Plover Fell

Feb 11

Pen-y-ghents neighbouring fell

Summary

Plover Fell is Pen-y-Ghent’s neighbouring Fell. It is one of the more remote and least accessed, however, that’s what makes it so special. It also contributes to one of the Dales 30 with it being over 2000ft in height. The hike itself starts from the quiet village of Halton Gill in Littondale in the Yorkshire Dales. The route is takes you towards Foxup before climbing steeply onto a vast plateau that is surrounded by rolling fells. It truly is magical. The summit can be easily missed due to it being less visible, also descending can be tricky too.

If it’s solitude you are looking for, then Plover Fell offers just that.

The Hike

From Halton Gill, I began following a long tarmac road to Foxup whilst enjoying the silence of the Yorkshire Dales. From here the road quickly turned to a steep grass covered hill, however it wasn’t long until I reached a long flat plateau. I was smiling from ear to ear. The sense of freedom, being alone, enjoying one of life simplest pleasures. It filled me with an enormous amount of joy. It seemed like an eternity since I had felt like this. I couldn’t believe there was nobody else here!

Whilst I continued on the plateau, I began to wonder how I was going to get up to the summit of Plover Fell. I couldn’t see a visible path leading upwards. All I could see were steep hillsides to the left of me. Then, out of nowhere, there it was. The signpost to Plover Fell, straight up the steep hill to the left of me. There wasn’t a clear path either, only foot holes to guide you. I began to climb, steadily making my way upwards until eventually I came across a stone staircase. I was delighted, but still, these were steep! I couldn’t stop looking back either, the views were outstanding! Pockets of sunshine splashing down through the clouds onto the landscape. It was incredible.

Nevertheless, I eventually emerged from the staircase onto flatter ground. Although, I still had the challenge of finding the summit. I couldn’t quite make out where it was. I followed the wall side and quickly realised I had to scramble over in order to get to the Fell. It’s no wonder it’s less visited. I was still amazed I hadn’t seen anybody. It felt wild and remote!

Plover Fell was merely a small pile of rocks. It hardly seemed that I was on the summit, but the views were mind-blowing. From the summit, the descent was extremely tricky. There wasn’t a visible path to follow. I looked on my maps and there wasn’t anything there either. I knew vaguely where I had to go, which was downwards, but how do I get down? I remembered others have done a similar route so surely there had to be a path somewhere. I set off and hoped for the best. Trundling my way over large patches of peat and trying to make sense of where I was going without falling over. As I continued, I stopped for a moment to take in where I was. I felt small but free at the same time, and far away from everything. I loved it.

Eventually, I found the path I was meant to be on. I should have done more research before heading off really. Anyways, I descended onto the road and quickly made my way onto a very narrow path on the other side. The path continued alongside the U-shaped valley of Pen-y-Ghent Gill and eventually to Silverdale Road. From Silverdale Road, I started to make my way back to Foxup and onto Halton Gill Via Halton Gill Beck. This was the much gentler part of the hike, mainly because I could see where I was going. Plus, it felt like a nice ending to the day and a sense of achievement. I gently meandered downwards on the fells and alongside the beck.