Dales 30
Personal Journey

Simon Fell

Route Options
Height

650m (2,130ft)

Location

Western Dales

Neighbours

Ingleborough

Height

650m (2,130ft)

Location

Western Dales

Neighbours

Ingleborough

Gallery of Simon Fell

Park Fell
Park Fell
Whernside from Simon Fell
Whernside from Simon Fell
Ingleborough from Simon Fell
Ingleborough from Simon Fell
Simon Fell summit cairn
Simon Fell summit cairn
Ingleborough from the Old Hill
Ingleborough from the Old Hill
Limestone Pavements
Limestone Pavements
Descent from Simon Fell
Descent from Simon Fell
Ribblehead viaduct
Ribblehead viaduct

Jonathan’s View

"Simon Fell provides an interesting challenge for those attempting to complete the Dales 30. The summit is the highest point (marked by a small cairn) of a large plateau of rough ground to the east of Ingleborough, it is 1 1/2km away . The cairn lies to the north of a dry stone wall making it tricky to get at from most angles, the north being best. 

Most will try and tag it on to one of the many routes up Ingleborough, usually without patients due to the extra time and effort. However there is one very satisfying route to its summit which starts from Ribblehead and approaches after a steep climb up Park Fell with its own excellent views. From Simon Fell you can continue to Ingleborough if you wish (and 99.9% of walkers will but it is also possible to cut back to Ribblehead without completing the giant! 

Simon Fell can therefore be climbed on its own and if you have not approached Ingleborough from the east it should be."

"

Routes up Simon Fell

There is a choice of routes up Simon Fell . They are shown on the map and described below. The GPX file describes my favourite route.

click the image to see a larger version of the mao

My Favourite Route

From Ribblehead

Height to Climb

515m (1,690ft)

O/S Explorer Map
Parking

SD 764793. There is plenty of parking at the road junction just down the road from the Station Inn.

  1. Head SSW along the B6479 for just over 1 km towards the old Railway Cottages. You may see others walking in the opposite direction on the road, they are on the 3 Peaks Challenge. At the lane turn right heading for the steep climb of Park Fell. Soon you are on the 210m climb to the trig point. This is a wonderful spot to stop (you will need to) and take in the fantastic views to the east, over Pen-y-Ghent swinging north to the viaduct and Whernside.
  2. Keep to the west of the wall and follow a path for 1 1/2km that skirts the overhang of steep ground to your right.The views are again very good, this time more to the north. On crossing a boundary on the ‘edge’ turn left and follow it as it heads south and then west to the small cairn marking the summit of Simon Fell. Although underwhelming there are good views towards the distinctive summit plateau of Ingleborough.
  3. Keeping the wall to your left follow the faint path to the top of the steep stream where you will meet the hordes climbing Ingleborough from the Old Hill Inn. If you wish to continue to Ingleborough do so by heading up the paved path to the flat summit plateau (the highest point is at its far end). Return to the top of the stream at the large stile.
  4. Drop down the steep but obvious path, continuing all the way through some lovely limestone scenery to the Old Hill Inn. Cross the road and past Philpin Farm. At the foot of the road and before heading directly to Ingleborough cross the river and join a footpath which soon joins a farm road. Follow this towards Ribblehead viaduct via Gunnerfleet Farm and outdoor centre.

Alternative Routes

From The Old Hill Inn

This is the shortest route to clock Simon Fell (8km/5 miles). Simply follow the obvious ‘3 Peaks’ route up the mainly paved path to the top of the steep stream. Then having passed through the stile turn left and follow the wall to the small summit of Simon Fell. Return the same way.

Other Possibilities

Plenty but all awkward! It is certainly better to stick to access to Simon Fell from the North and East. In particular there is a temptation in to head up from the Ingleborough to Horton 3 Peaks Challenge route but this has to cross walls and is not recommended.

Any addition of Simon Fell from the Clapham or Ingleton routes up Ingleborough should be approached from the north and therefore involves 3km there and back with over 120m of climbing.

The Dales 30 Book

Buy your 132 page, full colour, guide to the mountains of the Dales. As well as a personal guide for your challenge, it can provide inspiration for your trips to the Dales.

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Each of the 30 mountains includes the following:

A full description of the Best Route

A personal view of the mountain from the author

High quality, colour photography

A sketch map showing the route & alternatives

Facts and anecdotes about the mountain and the nearby area

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