Ingleton – Waterfalls, Climbing Wall and Local History

Ingleton offers several points to consider when planning a stay: a trail through waterfalls and woodland, opportunities to get active in the village, and history and crafts. Think about which of these is important for your trip. Ingleton lies just off the A65 between Skipton and Kendal; parking is available in the village.

Walking and scenery around Ingleton

The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is about 8 km long and leads through waterfall and woodland scenery. Trail conditions can vary, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. Large sections of the trail are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England.

At Thornton Force, the water plunges 14 metres over limestone. The waterfall’s height and rock give it a specific geological context. If you are interested in a summit and archaeological traces, visible remains of an Iron Age fortification can be found on Ingleborough’s summit plateau.

The Ingleborough Mountain Race follows a public footpath from Ingleton to the summit and returns to the village along the same route. The two descriptions therefore have different focuses: the Waterfalls Trail leads through waterfall and woodland scenery, while the race route has Ingleborough’s summit as its destination. The information about the remains on the summit adds a historical dimension to this overview.

Climbing, swimming and getting active in the village

Ingleton has an indoor climbing centre with routes for all ability levels. The Inglesport Climbing Wall has more than 300 square metres of lead-climbing area. These details give climbers two specific points of reference: the stated range of routes and the size of the lead-climbing area. Details about the facility may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

The heated outdoor swimming pool is in a park by the river, near the village centre. During the summer swimming season, there are several public swimming sessions each day. It is therefore worth checking the current swimming timetable before visiting. The pool is a seasonal activity close to the centre, while the climbing centre offers an indoor option.

The Ingleton Pump Track is another place to get active in the village. It is free to use. Follow local guidance and use the facility responsibly.

Church, crafts and village life

St Mary's Church preserves a Norman font dating from around 1150. The oldest surviving part of the church is its 15th-century Perpendicular-style tower. Together, these two features represent different periods in the building’s history. Everyone is welcome to attend a service; service times may change. If you would like to attend, check the latest schedule.

Ingleton Pottery is family-run and the longest-established pottery still in production in the Yorkshire Dales. It complements the historic sights with a living craft tradition. Those interested in the village’s culture can see its architectural history and a pottery that is still in production as two different aspects of Ingleton.

The Ingleton Gala takes place on the third Saturday in July. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the date for the year in question. Alongside the village features described as available year-round, this also offers a seasonal occasion to consider when planning your trip.

Getting here and finding your way around

The village’s location just off the A65 between Skipton and Kendal provides a simple road reference for your journey. Parking is available in the village; as parking rules may change, check local guidance before travelling. A few questions can help with further planning: What are the trail conditions? When are the outdoor pool’s swimming sessions? Does your trip coincide with the Gala?

Discover more destinations: Burniston, Burton-In-Lonsdale, Sutton-on-the-Forest, Gilling East, Malton, Gargrave, Flixton, Hipswell

Back to the main travel overview: North Yorkshire.