A different view of the mountain

Ingleborough as seen from the limestone pavements of Scar Close. Ingleborough has featured often in this journal, seen from Arnside Knott perhaps twenty five miles or so as the raven flies. Here it is up close, a great gritty monolith sitting atop the beds of Carboniferous limestone that outcrop all around its flanks in extensive pavements of bare rock incised by deep fissures (grikes).

It was one of those days that all of us have just once a year (except for the Queen, who has two). Last year on this day, I visited Scar Close on the western flanks of Ingleborough, and saw the big stands of globe flowers.

This time, Gus and I were a little more adventurous. We parked above the Hill Inn in Chapel-le-Dale, and taking the shortest route, were on top of the mountain in less than an hour. We came back via Simon Fell, and then dropped down to Scar Close. Gus was in his sheepdog element on the montane grasslands, but he was less certain about the limestone pavements of the Close. The deep grikes and solution hollows were an unfamiliar and daunting experience, and in this shot he is looking hopeful that I might turn back and he wouldn't have to follow me. But, loyal as ever, he came when called.

So we didn't spend too much time on a botanical foray, and we missed the globe flowers altogether.

Then it was home and an afternoon kip. I don't think he will need a long walk this evening, just as well.