Ingleborough might just be the most beguiling and feature-packed hill in England. Although it is smaller than almost any Lake District biggie (many of which can be seen from its vast, plateau-like summit), its stunning lines and sheer prominence make it look every inch a mountain; little wonder it frequently gets branded England’s Kilimanjaro or Table Mountain. From every side it offers a whole day’s worth of adventure, not just the pursuit of a summit: parched limestone pavements; the mysterious depths of Gaping Gill; the long parade across the shoulder of Simon Fell, with Whernside opposite and the Irish Sea shimmering in the distance. The climb through the wild lands from Clapham brings you up through a spectacular limestone gorge of Trow Gill, with cliffs over 200ft high. And a clear ridge-walk climbs to the summit, where the whole fantabulous package comes together beneath your feet.
WALK IT
How hard? Climbs are gradual with no technical difficulties or exposure. Clear paths and tracks for most of the way, although careful navigation needed on broad summit plateau.
Start point Car park in Clapham village (SD745692)
Distance 16km/10 miles
Ascent 754m
Time 5 hours
Best map OS Explorer OL2
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