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Having completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge the yesterday, I was looking for a shorter walk today, and, time being against me (I was due to be picked up from Horton-in-Ribblesdale by lunch time!), I simply opted for Fountains Fell. This interesting hill sits near Pen-y-Ghent, and was named for the monks of Fountains Abbey near Ripon, who apparently grazed their sheep here, centuries ago.
Following the 'Pennine Journey' route, I left Horton on the B6479 before turning off onto the track up to Dub Cote, then veering toward the southern side of Pen-y-Ghent. I disturbed a few grouse along the way, but the views of Pen-y-Ghent were lovely - it was nice to see this magnificent hill from a slightly different angle, and from slightly further back.
Stile near Dub Cote by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Pen-y-Ghent from Dub Cote by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Disturbing Grouse near Pen-y-Ghent by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
At a junction in the shadow of Pen-y-Ghent, the path joins the Pennine Way, and heads towards Fountains Fell. After Dale Head, I took a left onto the track to Rainscar, where I was greeted by two fierce-looking farm dogs. Fortunately they were well-trained and didn't seem to want to cross the driveway boundary and get any closer
Looking back at Pen-y-Ghent by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
After the cattle grid, the Pennine Way takes a sharp right and heads up a clear path, all the way up to the broad, fairly flat summit that is Fountains Fell.
Path up Fountains Fell by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
The actual summit of Fountains Fell is off the main path, and takes some careful negotiation across very boggy ground, trying to stay with the fence line whilst avoiding some of the hazards, like the open, abandoned mine shafts
not the place for night time walking, in bad weather, perhaps!
Open Mine Shaft on Fountains Fell by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
The best views were afforded away from the actual summit, at the impressive cairn. Because of time constraints, I decided the best way back to Horton was simply to retrace my steps and return exactly the same way, which actually turned out OK - the views across the dales were gorgeous, there is absolutely no hardship in seeing them twice in one day
Cairn on Fountains Fell by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
