Ingleton

Nestled in the foothills of Ingleborough, one of Yorkshire’s famous Three Peaks, the village of Ingleton is surrounded by magnificent countryside with deep caves, spectacular waterfalls and important geological and archaeological sites.

Above ground, glaciation has produced scars, erratics, limestone pavements, high cliffs and deep dry gorges. Below ground, the limestone landscape is riddled with dramatic underground rivers and stunning potholes.

The natural features of the area provide for a host of outdoor activities, and are a magnet for walkers, climbers, cavers and potholers.

Local attractions for all the family include White Scar Cave, Britain’s longest show cave, and the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk, which takes you through wooded valleys, across the open fells and past numerous waterfalls that change almost daily as the river levels rise and fall. Ingleton is a perfect starting point for climbing the high peaks of Ingleborough and Whernside. The fantastic limestone pavements of Twisleton Scar and the superb views from there are well worth the ascent.

The ascent of Ingleborough from Ingleton via Crina Bottom Farm is perhaps the most popular route up this hill. It’s a steady climb up a long straight track, with only the last few hundred metres being really steep.

An even more impressive mountain walk from Ingleton is Whernside, which can best be accessed from the linking track from the waterfalls and from Kingsdale, following the line of the ridge to the summit. This is superb ridge walking with breathtaking views over to Ingleborough in the east and Gregareth in the west, and a choice of return routes, either to Ribblehead or Dent Stations both on the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line.

The village is also an ideal location for more relaxing pursuits – you can stroll along the river bank, sit in the Millennium Gardens or visit one of the many cafes and shops. For children there is the new playground, with the popular heated outdoor swimming pool not far away.

Ingleton Pottery is a small family run business and the longest established working pottery in the Yorkshire Dales. Situated on the riverside, you can watch the potters close at hand in the show room as they produce beautiful hand-thrown stoneware.

Ingleton also houses one of the best indoor climbing walls in the region, with routes to suit all abilities. Tickets can be bought at Inglesport, the caving and climbing shop in the village.

Not far from Ingleton lies Clapham, with its pretty beck running through the centre of the village. From here, a stroll up the Nature Trail takes you to Ingleborough Cave which forms an outlet for the famous Gaping Gill system.

Visit the village websites www.ingleton.co.uk or www.visitingleton.co.uk to find out more about where to stay and what to do.

Bus times can be checked on the Dalesbus website.

Local services: pubs, cafes, shops, toilets, accommodation, Youth Hostel, tourist information centre