THE FOOTNOTES
Every print from Marking The Wild comes with its own trail story, this is yours.
Here you’ll find sketches, route details, reflections from the walk, and a few extra notes I couldn’t quite fit on paper.
Think of it as a companion to the artwork; a small way to step into the moment with me, and maybe take the journey for yourself.
Pen-y-Ghent: Aye, That’s a Good Hill
Looking up at Pen-Y-Ghent from Horton you can’t help but think, aye, that’s a good hill; solid, friendly, a bit bold around the edges, but nothing pretending to be more than it is. It’s the fell equivalent of someone who says “you’ll be reyt” and actually means it, which is something to remember on the short but steep scramble up one edge. I must admit there were some moments of panting and perspiration. There was even a humbling moment when a family of four passed us up the scramble, each parent with a child on their back (show offs).
Apart from that the climb is steady and sensible with a path that’s well looked after and steps that feel made for walking rather than a test. It’s the sort of peak that lets you settle into your own pace rather than asking you to perform.
And then comes Hull Pot — the part no one expects the first time. You wander off the flank on the gentle descent, legs finding that mellow “on the way home” feeling and with a slight detour, suddenly there it is: a great surprise drop in the earth. On dry days it’s a calm, cavernous bowl. After rain it’s a roar and a rush, water folding into the darkness like it’s vanishing into another world. Either way, it breaks the walk open in the best possible way — a jolt of wonder on a day that otherwise feels friendly and familiar.
This is the kind of walk you don’t overthink. A good fell, a good climb, a good surprise, and a path that leads you back to the village feeling like you’ve done something worthwhile without having to push too hard for it.
A simple day out, and a really satisfying one.
Waypoints Through The Wild
Start: Begin in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, setting out along the clear track that rises gently through a farm and toward Pen-y-Ghent’s southern flank.
Follow the well-defined path upward as it steepens, letting the views widen across the valley.
You follow the edges of great dry stone walls before the path is intersected and you turn left towards the peak. The final push up the rocky edge is the only part that makes you wonder why you’re here, but the views are well worth it. Pika (the dog) and I made a quick stop behind a wall to enjoy some snacks before following the path down the western side.
At the next cross paths take a left moving down through the first gate where a dry stone wall appears again to your left. You’ll reach another gate leading you left and down, but before that hook a right toward Hull Pot, approaching the sudden chasm with care and taking in the scale of the natural formation.
Return back on yourself, through that gate and along the long, steady track back toward Horton, the path softening into fields and familiar village edges.
Finish: Arrive back in Horton-in-Ribblesdale with the warmth of a good hill day settling in.
Sense The Scene
See: friendly rolls of grass land and fields, clean ridge-lines that turn to rocky structures, the sharp surprise of Hull Pot.
Hear: quiet valleys, the cries of the Golden Plover, the steady beat of footsteps on the path.
Smell: crisp grassland air, dry stone warmed by sun, damp earth near Hull Pot.
Feel: large rocks as you scramble up the climb, delicate petals of the Yorkshire sandwort.
Taste: The clean bite of high air with a mineral edge, the tinge of wild thyme.
Practical Parts
Parking: Available in Horton-in-Ribblesdale; village car parks and roadside spaces (check restrictions).
Facilities: Cafés, pubs, toilets, and a small shop in Horton.
Hazards: Steep sections on ascent; slippery gritstone in wet weather; exposed summit in strong winds; take care near the edges of Hull Pot.
Have you been here? What's Your Story
Comment Disclaimer:
Comments posted on this site are not actively moderated. Please keep your contributions respectful and considerate of others. Profanity, abusive language, harassment, or inappropriate behavior is not permitted.
If you see a comment that violates these guidelines, you can report it using our contact form and we will review it as soon as possible.
Thank you for helping keep this space welcoming for everyone.