An Englishman, Dutchman, Spaniard and a South Korean met at York Station... As the York Tap was still closed at 8am, we decided to meet at Platform 7 and travel to Horton-in-Ribblesbay in the Dales, ascent Pen-y-ghent and Plover Hill, and make our way back to Horton and York via Hull Pot and 'the Crown'.
Picture actually taken at the end of the day, waiting for the train back to York. Cloudy Pen-y-ghent in the background
Our party of Andrew, Dan, Faith and myself arrived in the pittoresque, museum-like village Horton at 10:30am, and were guided by the path along the closed (it's morning after all) pub 'the Crown' through the fields towards Pen-y-ghent, with a fun little scramble towards the summit. As forecasted, it was a brilliant November day with a gentle Southeasterly breeze, and with some low clouds that cleared up during the walk.
Faith wondering where all the trees have gone.
We certainly gave it time to clear up as we had regular short breaks during which Andrew would share his knowledge on the geological and cultural history of the region, answered questions such as 'nice view, but where are all the trees?!', and gave tips&tricks to pace and navigate countryside walks. Most importantly, these short breaks gave the opportunity to catch a breath.
Andrew & Charley approaching
Pen-y-ghent
Short break with fun-facts about the area
Upon reaching the summit our preparation for the walk was put to the test. It had been advised to bring warm clothes, waterproof boots, drinks and sufficient lunch. Indeed, the crew brought so much food that we scheduled not one but THREE lunchbreaks over the 15km walk. We enjoyed a feast of sandwiches, pork pies, chocolate, flapjacks, brownies, crisps, as well as Yorkshire tea and, the real treat, Korean coffee provided by Faith. We learned it is possible to be 'too much' prepared: Andrew was almost incapable to finish the walk while he was drowning in Korean honey and glued to the ground.
The first lunch of the day at the summit of Pen-y-ghent. The view was excellent, but our focus was really on the food and Korean coffee.
The good preparation for lunch could not be extrapolated to the preparation of waterproof boots. Where Andrew graciously made his way through the marshes from Pen-y-ghent to Plover hill using walking sticks and protected by waterproof gaters, the rest of the party wobbled their way around the many puddles of mud. While Pen-y-ghent was fairly (but not too) busy, none of the other walkers took our route to Plover Hill, and we had all of the idyllic views over the Dales for ourselves.
Muddy struggles between Pen-y-ghent and Plover Hill 
Steep decent from Plover Hill
Panoramic scene captured by Dan
Covered in mud, chocolate and honey we arrived at Hull Pot, a collapsed cavern well worth visiting and easily visible and accessible from the main path. The hole measures 91 metres long by 18 metres wide by 18 metres deep, and is an impressive feature in an otherwise very smooth hilly landscape.
Walking towards Hull Pot, with Plover Hill and Pen-y-ghent in the background
Hull Pot left front, and Plover Hill and Pen-y-ghent in the background
In the last couple of miles back to 'the Crown' in Horton, we noticed we could not quite pick up the smells of roast dinners and gravy that should be expected upon approaching a pub at the end of the walk. Indeed, upon arrival the Crown was still closed, just like in the morning. This time, we noticed there was a big 'For Sale' sign. Mountaineering requires flexibility to deal with the unexpected. We made our way back to York and enjoyed a couple of pints at the York Tap. It's been a fantastic day with lovely views and great company.
Last miles towards the Crown 
For sale: the Crown 
Ending the day at York Tap
