Horton in Ribblesdale to Pen-y-Ghent via Helwith Bridge. Walkers Mike H and Danny K

Mike getting kitted up on the car park in Horton.

We had intended to make the ascent of Pen-y-Ghent, but decided on an alternative lower level circular walk via Helwith Bridge due to the amount of snow on the way up.

Crossing over the River Ribble.

The rout took us under the Settle to Carlisle railway line.

Looking back to Pen-y-Ghent

The Helwith Bridge Hotel

Leaving Helwith Bridge we joined the Pennine Way, which was to take us back towards our original objective.

Whilst having our elevenses and taking in the winter scenery of the valley below, Mike spotted someone on their way up, who
joined our path a little way ahead.

The man didn't turn towards us but turned the opposite way, towards Pen-y- Ghent. On checking the map, I found that he had come up on the path that we were to have come up on, on our original planned walk. 

We decided to take another look at the way up Pen-y-Ghent,to see if it was do'able. On reaching the top of the rise, it was still unclear, so we went on and on and on. We spotted another path down, but decided to carry on further. 

On reaching the bottom of the lower rocky escarpment, the wind was gale force, and there was still quite a long way to go. we decided to save it for another day and turned back.

On the way down, looking back, mist was coming down, and the summit was no longer visible, convincing us that we had taken the right decision.

On reaching the valley floor we had a late lunch before returning to the car, at 14. 30. Thanks for a good walk Mike. 8.75 miles
DK