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.
Stats
| Difficulty | Strenuous – Technical skills are not required but some level of experience in hiking is necessary, a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear |
| Length | 16 mi – 25.75 km |
| Total elevation | 2,943 ft – 897m |
| Highest point | 2,277 ft – 694m |
| Walking time | 6h00 |
| Terrain | mostly footpaths, gravel tracks, a small section of road and a very short of mountain path That some people describe as a scramble |
| Equipment | Good 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)
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.
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