We stayed at the Old Station Inn just outside of Giggleswick (http://www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/stayat/oldstationinn/index.htm) in which was some way off from the start! So short drive was required. Like the majority of people who undertake this walk, we started off in Horton-in-ribblesdale and popped into the post office for some snacks. Although we had our lunches etc. There was an old stamping machine which of course we didn't stamp a card to officially record the time! Oops. So maybe next time on this one. We started round about 7am.
Contrary to most people we decided to do the walk the other way round, starting with the highest peak first Ingleborough. We managed to nearly get lost immediately but with some skillful map reading by butcher we managed to cross over the settle & carlisle railway and up onto the moorland passed Beercroft Hall. Heading westwards we walked out of some quite freaky rock formations, like grooves on a record - with the odd tree here and there poking out.
We climbed over a stile and started walking upwards, and it started to get quite windy. At this point we went around Simon Fell, and at this point we could make Ingleborough quite clearly - and the clouds on the top - hopefully it would clear when we get to the top. Which it was but you couldn't hear each other it was so windy up there! Matt decided to climb on top of the shelter but bearly managed to stay up there without falling off!! We were at the top just after 9am.
We then descended quite quickly down, with Whernside (the next peak) in view. Looking a lot closer that it was!! Some more of the crazy rock formations where on this side as well. Stopping at Braithwaite hole for some food. We then headed to Chapel-le-Dale, at the base of Whernside. We crossed the road and headed upwards. It soon became very apparent that it was going to be a struggle not to be blown off the ridge by the wind. At one moment, helens waterproof took a life of its own and dashed off into the distance. Luckily Helen, Fran, Zoe and Adam were on the otherside of the fence. Fran ran like a madman off after it and managed to catch it :) We didn't really have much time to take the view in as the dust was being whipped up over the ridge and into our eyes and faces. We persevered along the ridge and came down by the waterfall at the top Force Gill and Little Dale. We wandered down towards the north end of the Ribblesdale viaduct. Can't imagine the thousands of people who would have been here to build this crazy viaduct - it curves in the middle as well! We made it to the Station Inn for some lunch and a pint :)
About 2pm now we headed off towards our last peak of the day, Pen-y-Ghent. Heading down on the road to Horton, we cut across to the Ribbles way. Just about making the last peak in the distance - it seemed a very very long long away :)! We cut across the moorland at Red Moss and Burnrigg - almost like a beeline!! Passing through Horton Moor we caught up with the Pennine way. Feeling a bit weary we began the final climb up the hill. Delighted to get to the top we all took a bit of a breather and managed to take in quite literally how far we had walked. Sun still up we could see Ingleborough and Whernside a long way in the distance. The view from here was stunning apart from the horton quarry. The time now being shortly before 5pm, we had to get back to Horton not only to complete the challenge but also to get a very well deserved pint!
We finished up back at the cars at about 6.30pm - so achieving the challenge. Although not officially - will have to do that next time. This is a brilliant walk certainly achievable in a summers day, but not when its raining!! We all got back to our pub where we stayed had more beer apart from Helen who had a delightful cup of tea.
Total distance was: 37.5km (23.5 miles)
Total climbed: 1586m
Greatest Rescue Attempt: Fran saving Helens coat
Number of wind burn faces: 7
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