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This route is regarded by many as the best ascent of Ingleborough.

Park in the main Clapham car park. From there turn right to head up to the church, then left and right to reach the entrance to the Ingleborough Nature Trail. There is a small charge to walk through the Ingleborough Estate to Ingleborough Cave, or there is a public footpath up to the left avoiding the charge.

The route passes Ingleborough Cave, worth a visit in it's own right if you have time, or save it for another day. Beyond the cave the route swings round to the left through the impressive limestone gorge of Trow Gill. There is just a small section of scrambling and the limestone can be slippery, particularly when wet, so take care.

From the top of Trow Gill continue up onto the moorland for about 1km and take a small detour right to Gaping Gill where Fell Beck disapears down a gaping chasm. The drop here is about 300ft straight down into the massive chamber below. The entrance is unfenced - don't get too close to the edge and keep dogs and children under close control. A couple of times a year local caving clubs set up a winch to enable non-cavers to experience the vast underground cavern.

From Gaping Gill follow the obvious path as it climbs up to Little Ingleborough. There is then a level section before the final ascent to gain the summit plateau, then turn half left to head for the summit itself.

Return by the same route.

The summit plateau can be confusing, particularly in mist, as the paths aren't obvious, so make sure you have a map and compass and know how to use them. It's easy to take the wrong path down by mistake.


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