Pen y Ghent - A fell of a race

Today we were bound for Pen y Ghent again because of the Yorkshire 3 peak Fell Race where Tom was a participant.   We got their early so we could get up and half way down before the start of the race at 10am to get a good vantage point to watch the race. 

It was a glorious day with just enough of a chill in the air to make it comfortable for the runners.  I cant imagine running in wind and rain up a hill but then again I cant imagine running up a hill full stop but fair do to those who do. 

It wasn't long before we'd reached the top and climbed over the wall by the stile to start making our way down the path.  We'd planned to stop about half way down to see the runners go up and then come down again before heading back to the finish line to see them come through. 

Tom was doing really well and quite far up the pack on the initial climb and still one of the front runners coming down of Pen y Ghent. 

They still had Whernside and Ingleborough to do but we had a wander down to Hull Pot and then stopped for a pit stop in the pub whilst the runners were tackling the other 2 peaks.  

An hr or so later we were at the finish line to watch Tom complete the race.  He did really well and out of nearly 1000 runners he was in the top 15.  Impressive. 

Hewitts included on this walk: Pen-y-ghent

Date walked: 27/04/2018

Time taken: 3 hrs

Distance: 12 km

Ascent: 525m

Pen y Ghent - a wander up a local dragon

Well we always said if it was raining when we started a walk then we'd not bother but if it started raining while we were on a walk then it was ok as we'd have our waterproofs with us.  This day it was raining but we decided to give it a go anyway and off up the path towards Pen y Ghent we went. 

It wasn't the most pleasant walk but hey, we were out and anything is better than resorting to a TV couch afternoon.  

As with most walks the views sometimes save the day and today was no different.  The changing weather gave the most remarkable skies and as the clouds swirled around us we pushed on up the hill. 

Pen y Ghent is a lovely hill, I've been up here many many times and each time I've always loved the little bit of scrambling that you get just before the summit.  Today was no different and its always a little bit more challenging and exciting when the rocks are wet but not difficult enough for it to be dangerous. 

At the top the views were not too bad, clouds became picturesque and we stopped at the trig point for a few pictures. 

We didn't stop long at the top and were soon on our way back down the hill.  The downward section is mainly stepped but a little bit slippy when wet so care had to be taken. 

After only a couple of hours were back at the car, a little damp but exhilarated after a brilliant walk in some challenging weather.   Glad we got out and my favourite of the Yorkshire 3 peaks never fails to offer a good walk. 

Ingleborough and Simons Fell

First walk of 2015 and we didnt venture far.  The beauty of living in Lancashire is that there are so many options practically on your doorstep.  A couple of good leg stretchers mins away in the shape of Pendle & Boulsworth Hills a little bit of a drive takes you into the Yorkshire dales and then a bit further and your in the glorious Lake District.

Today however it was Ingleborough that was our leg stretcher of choice.  The weather was set to fair with a cold frost to start the day and there was no rain forecast so that was a bonus.  Parking at Clapham we set of up the track that would take us past Gaping Gill and then onwards to Simons Fell.  On the first path we encountered this little chap.  I've not seen as many robins this year as I usually do but perhaps that's because over the past 6 weeks we've not been out as much as we'd like, never the less this little chap gladly waited to have his photo snapped.

 Lisa and Damian joined us on the walk today and Lisa was trying out her new walking boots.  Chris and Lisa are like 2 peas in a pod in this picture all decked out in RAB........Rabtastic !

 The path takes you up through a pass where the ground is rocky but luckily due to the frost the ground was hard and we had no major boggy bits to contend with. 

 Through the pass then on the path past Gaping Gill where a group of ramblers had stopped for their morning coffee.  Hoards of them all huddled around the Gill with their knapsacks and walking sticks out enjoying the countryside as them rambly type folks do.  Are we ramblers?  I tend to think not but then again who knows!

 Our first stop was Simons Fell as it was such a nice day and a pity not to wander over there as Lisa and Damian hadn't been there before.  The views were amazing and although there wasn't much of a sky for pictures it was still bright enough to get a few shots.  The top of Simons Fell is pretty boring, not much to speak of but a pile of stones but we had a drink and a snack and then headed off for the main attraction, that chiseled looking devil, Ingleborough.

 The views were getting slightly better and I couldn't resist this shot of Pendle Hill.  The trek up Ingleborough was uneventful and was a bit blowy on top.  Obligatory visits to the trig and then a huddle in the shelter for a moment and it was onwards back down to the car.

 The light was fading fast and even at 3pm the suns rays were dwindling.  There are several paths off Ingleborough and due to too much chatting we headed off on the wrong one, oops!   It meant a slight detour once we'd got down a bit but nothing too drastic as to dampen a somewhat lovely day.

Ingleborough never fails to make me smile and today was no exception.  Its a lovely hill and even moreso when its not accompanied by hail, snow, rain, wind and the likes as it seems to have done on previous visits.

First walk of 2015 done, bring on next weekend and hopefully calmer weather and the glorious lakes.

Pen y Ghent

Another local hill to have a wander up as the weather in the Lakes was just not playing ball.  A misty murky day but the forecast said dry!

Love this view normally but the cloud spoiled it today!

Busy path today

 No views on top and it was all over too quick, homeward bound

  But not before catching this cheeky chappie.