Since there is a charge for car parking in the main visitors car park in Horton, I recommend an alternative, free car park space opposite the church, in a long lay-by there (may be busy at weekends). The route begins by the church and follows the road to Brackenbottom (SD 81725 72254). From here, go through the stile and follow the well-worn footpath up the hill, over Brackenbottom Scar, to the foot of Pen-y-Ghent.

Climbing Pen-y-Ghent up its front edge isn't as much of a challenge these days as it used to be, since they've laid down an easy to climb stone staircase. There's still a bit of a scramble right at the very top, though, which is sufficient to know that you've done something significant when you finally get there.

If you're lucky, clear weather will afford you good views in all directions. If the weather is cold and/or windy, there is a newly constructed shelter where you can sit and eat your well-earned sandwiches or a sup from your flask.

The route to Plover Hill continues Northwards, to the left-hand side of the wall that stretches along the lion's back. This path is relatively straight-forward but very boggy in damp conditions. Plover Hill is just a very large lump of hill, not entirely appreciated until you start to drop down into the valley and look back at the impressive crag you've just scrambled down. Only at this point do you get to fully marvel at the Pen-y-Ghent / Plover Hill massif in its entirety.

At the foot of the valley, the route joins the good, well-trodden footpath from Foxup, and traverses the base of Pen-y-Ghent, back towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Pause only to gaze into Hull Pot (SD 82490 74527), the largest natural hole in Britain (300ft x 60ft x 60ft), before heading on down the walled track back to your starting point in Horton.