A SPECTACULAR walkway with elevated and uninterrupted lake views, near the start of Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, just above Clapham, has been opened to the public for the first time in the estate's history.

The popular trail leads to Ingleborough Cave before then continuing on the public footpath to the summit of Ingleborough, the second highest of the 'Yorkshire Three Peaks' - a route enjoyed by thousands of locals and visitors all the year round.

The walkway was officially opened recently by Clare Granger, The High Sheriff of Yorkshire, with a number of people from the area waiting eagerly to be amongst the first to enjoy the beautiful view of Clapham Lake across to Thwaite’s Scar in the distance.

Andrew Jarman, managing director of Ingleborough Cave, the nature trail and the Old Saw Mill Cafe, said: "Ingleborough Estate worked closely with the planning department at Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to ensure the works were carried out sensitively, and that they were in keeping with the stunning surroundings.

"The trail was first opened to the public in 1970 to provide a more direct route to the popular Ingleborough Cave, as tourism in the area grew. Today, the trail is popular with families, nature enthusiasts and walkers who are able to choose from a wide selection of walking routes with options for all ages and abilities.

"Highlights include a beautiful collection of rhododendrons started in the 1800’s by plant collector and author Reginald Farrer, wonderful spring flowers, a wide variety of trees providing shelter, shade and dramatic seasonal colours and, of course, a journey through millions of years of geology at Ingleborough Cave, situated at the head of the trail."

He added: “The project has provided access to a quite spectacular view across the lake, comfortably one of the best on the Ingleborough Estate. The elevated walkway allows for uninterrupted views along the lake, as well as the U-shaped valley and scars and crags beyond.

“It will hopefully provide a place for enjoyment, inspiration and contemplation as well as an extremely useful educational space for our many school groups studying geography, geology, rivers, erosion, the ice age, rocks and limestone.”

Mr Jarman said a huge amount of work has been done over the years to improve the trail and it’s offering, including the installation of illustrated interpretation panels, the addition of many bird boxes and a conservation project with Plant Heritage on the rhododendron collection.

Improvements to the track and surface means it is now an easy, gentle walk and two all-terrain mobility scooters can be reserved free of charge. Carefully controlled woodland management has also opened up viewing areas along the way and a free new walking guide is available on site or online.

The Old Sawmill Cafe at the entrance to the trail, which opened in 2022, was the result of a year long renovation transforming an historic sawmill building into a popular and thriving rural cafe. A focus on local homemade produce, 'proper' coffee and the retention of original features including saw bench and blades, accompanied by storyboards, has led to the cafe becoming a popular hub for walkers, cyclist and locals alike.

The upstairs of the cafe also provides a venue for private functions, meetings and a gallery space for exhibitions by artists from the area, Upcoming events include exhibitions by Peter Bolton, Annie Farrer for North Yorkshire Open Studios and a preview week for the artists of The Lunesdale Arts Trail. Exhibition dates are available at www.oldsawmillcafe.co.uk.

Mr Jarman added: “The embankment viewing area is a great new addition for visitors. Whether you are looking for a short walk with breathtaking views, a longer trip encompassing the trail, cave and beyond, or just delicious refreshments, the unique history and heritage of Clapham village and its surrounding scenery captivates visitors of all ages."

Meanwhile, the trail is just one of the many Dales landmarks to feature on the latest version of the family board game Monopoly. Representatives of the trail were at the launch, just before Easter at the Devonshire Arms Hotel, Bolton Abbey.

Find out more at https://ingleboroughestatenaturetrail.co.uk/