Ingleborough
Iconic Yorkshire Dales peak offering breathtaking views, ancient ruins, and access to the dramatic Gaping Gill cave.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful summit & sunrise views
Ingleborough
Best Time
Peaceful summit & sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Yorkshire Dales peak offering breathtaking views, ancient ruins, and access to the dramatic Gaping Gill cave.
"A modest hike with excellent views at the top; the direction you approach from has a massive impact."
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Summit
Start your hike at dawn for solitude and stunning sunrise views. :sunrise:
🥾 Choose Your Route Wisely
Horton in Ribblesdale offers a rewarding, gentler climb than the steep Ribblehead ascent. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ingleborough Summit
Summit
Panoramic Yorkshire Dales views from this iconic peak, often with the summit to yourself if you start early.
Gaping Gill
Southern slopes of Ingleborough
A breathtaking 105-meter deep pothole with a stunning waterfall cascading into its depths.
Iron Age Hut Ruins
Summit area
Explore ancient history with well-preserved remains of Iron Age settlements atop the mountain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Ingleborough
Choose Your Ascent Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Summit
Start your hike at dawn for solitude and stunning sunrise views. :sunrise:
🥾 Choose Your Route Wisely
Horton in Ribblesdale offers a rewarding, gentler climb than the steep Ribblehead ascent. :hiking_boot:
💧 Don't Miss Gaping Gill
Explore this incredible natural cave system with a dramatic waterfall descent.
⛰️ False Summits Ahead!
Be prepared for a couple of false summits on the way up; keep pushing!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Summit
Start your hike at dawn for solitude and stunning sunrise views. :sunrise:
🥾 Choose Your Route Wisely
Horton in Ribblesdale offers a rewarding, gentler climb than the steep Ribblehead ascent. :hiking_boot:
💧 Don't Miss Gaping Gill
Explore this incredible natural cave system with a dramatic waterfall descent.
⛰️ False Summits Ahead!
Be prepared for a couple of false summits on the way up; keep pushing!
🚶♀️ Respect the Trails
Leave no trace and keep the area clean for everyone to enjoy. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ingleborough for its stunning panoramic views and the rewarding sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. Many highlight the beauty of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales and the historical significance of the Iron Age ruins. While generally considered a moderate hike, some routes can be challenging, and an early start is highly recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. +1
"Amazing hike was my 1st mountain I hiked. Met an amazing person along the way made a new friend along the way everyone was respectful and cleaned up after themselves. Absolutely beautiful views."
Malakai
"A modest hike with excellent views at the top. The direction you approach from has a massive impact on the quality of your ascent. If you come from Ribblehead/the North it’s a sharp, steep slog. If you come from Clapham, it’s moderate. If you come from Horton in Ribblesdale it’s a fairly gentle climb, with excellent views back down to Horton and of limestone pavement and Penyghent. This is my favourite direction to climb from as it’s the most rewarding and can be spectacular. It’s also great to get the train, which is just over an hour away from Leeds City Centre. Sunrise on this climb is spectacular."
Steve Beckett
"A challenging but rewarding hike. This is a beautiful place and the surrounding views are stunning."
Matt H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ingleborough is accessible by car, with parking available in nearby villages like Horton in Ribblesdale, Clapham, and Ingleton. Horton in Ribblesdale also has a train station, making it a convenient starting point for hikers coming from Leeds.
Yes, the Settle-Carlisle railway line serves Horton in Ribblesdale, offering a scenic and eco-friendly way to reach the starting point for many Ingleborough hikes.
Popular starting points include Horton in Ribblesdale (gentle, rewarding), Clapham (moderate), and Ribblehead (steep, challenging). Your choice depends on your fitness and desired experience.
You can drive to the base villages like Horton in Ribblesdale or Clapham, where parking is available. From there, you'll begin your hike.
Yes, several local companies and hiking groups offer guided tours, which can be particularly helpful for navigating the routes and learning about the area's history and geology.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to climb Ingleborough itself. It's a natural landscape within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
There are no entry fees for accessing the mountain. However, parking in the villages may incur a small charge.
Ingleborough is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Gaping Gill is typically only accessible to the public during specific open days organized by caving clubs, usually once a year. Keep an eye on their social media for dates.
Yes, Ingleborough Cave is a separate attraction near Ingleton and requires an admission fee. It offers a different experience from climbing the mountain.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The time to climb Ingleborough varies greatly depending on your starting point, fitness level, and the route taken. A typical round trip can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.
Ingleborough is generally considered a moderate hike, but some routes can be challenging. The ascent from Ribblehead is particularly steep.
The summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Yorkshire Dales, including Pen-y-ghent and Whernside. The views are spectacular on a clear day.
There are no facilities at the summit. You'll need to carry all your food, water, and any other necessities.
For beginners, starting from Horton in Ribblesdale or Clapham is recommended. An early start is crucial to avoid crowds and enjoy a more pleasant experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides incredible panoramic shots. The approach from Horton in Ribblesdale offers stunning vistas of limestone pavements and Pen-y-ghent. Sunrise and sunset can create dramatic lighting.
Early morning for sunrise and the 'golden hour' before sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting conditions.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks. Always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for sunrise/sunset shots. Don't forget a protective case for your gear against the elements.
The ancient Iron Age hut ruins at the summit offer a unique historical element to your photos. Gaping Gill also provides dramatic, albeit challenging, photographic opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Ingleborough Cave as a separate, accessible activity for families. It's a stunning show cave that doesn't require strenuous hiking.
💰 Budget Travelers
For accommodation, consider camping or staying in hostels in nearby towns like Ingleton or Settle. These options are typically more affordable than hotels.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Solo hikers can truly appreciate the panoramic views and the sense of accomplishment at the summit. It's a great opportunity for reflection and to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time, and carry essential safety gear. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
+2Completing the Three Peaks requires good physical fitness, proper planning, and appropriate gear. The routes are well-trodden but can be demanding, especially in adverse weather conditions. Local guides and organized events are available for those seeking support or a structured challenge.
While Ingleborough is a rewarding climb on its own, tackling it as part of the Three Peaks offers a comprehensive adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in Northern England. It's a popular event for charity fundraisers and seasoned hikers alike.
+1Exploring Gaping Gill: A Subterranean Wonder
Access to Gaping Gill is limited, typically only available during special open days organized by local caving clubs, such as the Craven Pothole Club. These events allow the public to descend into the cave system via a winch, offering an unforgettable experience.
Visiting Gaping Gill is an adventure for the intrepid. The descent is managed by experienced cavers, and it's essential to book in advance and follow all safety instructions. The sheer scale and beauty of the underground chamber make it a highlight for many visitors to the Ingleborough area.
Historical Significance of Ingleborough
The distinctive flat-topped shape of Ingleborough, a carboniferous limestone plateau, has made it a significant landmark for centuries. Its strategic position likely contributed to its use as a defensive settlement during the Iron Age. Exploring these ruins provides a tangible connection to the past and adds another layer of fascination to the climb.
Archaeological investigations have revealed evidence of settlement and activity dating back to the Bronze Age. The presence of these ancient sites underscores Ingleborough's enduring importance as a focal point in the landscape, drawing people to its summit for both its natural beauty and its historical resonance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit