The Decrepit Bunch Take on Ingleborough

Eleven members met in Leyburn to share cars to the Ribblehead Viaduct where our day was to begin. After a cuppa from the tea van we booted up, slapped on the sun-screen and set off as the sun began to burn through the early morning cloud. After a mile or so along the Ingleton road we took the track to Great Douk Cave where we explored the tree-shaded depression in the hillside that hides the cave entrance. Leaving the welcome shade we crossed an area of limestone pavement before rejoining the path leading up the north-western slopes of Ingleborough. The path gradually steepened and our pace slowed as we ascended the escarpment onto the summit plateau. Resting a while we had lunch and enjoyed the views that the elevation gave, albeit a little hazy in the summer sunshine.

Dave had already been trailing behind a little which was unusual for him. It turned out he was suffering from a virus thing or was it SARS or just a hang-over? As was descended the ridge over Little Ingleborough towards Gaping Gill Eileen began to have knee problems. Our group first-aider, Brian, took charge, examined her leg and applied a suitable bandage. It was difficult to tell which of them enjoyed the experience most and we haven't to tell Brian's wife!! With the loan of a stick and a couple of Ibuprofen from yours truly and the offer by the ever chivalrous Ian to carry her rucksack, Eileen was raring to go. However not to be out done Ian decided that it was time to put on his knee strapping. Well I did say this was the decrepit bunch. Chris, however, on her first club walk after illness was still going strong.

At Gaping Gill we took a break and those that dared peered over the edge into the void where Fell Beck drops down into the abyss 300 feet under ground. Continuing down through Trow Gill we paused to watch climbers on the cliffs there before reaching the tourist mecca of Ingleborough Cave. Here the waters that tumbled into the mountain at Gaping Gill emerge from the hillside. The ice-creams on offer at the shop here were too good to resist on such a hot, sunny summers day. They went down a treat.

Leaving the tourists behind we crossed the steam and took the long track over Sulber to Selside -passing large tracts of white, shinny exposed limestone rock on the way. Dave was by now feeling and looking better and starting to tell corny jokes - a sure sign of improving health. From Selside the path wound its way through flower filled meadows and rocky crags before descending to the road a short distance from our cars. After 14 miles on a hot summer day all that remained to do was a little re-hydration therapy and, would you believe it, there, just along the road was a pub. Well wasn't that lucky!!!

I enjoyed my day and I think others did too on this most interesting mountain.

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	Swaledale Outdoor Club

The Decrepit Bunch Take on Ingleborough

Alan Turner