Fellsman Hike Route

The Fellsman Hike has been run annually since 1962, making it one of the most storied mountain challenge events in the north of England. The route covers 61 miles (98 km) across the Yorkshire Dales from Ingleton to Threshfield, taking in some of the most serious and remote terrain in the national park.

The route crosses Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent, Fountains Fell, Buckden Pike and the high Wharfedale moors before descending to the finish at Threshfield. It is not waymarked — the Fellsman is navigated by checkpoint and competitors must carry OS maps at all times. Running the route independently requires solid Dales navigation.

Most fell runners cover it in twelve to eighteen hours. The terrain is characteristically Dales — limestone pavements, moorland bog, stiff climbs and the kind of remote fellside where you might not see another person for hours.

Ingleton to Horton: over Ingleborough (724 m), across Ribblehead, up Pen-y-ghent (694 m).

Horton to Buckden: north over Plover Hill and Fountains Fell (668 m), down to Littondale, then east over the Wharfedale watershed to Buckden Pike (702 m).

Buckden to Threshfield: descent to Buckden village and along Wharfedale to the finish.

Start: Ingleton, accessible by bus from Settle and Skipton. Finish: Threshfield near Grassington — bus to Skipton. A car shuttle or transport arrangement is needed for this point-to-point route.

Best time: May to September. The Fountains Fell and Wharfedale moors sections are very boggy after rain.