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Because we were due a weekend in Lakeland this free family Friday was spent in the Dales climbing Yorkshires most iconic mountain, Ingleborough.
The weather wasn't quite as promised with a very heavy haze being predominate all day but at least it kept us fairly cool. This route up Ingleborough probably isn't the best way up the mountain but it met our needs for the day and still had plenty interest. A fine helping of the classic Dales landscape features were on display in the form of caves and Limestone pavement all with the unmistakable shape of Yorkshires finest drawing us onwards.
Raven Scar from the road by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
On the way up the hill by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
A tempting objective by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Raven Scar by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Whernside by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Following an easy ascent we eventually came to what had looked like, from further back, a vertical rock face. It’s certainly steep but a set of stone steps zigzag their way up and in no time you’re wandering up to the summit plateau.
The steep way up the hill by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Simon Fell from the way up Ingleborough by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Wide open spaces by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace and Hughie on the summit by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
It was a shame that the haze was so thick restricting views considerably but at least we got a hint of just what a great panorama you’d get on a clear day. Following lunch and a wander around the summit we set off towards Simon Fell.
This is a pleasant stroll without the numbers present on Ingleborough. The path along the edge looked very tempting but as it doesn't take you to the top we followed the wall up to the decidedly understated summit of Simon Fell. We didn't linger long and made our way, admiring the peace and quiet, down a decidedly lose and unpleasant path before the going soon eased towards Great Douk Cave.
Ingleborough from the walk to Simon Fell by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
A couple of locals by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
A last look at Ingleborough by
johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
A nice day out was finished off by a visit to the Wensleydale creamery to sample and purchase a great deal of Cheese.
I think we’ll have to return to Ingleborough another time on a clear day and perhaps from Clapham or Ingleton; certainly a fell that’s worth a return visit.