Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX is a 14.9 km out-and-back from Clapham National Park car park to Ingleborough, the 723 m second-highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. It gains 666 m and has a GPX-derived walking-time estimate of 4 hours 6 minutes.
The route follows Clapdale past Ingleborough Cave, climbs through Trow Gill, passes the unfenced entrance of Gaping Gill and reaches the summit by Little Ingleborough. It then retraces exactly the same line to Clapham rather than using the longer circular return described by some guides.
This is a strenuous hill walk over woodland paths, limestone, steep fellside and a rocky summit plateau. Poor visibility makes the summit exit particularly easy to get wrong, so carry the GPX plus a paper map and compass and allow more time than the estimate for stops or difficult conditions.
This one is by far the most interesting.
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Route Waypoints
Start at the National Park car park in Clapham, postcode LA2 8EF and grid reference SD 745 692. Toilets are available; follow the GPX north towards Ingleborough Cave.
Reach Ingleborough Cave via the GPX line through Clapdale. The Estate Nature Trail may charge an entry fee; check current access details. A parallel walled track is an alternative but is not the recorded GPX line.
Continue beyond the cave and climb through the narrow limestone gorge. The path is rough and can be slippery, so follow the signed line and take care on wet rock.
After crossing the wall, the path passes Gaping Gill, where Fell Beck drops about 100 m underground. The entrance is unfenced: stay well back from the edge, supervise children and dogs closely, and never enter without caving expertise and equipment.
Climb steeply onto Little Ingleborough, then follow the ridge as it eases briefly before the final ascent to Ingleborough’s summit plateau.
Cross the rocky, partly pathless plateau to the trig point and shelter. Retrace the same GPX line via Little Ingleborough, Gaping Gill, Trow Gill and Clapdale; the complete return route is 14.9 km.
Essential Tips
The upper slopes and plateau are exposed, colder and windier than Clapham. Check the mountain forecast, carry warm waterproof layers and turn back if conditions exceed your experience.
Gaping Gill’s entrance is unfenced and the surrounding limestone has holes and deep fissures. Keep to the path, stay well back from every pothole edge and watch each foot placement, especially when wet.
In poor visibility walkers can leave Ingleborough’s plateau in the wrong direction. Carry OS Explorer OL2, a compass and the GPX, and confirm the correct southward return line before descending.
The 4h 06m figure is a GPX-derived walking estimate, not a guaranteed finish time. Allow extra time, check current Estate Nature Trail access or fees, and retain enough daylight and energy for the full retraced descent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaping Gill safe to pass on the walking route?
The path passes Gaping Gill, but its entrance is unfenced and Fell Beck drops about 100 m underground. Keep well back from the edge, supervise children and dogs closely, and do not enter without specialist caving skills and equipment.
Where does the walk start, and is there a fee?
Start at Clapham National Park car park, LA2 8EF and grid reference SD 745 692, where toilets are available. The GPX uses the Estate Nature Trail approach to the cave, which may charge a fee; check current access details before setting out.
How long is the Ingleborough route from Clapham?
The supplied GPX measures 14.9 km and records 666 m of ascent. Its walking-time estimate is 4 hours 6 minutes; allow longer for breaks, rough ground, navigation and weather.