View of Pen-y-ghent shortly after starting the walk.
Horton in Ribbledae is a very popular starting place for walkers, and car parking can be a problem. I took the easy way out and paid £2 for all day parking at the Golden Lion Hotel. This is an easy walk to navigate following for the most part the Penine Way or the Ribble Way. There is great contrast along the way. Initially there is a gentle climb along the bridle path to Hull Pot; then the climb becomes steeper up to the summit. Thereafter there is firstly a very steep descent, followed by a lovely stroll down Long Lane to Helwith Bridge. The final part of the walk is along the western bank of the Ribble.
There are three local pubs along the way: The Helwith Bridge Hotel offers a wide range of ales and railway memorabilia;
The Crown Hotel and The Golden Lion Hotel are found at either end of Horton in Ribblesdale.
From the Golden Lion walk up the road to find the start of the Pennine Way signposted Pen-y-ghent 3¼ mile. After the initial short stretch the path turns north-east and continues up to where the path turns sharp east. At this point carry straight on for 100 yd to view Hull Pot. (45 min)
The path now becomes steeper and a clear view of the route ahead becomes visible. After this stretch the path turns to the south and the summit is reached after another steep climb. (60 min)
On the descent from the summit Long Lane is seen in the distance, however, after a short easy bit the path suddenly drops down very steeply. Some care is required here. (20 min)
At the bottom of the very steep descent, there is an option to shorten the walk to take the path back to Horton signposted Brackenbottom. Otherwise carry on to Churn Milk Hole. Here bear right (the Pennine Way continues to the left) and follow the signs to Helwith Bridge along Lone Lane. The views over the Ribble show the quaried hillside. At Helwith Bridge follow the road crossing the Ribble and the railway to the Hotel. (65 min)
From the Hotel turn right for a few yards along the road, then turn right along the quarry road; loook for the footpath on the left to avoid using the busy road. The Ribble Way is soon picked up as the path goes underneath the railway. The path is straightforward to Horton. At the end of the path go over the sile and cross the field to the steps at the road bridge. Cross the bridge to the Crown Hotel. (50 min)
