Since the weather has changed to being more spring like I’m really getting some walking done, which is great seeing as how our National Three Peaks Challenge seems to be fast approaching! This time it was Pen-y-Ghent. I’ve walked Pen-y-Ghent before quite a few years ago now from Foxup, over Plover Hill and down the crag on Pen-y-Ghent. This time it was decided to set off from Helwith Bridge so quite a different walk from before.
You can park at Helwith Bridge and we set off up Moor Head Lane, quite a steep start but a good track. Continue on here until you come to a junction and turn left along Long Lane and keep going until you come to the trig point at the top! Sounds easy in just one sentence but definitely not for the faint hearted on the craggy bit. There’s a little structure to stop for a sit and a snack and take in the views and, of course, don’t forget to take your photo by the trig point. Follow the stone path from here and this which will eventually bring you to Horton in Ribblesdale. A lot of the path has been flagged and parts are boarded so you can’t miss the way. Turn right when you get to the road, cross over, pass the Pen-y-Ghent Café and after the car park go over the little footbridge and left onto the footpath keeping the River Ribble on your left.
Please check with your map for the last couple of miles of the walk if not before. So briefly, follow the path along the river bank keeping going until you come out onto the road to take you past the Helwith Bridge Inn and back to the car. We paused at the Helwith Bridge Inn and received a lovely warm welcome and a very welcome ‘cuppa’ too!
As always please dress appropriately with good walking footwear, you will have to do a bit of scrambling on the crag. Take some sustenance and water and of course all your essentials for walking. But most of all I hope you enjoy this walk.
Written By Nadine Bell