Trail Running Planet
RoutesChallengesKitSafetyJournalSubmit a RouteSign in
← Back to route

Trail Running Planet · Yorkshire Dales · Ribblesdale

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.

Distance

36.8 km

Ascent

966 m

Descent

967 m

Max elevation

693 m

Route type

Loop

Est. time

4h 50m – 6h 30m

Grade

Expert

Navigation

map_skills

Parking

BD24 9JD

Dogs

Welcome

Best seasons

spring, summer, autumn

About this route

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.

Hazards & notes

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.

Emergency

Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.

Full route, GPX download & live conditions:

https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/yorkshire-dales/ribblesdale/fountains-fell-and-pen-y-ghent-from-settle

trailrunningplanet.com

Get one great UK trail route every week

New GPX routes, current trail conditions and practical running advice. One useful email every Friday.

Trail Running Planet
Get everyone on trails.

© 2026 Trail Running PlanetAboutChallengesGradingSafetyContactPrivacyTermsAffiliate policySubmit a routeMap data © OpenStreetMap contributors