Pen Y Ghent and Plover Hill from HIR

[MunroMad]

This was a walk done a while ago. Set off from HIR car park and had to meet a mate in Clapham for my lift home. A challenge indeed. I managed to walk along the track from the main road all the way up to the ridge in about an hour. The ridge was extremely icy and I regretted not bringing crampons, as did the people coming down! Made it to the summit by about 10. From the Summit, I proceeded down moorland to Plover Hill, there is really no cairn here or point establishing position, however, there is a bump near to where the 3 walls converge on the hill that I reckon is the true summit and thus proceeded there. It is such a broad hill though, anywhere within 50cm could have been the top.

The track to Plover is not really well marked, the path seems to be on the left hand side of the wall (the side facing Whernside) rather than the side facing Fountain's Fell. However, They all linked up at the top again.

From Plover Hill, I walked back up to the top of Pen Y Ghent for the 2nd time before running off the end down the crag, which is not a lot of fun when completely frozen over in ice and snow. I then walked to Dale Head where I contemplated my walk up Darnbrook and Fountain Fell, however, I had to be in Clapham at 5, so I head back up to the top before taking the long track back to Helwith Bridge. I then followed the road as far as far end before coming off the road and heading up to the woods, at wood end, lovely area and recommend it if starting from Austwick or Helwith, not taxing and views of Ingleborough become apparent nearer the Austwick side. When I reached Austwick I powered my way through the town stopping at a bench for a quick 5 mins by the river. I eventually arrived into Clapham at 5, and was in the pub until 8 waiting for my mate, who went caving in Gaping Gill and took a little longer than anticipated. Regardless, 15 miles later and 6 pints I was ready to go home!

[mountain coward]

That seems like quite some walk. I love that track which goes down to Helwith Bridge - quite like the food in the pub too! I was up Penyghent yesterday and you should see the snow on the summit now (I'll probably put out a report when I eventually send off my photos and scan them). The wall top is only showing the topstones - the rest is buried both sides! The signpost on the summit only has a couple of feet of it stuck out of the top of a drift. It's pretty well frozen too - great fun just now!

[mountain coward]

I was up Penyghent again today - beautiful day but still plenty of ice and extremely frozen snow all the way down the western flank - but I took my spikes this time so I could descend it... One guy shot off down it to the front of me and another girl shot off down towards me from above... and that was in 5 minutes... would probably have been a worthwhile spot to sit and watch this afternoon! I think people don't think you're allowed to wear spikes in the Dales!