Our Day

Ingleborough, at 724 m, is apparently the second highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales, although the web sources seem too shy to acknowledge the fact. It lies directly opposite the Old School House, with Whernside, which we visited on our first full day, on the other side. So, it seemed a natural that Ingleborough should be next on our list of the three peaks - Whernside, Ingleborough and Penyghent. After enjoying the morning and our breakfast, we made preparations. Then it was time for "lift-off". Instead of going to Whernside, we turned left before Ellerbeck to reach Scales Moor to the north of Twistleton Scars. Then on we went to Twistleton Scar End and Twistleton Hall.

We successfully negotiated the Stepping Stones across the River Doe,
before we scaled Ingleborough.

After this came the Stepping Stones across the babbling River Doe; it is also called hereabouts "The Chapel Beck", although it seemed to us to be more than a beck! After the quarry, we joined the path called "A Pennine Journey". A few scrambly bits characterized our ascent to, and descent from, the summit of Ingleborough, from which, as expected, we had a nice panoramic view.

From the top of Ingleborough we get this view of Ribblehead Viaduct in the landscape.

Some of us who wished to get back to prepare the evening meal, then took the direct route shortly after Ingleborough into Chapel-le-Dale, on the "Dales Highway". Others headed for Park Fell and then descended to Fell Close and Scar Close. In the evening we were regaled by another of Jason's gastronomical creations.

Early Morning

The sun was already up this morning, so having broken my fast early, it seemed that a PPP - Post-Prandial Perambulation (after brekkie walk) - would be nice. Early birds catch worms and I caught a few piccies which I present here for your delectation.

From outside the bunk house one could see the slopes of Ingleborough basking in the sun ...




... but Ingleborough peak was still in the clouds, which were soon to lift.




In the other direction, behind the Old School House,
Whernside was also about to say good bye to its ethereal mantle.




Towards Cumbria, a line of wind turbines is just visible. Renewable energy versus the energy expended to install them - not doubt all carefully worked out!




Chapel-le-Dale Church (Diocese of Bradford) nestles in its peaceful slumber ...




... only to be woken by the likes of me (and other walkers) taking piccies.
The church, of course, is closely connected with the construction of the Ribblehead Viaduct.




Gravestones (dust to dust etc.) can be most interesting.
Here is an example from the Chapel-le-Dale churchyard.
See how well the stone mason has made the (stone) chain which ties the anchor to the cross.

Lively Preparations

As we got ready for the day, the clouds were lifting and we saw the peaks appearing around us. Indeed, we felt that today, no "good weather" dance was needed to placate the "weather gods". This gave us added encouragement to complete all the usual last-minute preparations - water, lunch pack, clothing and tying of shoe laces!

The final stages of preparation for the walk are in full swing.




Tying of boot laces and last-minute rummaging in rucksacks.
No "good weather dance" was needed today.

To the Stepping Stones

Ingleborough, at 724 m, is apparently the second highest peak in the Dales, although the web sources seem too shy to acknowledge the fact. We went past Chapel-le-Dales church, as if we were going to Whernside. However, we then turned left before Ellerbeck to reach Scales Moor to the north of Twistleton Scars. Then on we went to Twistleton Scar End and Twistleton Hall. After this came the Stepping Stones across the babbling River Doe, also called here the Chapel Beck. However, today the Beck was very lively, perhaps as a result of the showers at the end of our first day. Notwithstanding, we all crossed the Stepping Stones without incident - no one fell in!

Photographing the photographed AND the photographer. The person and the wide-open space - immortalised for posterity in pixels. In days of yore we had of course celluloid instead of pixels.




We have gone in the opposite direction to yesterday and seemed to have lost the "Viaduct". Still, it's time to stop for a natter and a swig of Lion's Drink (err, H2O - lions drink it).




We are headed up there, but not before we contend with
moorland, a few boulders, and more than a few sheep.




We tarry for a while to soak up the "Great Outdoors".




It's those sheep again! Noisy lot. Seemingly on auto-pilot,
going from NE to SW. Not a shepherd or sheep-dog in sight.




A rocky and not clearly marked descent (part of the footpath
seems to be missing!) takes us down Twistleton Scar End.




Just before Twistleton Hall we have this long-distance view SW into the verdant Yorkshire countryside. The border with Lancashire and/or Cumbria is probably out there somewhere. We subsequently pass the entrance to the Beezley Falls where we forego the special offer of half-price entry tickets. We have, after all, a peak to climb.




We are then welcomed by the stepping stones across the River Doe
which is called the Chapel Beck in Chapel-le-Dale.




Everyone is careful and keeps dry.

Climbing Ingleborough

Ingleborough, at 724 m, is apparently the second highest peak in the Dales, although the web sources seem too shy to acknowledge the fact. After the Stepping Stones, we skirted around a quarry. Then we joined the path called "A Pennine Journey". A few scrambly bits characterized our ascent, but this was good terrain practice.

On the way up to Ingleborough we tarry a while to munch a sandwich and admire the gentle verdant view back towards Twistleton Scar End.




Still a way before us. "High winds up there", is the message from those coming down.

Ingleborough

Ingleborough is 724 m high, and as expected, we had a nice panoramic view from the top. Shortly after the peak, some of us who wished to get back to prepare the evening meal, then took the direct route into Chapel-le-Dale, on the "Dales Highway". Others headed for Park Fell and then descended to Fell Close and Scar Close.

Trig Point on Ingleborough - it is very windy but you can't see that on the slide. Trig points are usually built to resist the wind and anything else the elements give them.




Trig Point on Ingleborough propped up by Yours Truly.




We shelter behind a wall for a munch/brunch and contemplate the view, the descent and other things.




Some of us take the longer route down, alas, avoiding the interesting steep, narrow and rocky descent that is the enjoyment of the official path down to the Old School House.




The Viaduct accompanies us again.
Man's great engineering efforts look small indeed in the vast open landscape.




Our descent is on public access land, but that doesn't mean that there is actually a footpath.
Our fun involves traversing a sea of rocks and climbing into a well-used sheep pen.




It's that Viaduct again. A way to go still through lush high grass and Yorkshire Dale Foliage until we finally hit the road. Once on the road, the Old School House and Jason's cooking beckon. The pub opposite the School House invites the hardy drinking types for some pre-dinner pints.

Our Evening after the Second Walk

For the hardy imbibers it's off to the pub opposite the School House for some pre-prandial quickies. Then Jason's dinner beckons, this time accompanied by a nice salad simply oozing vitamins! We then indulge in some relaxed after dinner natter about everything in general and walks in particular. And so, to rest with thoughts of the morrow.