14 1/4 miles
Weather - warm and sunny
The day dawned bright and sunny and we were ready to venture forth and conquer the final stage of this epic walk. The path immediately started to climb and we could see Ingleborough in the distance looking dark and forbidding. The stone track was good and easy to follow. A bench appeared at a strategic point where the walker could take a moment or two to gather their thoughts and body before tackling the steady ascent across the open moorland. A lady fell runner trotted past us and looked fresh as a daisy; she gave us a cheery wave as she motored on by.
It was easy to see the path all the way to the summit so we put the map and guide book away as we concentrated on our steady plodding. In places, stone steps aided our progress and the last stretch was a craggy, boulder strewn section but easy to negotiate. At last we reached the top and touched the trig point. The view was worth the effort. Even though the sky was full of dark clouds, they were high and allowed us to see for miles in all directions. The summit was busy with walkers who had ascended from different paths. Photos were taken, sandwiches munched and those doing the three peaks challenge soon disappeared.
We found our cairn and started heading down hill towards Little Ingleborough. Again, the visibility was excellent. We could see the path snaking down the fell side and Gaping Gill could be seen clearly so navigation was easy. A steady stream of people were now passing us on their way to the summit. There was lots of huffing and puffing and red faces but everyone was jolly and managed cheery greetings as they struggled past.
Gaping Gill was a hive of industry. The local caving group were setting up ropes, tackle and hoists and were offering visits down into the bowels of the earth to see the natural wonder that is Gaping Gill (It will cost you £15 if you are interested). They had set up a camp village with marquees, tents and a lot of barrels of beer. I think they were going to be there for a while.
This is fantastic limestone country and the narrow defile of Trow Gill was splendid. We scrambled down the rocks and boulders and then had a gentle walk to Ingleborough Cave. The guide book instructed us to take a path just before entering Ingleborough Estate. However, as we followed the path up a hill we could hear a bellowing animal. I reached the top of the hill first and discovered a bull who was not very happy and was heading for the corner of the field where our next stile was located. In an instant, I decided to retreat and take the path through the estate instead...
We walked through the villages of Clapham and Austwick and the path led us through green pastures towards Feizor. I was looking forward to visiting Feizor as I knew there was a tearoom which I had visited whilst walking The Dales High Way. It is a fine establishment and serves refreshing tea and delicious home made cakes. Luckily, we arrived half an hour before closing so were able to sit down and refuel before the final section of the walk into Settle. The last 3 miles were walked in glorious sunshine. Attimire Scar was looking its best in the late afternoon sunshine and we descended into Settle and journey's end. I had come full circle and it was glorious.
The satisfaction of completing a long distance walk which, at times, had been challenging was immense. I would recommend this walk to anyone with a sense of adventure and who loves the remote moors and fells of northern England.
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