Pen-y-ghent

Pen-y-ghent

Pen-y-ghent rises above Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is the lowest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, with a recorded height of 694.1 metres (2,277 feet) and 304.5 metres of prominence. It is a Marilyn, Simm, Hewitt and Nuttall. The summit has a trig point and wind shelter; DoBIH identifies the highest ground as rock 3 metres southeast of the trig point. DoBIH · Summit guide

Walking routes

The classic circuit from Horton-in-Ribblesdale is 10 km. It climbs by Brackenbottom Scar before joining the Pennine Way on the steep south ridge, then descends on the western side and returns down Horton Scar Lane. Hunt Pot and an optional diversion to Hull Pot add interest. The separate Brackenbottom card describes this same basic circuit. The National Park does not give a total time, so no unsupported time is supplied. National Park route · Route leaflet

For a longer circuit, continue from Pen-y-ghent along the ridge to Plover Hill, descend north onto Foxup Moor, then turn west and return to Horton by Horton Scar Lane. Walking Britain describes this Horton-to-Horton route as 14.6 km, approximately 5 hours 50 minutes. The ridge can be boggy and the northern descent is steep. Plover Hill circuit

The Horton Scar out-and-back follows the western Pennine Way approach and returns the same way. Walking Britain gives 11 km and approximately 4 hours 40 minutes, including the option of a Hull Pot visit. This avoids the south-ridge rocky steps but is still a hill walk with substantial ascent. Horton Scar route

The Yorkshire Three Peaks is the complete circuit of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, returning to Horton via Sulber Nick. The National Park gives 38.6 km, rounded to 39 km in its leaflet. A 12-hour completion is a challenge target, not a normal walking-time guarantee. Plan for the entire journey, including road sections and the final descent. Official Three Peaks guidance · Full route

Distances and times refer to the named complete itineraries; detours, weather and pace change them. Carry a proper route map rather than relying on these summaries.

Landscape and views

Pen-y-ghent's stepped profile reflects layers of Carboniferous limestone, shale and sandstone, with resistant gritstone on the upper hill. The BGS describes the well-exposed Grassington Grit succession here. Gritstone is a coarse sandstone, and the hill should not be described simply as limestone. British Geological Survey · Geological Society

In clear conditions, Ingleborough and Whernside are prominent to the west and northwest, with Fountains Fell to the southeast. The approach and descent pass limestone scenery, grassy slopes and rocky steps. Horton Scar views · Brackenbottom terrain

Nearby summits include Plover Hill (679.9 m), Fountains Fell (667.8 m), Ingleborough (723.3 m) and Whernside (736.6 m). Adding another summit changes the length and demands of the day. DoBIH

Access and facilities

Horton-in-Ribblesdale is the usual base. The National Park pay-and-display car park beside the B6479 has public toilets; the official walk gives postcode BD24 0HF and grid reference SD807724. Parking is limited and can fill early. Keep roads, gateways and access clear. Car park · Visitor guidance

Horton station on the Settle-Carlisle line is a short walk from the village. Check Northern's current outward and last return services and any engineering changes. The station itself has no toilets or refreshments; these facilities are in the village. Pubs provide refreshments subject to opening hours. Carry food and water for the hill. Northern station information · National Park facilities

Name and walking heritage

The name is Cumbric, an old Brittonic language related to Welsh. Pen means head or top; the final element is disputed, with edge or border among the proposed meanings. A single certain translation should not be claimed. Name discussion

The hill is a landmark on the Pennine Way and in Yorkshire's Three Peaks walking tradition. The National Park traces an early recorded Three Peaks walk to Giggleswick schoolmasters in 1887; the first official Three Peaks Race was in 1954. Walking and running history

Safety and seasons

The south ridge has steep rocky steps where hands may be useful. Wet limestone is slippery, and cloud or strong wind can make the upper hill much more demanding. Keep back from cliff and pothole edges, especially Hunt Pot and Hull Pot; visiting a pothole from above is not an invitation to enter it. Snow and ice require appropriate winter judgement and equipment. South-ridge route · Winter route caution

Check a mountain forecast and carry a map and compass you can use, warm waterproof layers, food, water and a torch. Allow daylight for the full return. Mobile reception is not assured. In a hill emergency, call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain/Fell Rescue, and give your location. National Park safety