian and Victorian rooms.
    Each rooms are individually designed and the award winning restaurant offers first class food using the best locally sourced ingredients.

  • The Howgills and Cautley Spout – The highest waterfall in England

    This hike takes in the Calf (highest point in the Howgill Fells) and Cautley Spout (The highest waterfall in England). The Howgills are in Cumbria, but they are part of the Yorkshire Dale National Park.
    The calf is not part of the 214 Wainwright but Alfred Wainwright enjoyed this route and described it as “The classic high-level walk on the Howgill Fells”

    This 10 miles hike takes in the Calf (highest point in the Howgill Fells) and Cautley Spout (The highest waterfall in England). The Howgills are in Cumbria, but they are part of the Yorkshire Dale National Park. The calf is not part of the 214 Wainwright but Alfred Wainwright enjoyed this route and described it as "The classic high-level walk on the Howgill Fells"
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyStrenuous
    Length9.9 mi – 15.9 km
    Total elevation2,654 ft – 809m
    Highest point2,221 ft – 677m
    Walking time4h20
    TerrainPaths and footpaths
    EquipmentGood shoes, the path can get muddy in places and the rocks could be slippy. Sufficient water to last you for 9.5 miles or About 5 hours. Layers As the top can get exposed and windy
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    Send me a message on social media or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

    Getting there
    • Driving: Car Park on the A683 by after Sedbergh
    • Public transport:
      From Carlisle: Train to Oxenholme and bus S1 or 563 to Sedbergh (c. 1h20)
      From Lancaster: Train to Oxenholme and bus S1 or 563 to Sedbergh (c. 45)
      From Manchester: Train from Piccadilly to Oxenholme and bus S1 or 563 to Sedbergh (c. 2hrs)
      From Preston: Train to Oxenholme and bus S1 or 563 to Sedbergh (c. 1h00)

    Watering Holes
    • The Cross Key Temperance Inn – About 3.5 miles into the walk if you started at the car-park – or 5 miles if you started in Sedbergh
      A very cosy cafe and book-store in a 400 years old Inn.
      Great stop for coffee and cake before climbing the fall. The scones are home-made.
      If you are stopping for lunch you will find soup, bacon sandwiches and classic pub fayre.
      Note it does not serve alcohol and call ahead of time to ensure it is open during your visit.
    • The Thirsty Rambler – Sedbergh
      This is a fabulous micro-bar. Muddy paws and boots are always welcome.
      All ales and larger are sourced from small local suppliers.
      A very friendly place where you will find fellow hikers. As the place is so small it operates on a first come first seat basis.
      Don’t be offended if someone you have never met before sits next you and start up a conversation; it is that kind of place !
      No food served unless you pre-book the whole place. And opening hours are very restricted. Check the website ahead of time to ensure it is open at the time of your visit.

    Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

    Sedbergh is home to a famous boarding school. But not a bad place to spend the week-end. It is on the Dales Way.
    Although a very small town, there are a few pubs, inns and cafes. And the Howgills will offer plenty of walking and cycling routes for your week-end.

    For large groups: Sedbergh Barn – Sedbergh
    For whole property rental only. The barn will sleep 35 in 8 bunk rooms.
    There is a 2 nights rental minimum.
    Quite a luxury barn: hot-tub, game room and drying room.
    Each rooms have an ensuite and there are extra toilets on the landing.
    Two kitchens and a large dining area.

    For a romantic week-end: The Dalesman Country Inn – Sedbergh
    Luxury accommodation and 2 AA rosette restaurant.
    An old coaching Inn with 6 rooms, all furnished individually and with luxurious soft-furnitures and bedding.
    Slightly more expensive than the other inn in town but the small difference is worth it in my opinion.
    For lunch, expect traditional pub fayre at reasonable price. For dinner, there is the option of the classic fish and chips or more gastro dishes such as venison loin when in season.

    For a cosy cottage: The Old Chair Workshop – Sedbergh
    A cosy little studio cottage that sleeps 2 in a double bed.
    Please note there is no internet !

    For the Camper: Farm & Fell Camping – Sedbergh
    Open from Easter to August.
    There are 3 fields: family, classic and quiet (no noise on the quiet field between 20:00-8:00)
    The campsite will accept tents, camper vans and motorhomes. Each pitches has a fire-pit.
    It offers communal showers. Serves hot-food at certain hours from the farm-yard and a bar with live music in busy periods