Horton in Ribblesdale, a tiny village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, boasts enough walks to satisfy outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Whilst many people flock here looking to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks, there are countless other options for those looking to explore the wider area.
From boulder-strewn hillsides to windswept summits, here are 7 of the best walking routes to enjoy when visiting Horton in Ribblesdale.
1. Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale
Best for: A taste of the Yorkshire Three Peaks
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Distance: 11km
Estimated Duration: The Pen-y-ghent walk from Horton in Ribblesdale should take 3 to 4 hours
Summary: The ascent of Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale is perfect for anyone looking to conquer one of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks. At 694 meters, Pen-y-ghent is the smallest of the three summits that attract thousands of hikers each year. However, what Pen-y-ghent lacks in size, it makes up for in views.
To climb Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale, you will follow well-worn paths across rolling fields flanked by traditional limestone walls. As grass gives way to dramatic limestone pavement, the rolling landscape of the Yorkshire Dales opens up beneath you.
The final push to the summit of Pen-y-ghent involves a steep, rocky path that is guaranteed to get your pulse racing. Once you reach the flat, windswept summit plateau, you will be rewarded with sublime views in all directions. See if you can spot Whernside and Ingleborough in the distance.
As you descend Pen-y-ghent, take a short detour to Hull Pot, a dramatic pothole just a few minutes from the main trail. This gaping chasm is a dramatic example of Yorkshire’s rich landscape of potholes and caverns. Hull Pot is the remains of a collapsed cavern, whose roof fell in and left this high-walled scar on the landscape. Take care around the edges.
Once you return to Horton in Ribblesdale, treat yourself to a bite to eat or a well-earned pint at The Golden Lion.
2. Ingleborough from Horton in Ribblesdale
Best for: A dramatic walk through classic Yorkshire scenery
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Distance: 15km
Estimated Duration: Depending on your fitness, it should 4 hours to complete the walk up Ingleborough from Horton in Ribblesdale. This includes the return leg.
Summary: Whilst the path between Ingleborough and Horton-in-Ribblesdale is traditionally walked at the end of the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, the ascent from Horton in Ribblesdale offers the chance to enjoy some spectacular Yorkshire views without covering the immense distances of the Three Peaks.
The popular walking route begins at Horton in Ribblesdale train station. With Pen-y-ghent’s dramatic summit keeping a watchful gaze, follow the trail through rolling farmland filled with flocks of Hardy Yorkshire sheep.
Eventually, the fields give way to sweeping moorland covered in acres of gnarly limestone pavement. Ingleborough’s summit, 723 meters above sea level, looms large straight ahead. Follow the trail to the top and keep your fingers crossed for a clear day. With the right conditions, you can spot the peaks of the Lake District and the faint outline of Blackpool Tower.
To return directly to Horton in Ribblesdale, follow the same path back to the village. Alternatively, you can follow the path to the Ribblehead Viaduct and catch the next Northern service from Ribblehead station.
Read next: A winter photography hike up Loughrigg Fell in the Lake District.
3. Norber erratics from Horton in Ribblesdale
Best for: Mind-boggling geology
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Distance: 15km there and back
Estimated Duration: 4 hours there and back
Summary: The Norber Erratics are a little-visited gem in the heart of Yorkshire Three Peaks country.
Dozens upon dozens of immense boulders of all shapes and sizes lay scattered across the landscape. Some stand haphazardly at impossible angles, perched precariously in the ground. Others are placed atop tiny rocks as if part of an art installation.
To reach the Norber Erratics from Horton in Ribblesdale, start by following the footpath towards Ingleborough. Eventually, you will reach a crossroads. Turn left at the crossroads and follow the footpath as it tracks alongside a dramatic depression in the limestone-strewn landscape.
The footpath will become a small farm track, which you should follow until you see the tell-tale boulders strewn across the steep slopes to your right. If in doubt, follow our Google Maps route from Horton in Ribblesdale to the Norber Erratics.
Once you finish admiring the Erratics, you can retrace your steps or complete a linear walk to Clapham Station to catch a train back to Horton in Ribblesdale via Settle.
Read next: The best things to do in Arnside near the Lake District
4. Ribblehead Viaduct and Lings Nature Reserve from Horton in Ribblesdale
Best for: A low-level walk with impressive nature and spectacular structures
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Distance: 12km
Estimated Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Summary: The walking route from Horton in Ribblesdale to Ribblehead Viaduct via Ling Gill Nature Reserve is a perfect way to immerse yourself in classic Dales scenery without climbing a summit.
Ling Gill is a narrow, steep valley that contains a wealth of significant natural features, from ash trees that cling to the steep, rocky cliffs to a population of native crayfish. Keep in mind that the nature reserve is best viewed from above. Access into the valley is not only tricky, but also technically not allowed.
The route to Ling Gill from Horton in Ribblesdale takes you along quiet country tracks. Occasionally, the path joins up with the Three Peaks trail before veering off into the wilderness once more.
Along the way, you will pass dramatic potholes, isolated bridges and plenty of hardy sheep. Throughout the walk, the desolate landscape of the Yorkshire Dales provides drama in abundance.
A short while after passing Ling Gill bridge, you will see a great scar in the ground – Ling Gill. The dramatic chasm is packed full of stoic trees that cling to the cliff sides, growing in twisted, knotted shapes. A view worthy of admiration.
Once you depart Ling Gill, you are on the home straight to the Ribblehead Viaduct, which will be a constant sight in the distance. Navigate your way carefully along the faint paths towards this most impressive structure.
When you arrive at the Ribblehead Viaduct, take your time to wander up to the bridge. Stand under the towering arches, which reach over 100 feet into the sky.
At the end of your walk, enjoy a refreshing drink at The Station Inn before catching the train back to Horton in Ribblesdale.
Read next: The best walks in the Lake District that you can do by bus
5. A walk around Horton in Ribblesdale village
Best for: Enjoying the atmosphere of a remote Dales village
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Distance: 1km
Estimated Duration: Under 1 hour
Summary: For those who want a taste of the Yorkshire Dales without venturing too far, a walk around the tiny village of Horton in Ribblesdale could be perfect. With a population of just over 400 people, Horton in Ribblesdale comprises just a handful of streets with a smattering of houses, guest accommodation and eateries.
From admiring the classic architecture at Horton in Ribblesdale station to gazing upon centuries of local history at the 12-century St Oswald’s Church, there is plenty to keep you interested as you stroll the streets. On a busy day, the village will buzz with atmosphere as hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts gear up for a day in the hills. Wander as far as you want and soak it all in.
Read next: Discover some of the best walks in the Peak District that you can access by train
6. Settle from Horton in Ribblesdale
Best for: A low-level walk to a popular Dales town
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Estimated Distance: 11km
Estimated Duration: 4 hours
Summary: Settle, a picturesque and popular market town, lies south of Horton in Ribblesdale. A popular walking route from Horton follows a combination of farm tracks and established walking trails, leading you through the valley until you reach the bright lights of Settle.
The route generally follows the path of the River Ribble and takes in sections of the Ribble Way, a 113km long distance footpath that tracks the river from mouth to source. Whether you want to discover remote farms or admire impressive waterfalls, there is plenty to keep you interested along the way. Plan your route in advance and watch for any detours you may want to add on.
Once you arrive in Settle, a plethora of popular cafes, pubs and restaurants will be ready to refuel you before your return trip to Horton in Ribblesdale. Hardy walkers can choose to walk back, pub the train line from Settle to Horton is the easiest option.
Read next: Walking to the summit of Wild Boar Fell in the Yorkshire Dales
7. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
Best for: An epic day out in the Yorkshire Dales
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Distance: 39km
Estimated Duration: 10-12 hours
Summary: This is the big one! A favourite among outdoor lovers and charity fundraisers alike, an estimated 200,000 hardy hikers tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge every year. Taking in the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, the Yorkshire Three Peaks route typically begins in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
The trail leads you to the summit of Pen-y-ghent (694m) before tracking along the Pennine Way towards Ribblehead. With the mighty Ribblehead Viaduct to your left, you will begin the ascent of Whernside (736m) before hopping over the valley to complete the summit-bagging on Ingleborough’s wild and windswept plateau (723m).
The final leg of the journey is a long, slow descent back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where hikers typically toast their success in one of the village’s traditional Yorkshire pubs.
Read next: Discover the beauty of Ribblehead on a snowy winter morning