My 13yr old grandson has wanted to climb Ingleborough since he first saw it full on, a couple of years ago, whilst caving in Chapel le Dale. He was staying with me this week but the weather seemed to have taken a nose dive [the back end of hurricane Bertha] We bravely set off in high winds and rain but at the base of Ingleborough itself could see an ascent today would be unwise and futile.

Ingleborough under cloud.

Plan B hastily implemented — Ingleton Waterfall Walk.  I’ve not done this for years. The price of entry has certainly escalated [I’ll not comment further] though I seem to remember we used to sneak in above the  turnstiles without paying. Lots of families visiting today, no doubt because of the weather, so there was a chatty, jolly atmosphere as we made our way around. You go up the River Twiss [the private part] and down the River Doe, both are impressive gorges. You walk through limestone, slates and sandstone, so a good opportunity for a geology lesson. The bit in the middle connecting the two rivers over farm land usually boasts a mobile ice cream van parked in the green lane!  I don’t ever remember seeing the money tree before in Swilla Glen — an old tree completely studded with coins, making it look like armadillo skin. After all the rain we have had every waterfall today was full of peaty rushing water — very impressive.

Pecca Falls.

Hollybush Spout.

Thornton Force.

Beezley Falls and Triple Spout.

Rival Falls.

Baxenghyll Gorge.

And last but not least …

Snow Falls.

My grandson thoroughly enjoyed the walk, and the ice cream, so the day was a success and Ingleborough can wait for a better day.  If you haven’t been round this trail before or have in the mists of time, pick a day to visit after heavy rain — you will appreciate. A little Switzerland.