Walk Description

Steve had marched on ahead, whilst Les and I took our time up Brackenbottom Scar, stopping every now and then to admire the views and take photos.  We eventually rejoined Steve who was waiting for us at the fell wall near to where our path joined the Pennine Way.  Now the climb began in earnest. As I climbed Pen Y Ghent's south ridge, I remembered my first ascent and how scared I was at this point.  I was still relieved when I climbed over the top and walked along the gentle slope to the trig point.  The weather was starting to turn and so we quickly took a couple of photos and then retreated into the shelter behind the wall to have our lunch.  This was a very wise decision as the next group of people to arrive had been caught in the driving rain and were soaked.

Whilst Les and I had lunch Steve was impatiently waiting for us to finish.  As soon as we were ready, he was off.  He soon left the main path and went to explore the limestone cliffs and found the Pen Y Ghent Finger.  Les and I continued down the Pennine Way.  Just after we had crossed the lower fell wall, we left the path and went in search of Hunt Pot.  The recent rains had filled the moorland streams and the cascades above Hunt Pot were a delight to view.  Hunt Pot is a large dark and fearsome slit in the ground.  When I stood above the pot it seemed as though the water was tumbling down a never ending chasm.  Les and I rejoined the Pennine Way and walked the short distance to Foxup Road.  Here we met up with Steve who was returning from Hull Pot.  Steve continued along the Pennine Way towards Horton, whilst Les and I turned right and visited Hull Pot.

As usual, Hull Pot was an impressive sight, however despite the recent rain there wasn't any water from Hull Pot Beck flowing over the lip into Hull Pot.  The water had all disappeared underground and reappeared via the small waterfall inside Hull Pot.  After the obilgatory photographs, Les and I set out on the last stretch of the walk back to Horton via Horton Scar.  When we got back to the main road in Horton, Steve was nonchalantly leaning on a wall, patiently waiting for us.  After a very quick discussion, we made for the Pen Y Ghent Cafe and a mug of tea and a cake.  Fed, watered and refreshed, we made our way back to the car.

As it was still early and Les was new to the area, we decided to do a bit of sight seeing.  A short drive took us up to Ribblehead and we were just in time to see a train (diesel not steam) cross the viaduct.  We then drove back through Horton and turned off the min road at Langcliffe.  We went along the steep, unclassified road over the moors to Malham Tarn.  After a quick visit to the tarn, we drove down to Malham and parked in the Visitors' Centre.  From here it was just a short stroll to Malham Cove.  Although it was early evening, there were still a number of climbers clinging precariously to the Cove's limestone wall.  Suddenly the air was rent by a primeval scream and we were treated to an aerial display by the resident Peregrine Falcons.  We all wished that we had a tripod and a camera with an even bigger zoom, so that we could get a good close up of the falcon.

All too soon it was time to set off home.  It had been a good day with varied scenery and fascinating geological features.
 

Route & Planning

Details and Route Map

Photo Opportunities

Walk Profile

The route map shown here should not be used as a replacement for the appropriate map(s). Before attempting the walk you should check the suitability of this route in relation to your capabilities and experience.