Ingleborough and Little Ingleborough from Ingleton

The route

Most runners tackle Ingleborough from Horton or Ribblehead, which makes this Ingleton approach a refreshingly quiet alternative. The 14.8km route leaves the village and climbs steadily through farmland and onto open fell, gaining height toward the broad shoulder of Little Ingleborough. The going is a mix of good track and rougher moorland, with the summit block of Ingleborough drawing the eye ahead.

The summit

Little Ingleborough is a worthy top in its own right, a flattening of the ridge that frames the final pull. From here a short, steeper climb gains the famous summit plateau of Ingleborough at 724m, a broad flat top ringed by the remains of an Iron Age hillfort. On a clear day the view takes in Whernside, Pen-y-ghent, Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells. The summit plateau is notorious in cloud, so take a bearing before you leave it for the descent back toward Ingleton.

Why it works

This route gives you a true mountain summit without the crowds of the main Three Peaks paths, and at under 15km it is achievable for runners stepping up to bigger fell days. The climbing is steady rather than brutal, and the descent gives long, flowing running on the return. Treat the summit plateau with respect, carry a map and compass, and pick conditions that let you enjoy the view rather than fight the weather.

Getting there

Ingleton sits at the western edge of the Three Peaks country and is reached by the Craven Connection bus or by car, with parking at the community centre. The village is best known for its waterfalls trail, but this route heads the other way, onto the open fell. Combine it with the falls afterward, or refuel in one of Ingleton's cafes, long popular with climbers and cavers heading for the local crags and potholes.