Walking up Ingleborough (723m / 2,372ft) from Clapham typically takes:
⏳ 4.5 to 6 hours (round trip) – depending on pace, weather, and rest stops.
📏 Distance: ~9 miles (14.5 km) round trip.
📈 Ascent: ~600m of elevation gain.
Route Overview (Clapham to Ingleborough Summit)
🚶♂️ Starting Point: Clapham village car park.
🛤 Route:
- Clapham to Trow Gill – A scenic path through woodland and limestone gorge (40–60 mins).
- Trow Gill to Gaping Gill – Passes this famous underground waterfall and cave system (20–30 mins).
- Gaping Gill to Ingleborough Summit – A steep climb with rocky terrain leading to the plateau-like summit (60–90 mins).
🔄 Descent: Returning via the same route takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
What to Expect on the Walk?
🏞️ Varied Scenery – Woodlands, limestone gorges, moorland, and stunning views at the top.
⛰ Rocky & Steep Final Ascent – The last section is steep and requires some scrambling.
🌅 Panoramic Views – On clear days, you can see the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, and even Snowdonia.
Is It Hard?
- Moderate to Challenging – The distance and ascent make it suitable for fit walkers.
- The final stretch is steep, but not as difficult as Pen-y-Ghent’s scrambles.
Final Thoughts
Climbing Ingleborough from Clapham is a rewarding walk that offers diverse landscapes, fascinating caves, and incredible views. If you’re reasonably fit and prepared for the steep final section, it’s a fantastic hike in the Yorkshire Dales! 🥾⛰️✨