If you’re staying in one of our luxury holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales, you may be interested in going on a hike close to your accommodation. Pen-y-ghent is one of the three Yorkshire Peaks, and is the easiest to hike. A moderate six-mile circular walk, you can guarantee stunning views over the Yorkshire countryside.
At Mill House Cottages, this month’s blog offers a guide to walking Pen-y-ghent and what you can expect on your walk.
Pen-y-ghent is many people’s first peak. In this park of the Yorkshire Dales, the hills of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough are known as the Three Yorkshire Peaks. Many serious walkers tackle all three in a 12-hour hike.
The Pen-y-ghent hike can be easily completed within a few hours and is suitable for families and all abilities.
There is plenty of parking space around Pen-y-ghent. However, you do run the risk of it getting quite busy during weekends and bank holidays. Alternatively, you can start the walk from the village of Horton in Ribblesdale.
Begin the walk by heading towards Brackenbottom Farm, where you will see a sign for Pen-y-ghent on your left. This will take you up a gradual ascent through fields. If you are staying at one of our dog friendly holiday cottages, be mindful to keep your dog on a short leash as there will be sheep.
The final section of the climb is quite steep and the footpath is eroded in areas. You may need to scramble before you reach the peak. When you arrive at the trig point, you will see beautiful panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.
Please aware that the summit can be very windy.
Rather than going back towards the village the way you came, you can follow the path to join a small section of the Pennine Way. This is a circular route that gives you more of the scenery.
You will cross a wooden stile towards a wooden signpost for the village of Horton. This zigzags down and passes Hunt Pot to reach another stile. After this, a gate leads to a walled lane which you can follow back down to the village.
If you’re looking to extend your time in the Yorkshire countryside, take a look at our selection of luxury holiday cottages online, or contact us to help you start planning.
