Ingleborough (almost) Grand Tour, 05/08/2014


Eleven walkers set out from Clapham, with the sun shining but a promised forecast of rain "later in the afternoon".  Our way led through the tunnels and along Thwaite Lane until we took the footpath beneath Robin Proctor's Scar and then up to Norber Boulders. Green turf paths amidst limestone scenery took us to the now dilapidated shooting hut from where we followed the main Horton to Ingleborough (3 peaks route) track up to the stiles in the wall, where a coffee stop felt well-earned. We then continued along the track, with most walkers choosing to do the short dog-leg to Ingleborough's summit, whilst others waited by the steps. Unfortunately, Glenn slipped whilst descending the steps, giving his leg a nasty cut, so he returned to Clapham by the quickest route, whilst the rest of us carried on, along the lovely "edge" path running along Simon and Park fells, with excellent views. Although we'd intended to continue along this path right to the summit of Park Fell, and then down to Colt Park and across Gauber High Pasture, we were aware that we were now short on time, so decided to take a short cut, down the steep wall side and then rejoining the planned route above Chapel-le-Dale. A short rough moorland stretch led to easier going to our lunch stop, near Harry Hallam's Sheepfold, where there was an abundance of suitable "sitting rocks". A delightful path then led us across Raven Scars, eventually reaching the wall leading down to the gate near Crina Bottom, where we crossed over the main track and went up onto Newby Moss, where we reached and followed the old track which goes up to Little Ingleborough. After a brew stop (also well-earned) we descended via the main track to Gaping Gill, then the atmospheric Trow Gill, the ice cream cabin at Ingleborough Cave and the nature trail back to Clapham. The planned 21 mile walk had been shortened to 17.5 miles, but it was still a good day out. And it only started to rain after we'd got back to the cars!!

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