Hiking Pen-y-ghent from Horton-in-Ribblesdale | Classic Yorkshire Dales Walk

Overview

Distance: 10.1 km
Average Duration: 3–4 hrs
Difficulty Level: Easy/Intermediate
Total Elevation Gain: Approx. 470 m
Start/Finish: Horton-in-Ribblesdale – Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Note: We parked in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, as we were attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks. This car park also works perfectly if you want to hike Pen-y-ghent as a standalone route.

A Yorkshire classic, Pen-y-ghent (694 m) is often the first summit for many walkers. It’s achievable for almost anyone in good weather, with a few fun scrambles near the top and beautiful panoramic views from the summit.

Planning Your Pen-y-ghent Hike

Getting There

We stayed in Settle, just a short drive from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where the Pen-y-ghent trail begins.

Best Season

We tackled this in February as part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, but the most comfortable time for this hike is in spring or summer.

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees for hiking Pen-y-ghent, other than the car park fee in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

Water & Food

There are no water refill points on this route, so bring 1–2 litres with you.
There’s nowhere to buy food once on the trail, so pack snacks and eat beforehand if possible.

Accommodation

We stayed in our family’s accommodation nearby, but there are plenty of places to stay locally.
The Dalesbridge campsite is one of the most popular and is located close to the starting point of the Pen-y-ghent walk.

The Hike

In February, we decided to attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. We weren’t sure we’d complete it due to poor weather, limited daylight, and a mild knee injury, but we figured we’d start and see how it went.

We began the classic Pen-y-ghent route from the visitor car park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The morning was cold, and starting at 6:00 a.m. meant hiking in the dark. We were slightly concerned about snow, ice, and visibility, but with headlamps, it was manageable. By around 7:00 a.m., the first light appeared, and the initial stretch followed a wide road — easy going even before sunrise.

The air was crisp, and strong winds made it a little chilly, but the climb itself wasn’t difficult. We took a few short breaks to catch our breath, but nothing that made us consider turning back. Good winter hiking layers made a big difference, as did my trusty buff and boots — lifesavers in the cold! I didn’t feel crampons or ice axes were necessary, which was a relief since carrying extra weight would have been unnecessary. Conditions were fine for most hikers, even in February.

When we reached the summit of Pen-y-ghent, the sunrise was somewhat underwhelming — it was February, after all — but we managed to catch about 30 seconds of sunlight around 8:00 a.m., which was enough to lift our spirits.

We didn’t linger long at the top due to the cold wind. From there, hikers can continue on toward Whernside as part of the Three Peaks route, or simply turn back for a shorter day. For a relaxed outing, returning to Horton-in-Ribblesdale after summiting Pen-y-ghent takes around 3 to 3.5 hours total — perfect for anyone wanting a quick adventure in the Yorkshire Dales.

The only slightly tricky part was a small rock scramble. It was wet, icy, and cold, but entirely manageable with care. If you’re comfortable walking on uneven ground and take your time, this Pen-y-ghent hike is suitable for most people — a fun challenge without being overwhelming.

If you’re looking for a shorter Yorkshire Dales hike with beautiful views, a bit of adventure, and a manageable distance, Pen-y-ghent is ideal. It’s a great peak for beginners or anyone wanting to get outdoors in winter conditions.

For the record, we did continue on to Whernside, but turned back later due to time and fading light. I’ll definitely attempt the full Yorkshire Three Peaks again in better weather.

Alternative Routes

There are several routes to the summit of Pen-y-ghent, including:

• Tarn Bar and Pen-y-ghent Loop

• Pen-y-ghent and Silverdale from Stainforth

Each offers slightly different terrain and views, making this peak a great one to revisit.