10 miles/17km from Clapham, or 7 miles from Ingleton | 5-7 hours | moderate to challenging
Ingleborough is the second highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales at 723 metres, and one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The summit is a broad, flat plateau pockmarked with sinkholes and potholes, with limestone paving and views that on a clear day stretch to the Lake District, the Bowland Fells and across to Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. In poor visibility the plateau is featureless and dangerous, so take a map and know how to use it.
The most interesting route up starts from Clapham and climbs past Ingleborough Cave, through Gaping Gill - where a stream disappears underground into one of Britain's deepest potholes - and up through Trow Gill, a dramatic limestone gorge. From Ingleton the route is shorter and more direct, following a well-worn path. There are pubs, cafes and shops in Clapham for refreshments afterwards. The Ingleborough Cave and White Scar Cave are both on the lower slopes if you want to pair the fell with an underground visit.
Ingleborough is about 40 minutes' drive from Garsdale, so it makes a good day out from Roger Pot or The Old Cart House. Parking is in Clapham village (LA2 8EF) or at the National Park car park in Ingleton.
Walk details
- Start point: Clapham (LA2 8EF) or Ingleton
- Distance: 10 miles from Clapham, 7 miles from Ingleton
- Parking: National Park car park in Clapham village
- Route description: Yorkshire Dales National Park - Ingleborough
