The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail winds through waterfalls and woodland; the village also has a climbing wall, a seasonal outdoor pool and notable traces of its history. If you’re looking for hotels in Ingleton, these different highlights can help you plan your trip: would you like your stay to focus mainly on the outdoors, sport or culture?
Waterfalls Trail and countryside
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is about four miles (8 km) long. Large sections of the route are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England. One striking point on the route is Thornton Force, where the waterfall plunges 14 metres over limestone. The route therefore combines a walk with a distinctive geological and landscape feature. As trail conditions can change, it’s sensible to leave some flexibility in your day’s plans.
The summit plateau of Ingleborough also has its own historical significance: the remains of an Iron Age fortification are visible there. The Ingleborough Mountain Race runs from Ingleton to the summit along a public footpath, then returns to the village along the same route. Race arrangements can change. The waterfall trail and the summit offer different landscape experiences; there’s no need to combine them into a single trip.
Climbing, swimming and pump track
Ingleton has an indoor climbing wall with routes for all abilities. Inglesport Climbing Wall has more than 300 m² of lead-climbing surface. If you’re planning to climb, check the latest information about the facility before your visit, as details can change.
The heated outdoor pool is in a riverside park near the village centre. During the summer swimming season, there are various public swimming sessions each day. Check the current swimming schedule before your visit: the service is seasonal. Another option is the Ingleton Pump Track, which is free to use. Follow the local guidance there and use the facility safely. The climbing wall, outdoor pool and pump track each offer something different, while the Waterfalls Trail is more focused on a walk through the landscape.
Craft, church and village events
Ingleton Pottery is family-run and the longest-established pottery still in production in the Yorkshire Dales. Its crafts offer a complement to the village’s outdoor and sporting activities. St Mary’s Church has a Norman font dating from around 1150. The oldest surviving part of the church is its 15th-century Perpendicular-style tower. Everyone is welcome to attend a service; check the service times for your visit.
The Ingleton Gala is also part of the village calendar: it takes place on the third Saturday in July. Check the date for your travel year before planning your trip around it. Together with the church and pottery, the gala offers a different way to experience the village than the waterfall route, summit and climbing wall.
Getting here and choosing accommodation
Ingleton is just off the A65 between Skipton and Kendal; parking is available in the village. This lets you plan your trip around your interests without assuming that all activities need to fit into the same day.
Explore more destinations: Newton-Le-Willows, Thornton Dale, Crathorne, South Kilvington, Scotch Corner, Pickering, Busby, Burniston.
For the regional travel guide: North Yorkshire.
