Ingleborough

Ingleborough

Ingleborough is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. DoBIH records its height as 723.3 m (2,373 ft) and prominence as 427 m. Summit data

Summit and landscape

The broad, rocky summit has a large cairn, trig point and shelter. The highest natural ground recorded by DoBIH is beside the south edge of the large cairn, north of the trig point. DoBIH

Great Scar Limestone forms the lower landscape, with Yoredale limestone, shale and sandstone above it and a resistant Grassington Grit summit cap. This layered structure helps explain the stepped profile. BGS geology, RCHME survey

In clear weather the outlook includes Whernside, Pen-y-ghent, the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. Published summit views

Walking routes

These summaries introduce particular itineraries, rather than providing turn-by-turn navigation. Allow extra time for breaks, conditions and your group.

• Clapham circular: From the National Park car park at SD745692, climb past Ingleborough Cave, Trow Gill and Gaping Gill via Little Ingleborough. Descend on the eastbound Horton path, then turn south on the published circuit back to Clapham. YDNPA gives 17 km. Its optional estate nature-trail approach charges admission. Route and map
• Ingleton out and back: Start at Fell Lane on the B6255 by Storrs Common, SD701730, climb past Crina Bottom and return the same way. Daleswalks gives 9.6 km and an estimated 3 hours; starting at village-centre parking adds walking. Route details
• Horton out and back: Start at the National Park car park, SD807725, and use the Ingleborough/Three Peaks path via Sulber Nick and Simon Fell Breast, returning the same way. Daleswalks gives 14.9 km and an estimated 4 hours. Route details
• Chapel-le-Dale out and back: Start near the Hill Inn and ascend past Braithwaite Wife Hole and Humphrey Bottom on the Three Peaks path. Retrace the route, including its very steep upper steps. Confirm parking and a complete mapped plan. Approach map, Northern ascent description
• Ribblehead via Whernside: The one-way segment runs from Ribblehead Viaduct over Whernside, down to Bruntscar and past the Hill Inn, then over Humphrey Bottom to Ingleborough. It ends on the summit; a separate descent and return must be planned. Three Peaks itinerary

The full Yorkshire Three Peaks circuit is about 38.6 km (24 miles), with roughly 1,600 m of ascent. The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a separate 4.5-mile riverside circuit and does not climb Ingleborough. Full challenge, Official waterfalls trail

Access and facilities

Ingleton, Clapham and Horton serve different approaches. Use Ingleton's Community Centre car park or the National Park car parks in Clapham and Horton, according to the route. Clapham and Horton car parks have public toilets. Check charges and restrictions; do not block access. Ingleton parking, Clapham facilities, Horton facilities

Trains serve Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Ribblehead on the Settle-Carlisle line. Clapham station is around 2 km from its village. Bus 581 serves Settle, Clapham, Ingleton and Kirkby Lonsdale on Mondays-Saturdays; other DalesBus links may be seasonal. Check current services and the last return. Rail access, Clapham access, Ingleton buses, 581 details

Refreshments are available in the villages, subject to opening hours. There are no summit shops or public toilets; carry enough food and water. Clapham amenities, Three Peaks facilities

History and name

The summit's prehistoric enclosure is scheduled by Historic England as a hillfort. Its precise date and purpose are debated, with a ritual interpretation also discussed by the National Park. Do not disturb the stones or build cairns. Historic England record, Archaeological interpretation and care

The ending '-borough' derives from Old English 'burh', a fortified place. Interpretations of the first part of the name differ. Lancaster Museums place-name account

Safety

Low cloud makes it easy to choose the wrong summit exit. Carry a map and compass you can use. Steep steps, slippery limestone and potholes demand care, especially around Gaping Gill. Check a mountain forecast and carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water, a torch and emergency equipment. Summit warning, National Park safety advice

Snow, ice and short winter daylight increase the risks. The local rescue team has attended walkers stranded on the summit in these conditions. Choose a route within your skills and turn back when necessary. In an emergency call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain/Fell Rescue; reception is not guaranteed. Cave Rescue Organisation, Emergency advice

Reviewed 15 October 2026. Check current weather, access restrictions, parking and transport before setting out.