Yorkshire 3 Peaks

A loop through the Yorkshire Dales.

Your start point is the car park next to the library at Ingleton. (If you haven't already done, take a stroll around the village and shops, and take a dip in the outdoor pool !)

Head north west and take the right turn out of the car park and under the disused railway bridge. Follow the road through the village, its narrow, but thankfully and helpfully one way only. Watch out for pedestrians and note there is a great Pizza restaurant next to the coop, but save that for after the drive. Out the other side and turn left..the road will start to climb as you are technically on the lower slopes of Ingleborough Hill. If you wanted to climb the Hill, there is a good spot on the right to park, at what is known as Storrs Common.

This is where you will get your first glimpses of proper limestone country. The geologists and geogrpahers will quickly get excited by escarpments and limestone pavements and outcrops... with plenty of sink holes and limestone features. Back to the road.. it continues to rise quickly but then flattens as you offically enter the national park, marked with their offical emblem on a rock to your left.

Pass the quarries and you are deep in limestone. If you want to get under it White Scar cave visitor centre is coming up on your right and also provides an early coffee and cake stop.

The road is a bit of speed test, if you want it, but you will be overtaken by someone. Take in the scenery as you head towards Ribblehead Viaduct, with Whernside rising on your left as the highest point in Yorkshire and the flat topped Ingleborough Hill still on your right. There are quite a few refreshment stops on this routes and places to wild camp and stay in a camper/caravan. The first being the Old Hill Inn which is just after the turning for Chapel le Dale. There will pretty much be guaranteed cars parked up here for those walking or supporting people doing the 3 peaks. There are also numerous pots and caves in every direction.

The road rises again and you top out with a great view in all directions, just before you start to descend to Ribblehead. Stop and get a photo looking back to Ingleton before the view is gone, admire the Viaduct at Ribblehead with its.... many arches... if you need refreshments again... stop off at the Station Inn and the finest urinal view you may ever see. (Apologies .. the view from the car park is just as impressive!)

Over the cattle grids and right at the ice cream van. The road gets narrower now, lift off early and enjoy the corners, but keep look out for hikers, bikers and bikes. Before you get too far, grab one last look back at Whernside before ahead of you the valley widens and in the distant skyline is Pen y Ghent, with its impressive southern flank. Be glad you havent had to walk to or from there.

This next section is a joy as the road sweeps along, window down and breath in some fresh air.

Pass through Selside carefully and keep going before cutting under the Settle to Carlisle Railway and in to Horton In Ribblesdale.

Horton has many refreshment and accommodation opportunities, before you get in to the village properly just keep eyes peeled and be ready to stop, the road bends left and then past plenty of hikers cars before going over the old bridge (I say like there is a new one as well, there isnt) it appears wide enough but is single file and on 2 bends... take your turn. There isnt a race so smile and wave and take your time.

Beyond the village there is a nice view back of Pen y Ghent and options to park if you fancy another hill. Ive just realised i didnt mention climbing Whernside, yes its great, yes its the highest but its also the most boring long slog of a hill, by all means enjoy it but avoiding is an option. Pen Y Ghent on the other hand is magnificent, with the southern approach providing a gentle introducition to scrambling, with a mildly expose rocky section that does make you concentrate and the heart rate increase.

The next turn in the route is going to come up on you quite quickly and its a road where I'll be quite vague as I've only driven a couple of times. Take the right turn to Helwith Bridge... refreshment opportunity here as well. The next section to Austwick is narrow, but its usually quiet. Its a particularly beautiful section of road, especially in late spring. There might be caravans coming the other way, so be ready to stop and reverse.

In Austwick, laugh inside with your inner child at the amusingly named Game C#ck Inn. The food was great last time we went, even if some were giggling at the menu item names. (Game C#ck Burger etc).

Back on the route and briefly join the A65 and take the immediate right for Clapham.

Clapham really is very picturesque. If you have ever fancied caving and heard of Gaping Gill, then come very early on a bank holiday and take the lift down. Its an experience you wont forget.

There are some lovely little shops to nosey round in Clapham and plenty of walks to take from here. Or just sit by the river and chill.

Back on the route, care here, if you end up back on the A65 you have gone wrong. You need to take the right on Cross Haw Lane by the big barn.

This will take you on the old road to Ingleton. Again expect to see plenty of cyclists. Its initially fairly steep then stays fairly level as it contours back to Ingleton. The reason for suggesting this over the A65 is just for the opportunity to take in the views. Its stark contrast to the limestone and hills you have just driven through. Its the well marked walled fields and rolling moorland and views over to the forest of Bowland.. the Dark bad lands of Lancashire if you like...

Back on the route we are nearing the end. As the road dips back down to Ingleton, take the left at the T junction and down the hill. Take the right turn for the car park, not the truck park you will see first, and you will arrive back at your start point.

Park up and go for that pizza I mentioned and you havent stopped thinking about, youve earned it.

Seriously, Ingleton is a great little village to explore, it has ties to Shelock Holmes via Sir Arthur Conan Doyle... it also has a fantastic waterfall walk that can satify the need of the thirstiest of thristy waterfall fan.