LYD1A KERR

Planning to hike Pen-y-ghent? Keep on reading this handy guide on the circular route from Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, Pen-y-ghent is a popular climb for ultra hikers and ramblers alike. While it’s famously completed as part of the “Yorkshire Three Peaks”, a challenge to hike three hills in one day, often for charity, that doesn’t stop the hill being conquered as a standalone challenge! Which is exactly what we did.

Details in a nutshell:

• Car park: Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Yorkshire Dales National Park authority (£6 all day). Alternatives are available.
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles circular loop
• Elevation gain: ~ 400 metres, or 1,300 ft
• Time: ~ 3 hours depending on speed and breaks
• Difficulty: Moderate (includes a brief, steep scramble in the circular route, can be easier if you take an alternative, gradual out and back option)

As it was James’s birthday, we were keen to get out into the Dales for some fresh air and a lovely walk. Since we are based in the North East, we are well placed to reach many of England’s best national parks. Undeterred by a 2 hour drive, we hit the winding roads to Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

Car park: Horton-in-Ribblesdale

There is a choice of car parks, but they fill up fast. We arrived at the car park ran by the Yorkshire Dales National Park authority in the centre of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, and managed to get the second to last spot, all before 09:00 am. As of Spring 2026, the cost is £6 for all day parking. It wasn’t until we set off hiking that we realised there were other privately owned car parks, as well as a sign pointing to over flow parking. So do not fear, but definitely get there as early as you can.

The initial incline

We followed a circular route from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. From the start you can see the table-top shaped peak in the (not too far) distance. Of course, I am Type 1 Diabetic, so it didn’t take too long (30 minutes to be exact) for the incline to cause my blood sugars to drop low. After taking another 30 minutes to sit on a rock and recover with plenty of sweets, apple juice, and biscuits, we set off and continued the incline. Take this as your reminder to come well prepared with lots of food and water.

Steep scaling

The approach to the mountain is quite a consistent, relatively gentle incline. It wasn’t until we were at the base of the side of the mountain that I realised it wouldn’t be a zig zag to the top, but rather scaling the side of the mountain. This section definitely required scrambling, climbing rocks, and trying not to be overcome by a late onset fear of heights. We were both a bit confused as all of our prior research states that this is an easy, manageable hike. So take this as your word of warning that there is absolutely some sketchy parts of scrambling, and to be both mentally and physically prepared for this.

The steep rocky scramble on the ascent of Pen-y-ghent mountain.

Despite that, once you have scaled the side of the mountain, its a pretty flat walk to the trig point, and you have made it to the top! Well done.

The trig point at the summit of Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales

The Decline

We sat at the top and enjoyed our packed lunches, before heading down. Thankfully, the decline was much more manageable (in terms of not having to scramble down the side of the mountain!), as there was a gradual, long, gentle return to the car park in Horton. If you are not a fan of the scrambling, there would be an alternative option to complete this hike as an out and back walk along this path.

There were a few cosy pub options if ending your hike with a hearty lunch is something you are interested in, but we had to head home at a reasonable time.

Bonus points if you are travelling to/from the east of the UK, because you will pass by the incredible architecture that is the Ribblehead Viaduct! Four years ago, we spent the night in the Yorkshire Dales with the mission to see the viaduct, so it felt pretty surreal that we could just casually drive past on a random Sunday. Of course we stopped for a photo op!

A view of the Ribblehead Viaduct from the road in North Yorkshire.

If you are heading out to Pen-y-ghent, stay safe, check the weather forecast, tell someone your plans, and of course have fun!

I hope this guide has been useful.

Love, Lydia x

Keywords: Pen-y-ghent walk, Yorkshire Dales hiking, Horton-in-Ribblesdale parking, Yorkshire Three Peaks, hiking with Type 1 Diabetes, Ribblehead Viaduct.