Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent from Settle
Town-to-summit running at its best, starting from Settle's cobbles and reaching the wild tops of Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent before the long loop home.
Town-to-summit running at its best, starting from Settle's cobbles and reaching the wild tops of Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent before the long loop home.
A 36.8km loop from the market town of Settle out over Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent, returning across high Ribblesdale country on a mix of lanes, tracks and open fell.
The route
Starting in Settle has real appeal: a proper town with a railway station, cafes and parking, and immediate access to the hills. This 36.8km loop climbs steadily out of Ribblesdale and onto the high ground, working toward the broad peaty dome of Fountains Fell. The early kilometres on lanes and tracks let you settle into a rhythm before the terrain turns to rough moorland underfoot.
The summits
Fountains Fell tops out around 668m, a lonely, bog-laced summit scattered with old coal pits, before the route drops and climbs again to Pen-y-ghent at 694m. The short rocky step near Pen-y-ghent's top is the technical crux of the day, after which the path eases to the summit and its wide Three Peaks panorama. From here the loop turns for home, descending toward Ribblesdale and the run back into Settle.
Why it works
This is a strong choice if you prefer to start and finish somewhere with services rather than a remote lay-by. The Settle approach adds distance and a sense of journey, taking you from town to genuine wild fell and back in a single loop. It demands solid fitness and navigation, particularly across Fountains Fell where the broad top can confuse in poor light. Reward yourself afterward at one of Settle's bakeries or cafes, a short stagger from the finish.
Getting there
Settle is a true hub, with a station on the Settle to Carlisle line, ample parking and a market place full of cafes. That makes this one of the most car-free friendly of the big Dales loops, since you can arrive and leave by train. The route climbs gradually out of town before the rough ground begins, so use those early kilometres to warm into a sustainable pace for the full 36.8km that lie ahead of you.
Open mine shafts on Fountains Fell, persistent bog and full weather exposure on the tops. The short rock step on Pen-y-ghent needs care, and the loop is long enough that conditions can change before you finish.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Common questions
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