Explore Yorkshire - England: Your Guide to Pen-y-ghent
A three peaks attempt in February
3 min read
Overview
Distance: 10.1km
Average Duration: 3-4 hrs
Difficulty Level: Easy/Intermediate
Total Elevation Gain: 470m (approximate)
Start/Finish: Horton-in-Ribblesdale-Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Note: We used the car park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale as we were attempting the Yorkshire 3 peaks. It can be used to summit Pen-Y-Ghent as a stand-alone hike.
A Yorkshire classic, Pen-y-ghent, is many people’s first peak. Standing at 694 m, it’s an achievable peak for almost anyone with the right weather conditions. It can be challenging in places with a little scrambling here and there. Pen-y-ghent summit offers a beautiful view in good weather conditions.
Planning
Getting There: We stayed in Settle not far away and drove to Horton in Ribblesdale.
Season: We wanted to challenge ourselves so we attempted this in February, the best time of year would be spring/summer.
Permits & Fees: There aren’t any permits of fees, with the exception of car parking costs.
Water: There aren’t any water provisions on this route, it’s best to take 1-2 litres with you.
Food: There isn’t anywhere to purchase food once on the hike. It’s best to take snacks and eat beforehand if possible.
Accommodation
We stayed in our family’s accommodation close by.
There are many options most notably Dalesbridge campsite that is located very close to the start point.
The Hike
In February, we decided to attempt the Yorkshire three peaks challenge. We didn’t think we’d achieve it due to poor weather conditions, low light levels, and a slight knee injury, however we figured we’d start and see how we got on. We began the classic hike up Pen-Y-Ghent, starting from the visitor car park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The weather had been cold, and we were a little concerned about starting the hike at 06:00. It was still dark, and we a little worried about snow, ice, and less-than ideal visibility. However, we used headlamps and by the time we hit the trail, it was light enough to see, with the dawn creeping in before 07:00. And to our surprise, the first stretch of the hike was along a long, wide road, so we didn't have to worry about the darkness at all.
The hike itself was a bit chilly especially with the strong winds but nothing too extreme. We took a few short breaks on the way up to catch our breath, but nothing that made us want to turn back. It wasn’t a difficult climb overall, though the cold definitely added a layer of challenge. We’re grateful for our warm layers and, especially, for my trusty buff and sturdy boots. Honestly, they were lifesavers in this weather, but I didn’t feel like crampons or ice axes were necessary, I’m glad we didn’t bring these, they would have been additional unnecessary weight. There wasn't much snow, and the conditions were pretty manageable for most people, even in winter.
When we finally made it to the summit, we were met with a somewhat underwhelming sunrise, it was February, after all. But, in the spirit of not sweating the small stuff, we did manage to get about 30 seconds of sun at 08:00, which was enough to lift our spirits.
We didn’t hang around at the top for long, as the cold wind pushed us to keep moving. From there, we could have continued on to Whernside, but for a shorter and more relaxed outing, you can absolutely turn around and head back down after reaching the summit of Pen-Y-Ghent. If you choose this option, you’re looking at a hike that takes around 3 to 3.5 hours in total, which is perfect for anyone wanting a nice, quick adventure without the pressure of a full-day trek. There are heaps of alternative routes, I believe most commonly there’s a circular route.
The only tricky part of the hike was a small scramble over some rocks. It was only difficult because it was wet, a bit icy, and, cold. But nothing too crazy. If you’re comfortable walking on uneven ground and can take your time, this hike is totally doable for most people. It’s not something to stress over, it’s a fun challenge, but it’s definitely not beyond anyone’s capabilities.
So, if you’re looking for a relaxed winter hike with a little bit of a challenge but nothing too overwhelming, Pen-Y-Ghent is perfect. It’s an adventure that offers great views, a little exercise, and the chance to enjoy the outdoors even if the weather doesn’t exactly cooperate.
For the record we made it to Whernside and headed back afterwards due to time and light concerns. I’ll probably attempt this again in better weather conditions.
Notes
There are also other routes to Pen-y-ghent including Tarn Bar and Pen-y-ghent Loop or Pen-y-ghent / Silverdale from Stainforth.
