Pen-y-ghent
Iconic Yorkshire peak offering a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning Dales views and a thrilling summit scramble.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views, less wind
Pen-y-ghent
Best Time
Best views, less wind
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Yorkshire peak offering a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning Dales views and a thrilling summit scramble.
"The views from the top are breathtaking. A challenging walk, but worth it when you reach the summit."
🚗 Parking in Horton
Pay and display car park available in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, with overflow options. :car:
🥾 Choose Your Path
Opt for the left route for a path-only ascent, or the right for a more challenging scramble. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit Scramble
Near the summit
A thrilling, short scramble that tests your nerve but rewards with breathtaking panoramic views.
Panoramic Yorkshire Dales Views
Summit
On a clear day, the 360-degree vistas of the Yorkshire Dales are absolutely stunning and worth the climb.
Hull Pot Waterfall
Near Pen-y-ghent
Discover this impressive natural feature, a highlight for many hikers exploring the area around Pen-y-ghent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Ascent Route Wisely
Weather and Footwear are Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking in Horton
Pay and display car park available in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, with overflow options. :car:
🥾 Choose Your Path
Opt for the left route for a path-only ascent, or the right for a more challenging scramble. :hiking_boot:
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The summit can be very windy, even on a clear day. Dress in layers and secure your belongings. :cloud:
♻️ Leave No Trace
Help preserve the natural beauty by taking all your rubbish with you. :recycle:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking in Horton
Pay and display car park available in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, with overflow options. :car:
🥾 Choose Your Path
Opt for the left route for a path-only ascent, or the right for a more challenging scramble. :hiking_boot:
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The summit can be very windy, even on a clear day. Dress in layers and secure your belongings. :cloud:
♻️ Leave No Trace
Help preserve the natural beauty by taking all your rubbish with you. :recycle:
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities, especially on a clear day. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pen-y-ghent is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike, celebrated for its breathtaking summit views and the sense of accomplishment it provides. While the scramble near the top can be daunting for some, alternative routes exist. Visitors consistently praise the stunning scenery and the invigorating experience, though wind at the summit and the steepness of the climb are noted challenges.
"First time climbing Pen-Y-Ghent with the family. Had a bit of trouble with a couple of my party who suffer with vertigo as they didn't know that towards the top there is a scramble, but we got up and they were very proud of themselves. There's a circular route you can take when walking up from Horton in Ribblesdale. If you take the right route, you'll be climbing sections, on the way up, if you take the left route it's a path all the way up, so you can avoid the scrambles if you think that would be too much by taking the left route and then coming back the same way. There's a pay and display car park in Horton in Ribblesdale too which has overflow parking places, so you should be ok parking."
Kieran Doble
"My third time climbing Penyghent great views from the top on a clear day! Always wear good clothes / footwear & leave no trace 🌅🌄🥾🚶♂️"
Thomas Grattan
"Lovely walk with a bit of a scramble nearer the top. I've been up a few times, but today is the first time I've got views from the top. Quite windy today at the top too. A challenging walk, but worth it when you reach the summit. There's a few different ways up, but I generally do a six ish mile circular starting and finishing in Horton in Ribblesdale. You can do a twenty four mile walk taking in the three Yorkshire peaks including Pen-y-ghent if you want a really big challenge!"
Donna W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is Horton-in-Ribblesdale. You can drive and park in the pay and display car park there, which often has overflow parking. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, Pen-y-ghent is one of the three iconic peaks in the Yorkshire Dales, alongside Whernside and Ingleborough. It's often the first peak tackled on the challenge.
Starting from Horton-in-Ribblesdale is popular. You can choose a circular route or an out-and-back path depending on your preference for scrambling.
While possible, it's more challenging. Buses do run to nearby villages, but you'd need to factor in longer walking distances to the trailhead.
Pen-y-ghent is considered a challenging but rewarding hike, suitable for beginners with good fitness. The steep ascent and rocky terrain require preparation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pen-y-ghent is a natural landmark and does not require tickets for entry. Access to the trails is free.
As an outdoor natural area, Pen-y-ghent is accessible at all times. However, hiking during daylight hours is strongly advised for safety.
Yes, there is a pay and display car park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, which is the primary starting point for many hikers.
While not mandatory, guided tours are available from local outdoor activity providers, which can be beneficial for navigation and safety.
Visiting on a weekday, especially outside of peak summer holidays, can help you avoid the largest crowds. Early morning hikes are also less busy.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Pen-y-ghent is a challenging hike with a steep ascent and a rocky scramble near the summit. It's manageable for those with moderate fitness.
A typical circular walk from Horton-in-Ribblesdale is around 6 miles and can take 3-5 hours, depending on your pace and stops.
The views from the summit are breathtaking and panoramic, offering stunning vistas of the Yorkshire Dales on a clear day.
Facilities are limited on the mountain itself. Horton-in-Ribblesdale has a car park and some amenities. Settle, a nearby market town, offers more options.
The scramble is short and generally considered manageable for most hikers. However, those with vertigo might find it challenging.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. The approach to the peak, with its rugged terrain, and the nearby Hull Pot waterfall are also great for photos.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting, but clear midday conditions provide the best visibility for capturing the expansive landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. Consider a sturdy tripod for stable shots, especially in windy conditions. A good phone camera is also sufficient for many.
Capturing the scale of the landscape and the dramatic weather can be challenging. The scramble near the summit also presents unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 For families with younger children or those concerned about heights, the path-only route from Horton-in-Ribblesdale is highly recommended to avoid the steeper scrambles. 🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Beginners
💪 Experienced Trekkers & Three Peaks Challengers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails of Pen-y-ghent
For those seeking an ultimate challenge, Pen-y-ghent is the first of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. This demanding trek covers approximately 24 miles and includes the summits of Whernside and Ingleborough.
The Allure of the Yorkshire Dales
Beyond the immediate vicinity of Pen-y-ghent, the Yorkshire Dales provide a wealth of activities. Visitors can explore the historic market town of Settle, which offers local crafts, food, and a vibrant atmosphere after a hike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit