Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent from Malham

The route

This is the long way to Pen-y-ghent, and it earns every kilometre. From Malham the route climbs past the limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove and onto the pavement above, then follows the dry valley of Watlowes toward Malham Tarn. Beyond the tarn the Pennine Way leads you out across open country toward Fountains Fell, the running turning rough and remote as the crowds fall away.

The high ground

Fountains Fell is a broad, peaty 668m moor pocked with old coal workings, a place that feels genuinely wild. From its summit the route drops and then climbs the southern ridge of Pen-y-ghent, where a short rocky step guards the 694m top. This is the turning point of a 50km loop with close to 1700m of ascent, so the summit is as much a psychological marker as a physical one. The return retraces the Pennine Way corridor back toward Malham.

Why it works

This route is built for experienced runners chasing a true big day out. It blends the gentle limestone of lower Malhamdale with the committing moorland of the high Pennines, and the sheer length means conditions and daylight matter as much as fitness. Go in summer for long days, carry food and full kit, and treat the navigation across Fountains Fell with respect. Get it right and it is one of the most complete long runs the Dales offers.

Getting there

Malham is the obvious base, with its National Park car park, cafes and pubs clustered in the village. The first and last kilometres on the popular cove and tarn paths are fast and forgiving, which makes the wild middle section over Fountains Fell feel all the more remote. With close to 1700m of climbing across 50km, build the distance in your legs before you take this one on, and treat it as a full expedition rather than a long run.