Ingleborough National Nature Reserve
About Ingleborough National Nature Reserve
Ingleborough is a Limestone pavement, upland grassland and blanket bog reserve in North Yorkshire, managed by Natural England and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The reserve covers approximately 594 hectares and is designated as a National Nature Reserve. The limestone pavement supports rare plants including green spleenwort, holly fern and dark-red helleborine in the grykes. The upland grassland has mountain pansy, wild thyme and several orchid species. Breeding birds include curlew, golden plover and red grouse. The reserve is important for upland invertebrates including northern brown argus butterfly. Ravens nest on the cliffs.
Wildlife & Habitat at Ingleborough National Nature Reserve
The limestone pavement supports rare plants including green spleenwort, holly fern and dark-red helleborine in the grykes. The upland grassland has mountain pansy, wild thyme and several orchid species. Breeding birds include curlew, golden plover and red grouse. The reserve is important for upland invertebrates including northern brown argus butterfly. Ravens nest on the cliffs.
Location & Nearest Towns
Ingleborough National Nature Reserve is located in North Yorkshire, England. The nearest town is Ingleton. Nearby places include Ingleton, Settle, Clapham.
Interesting Facts
- Ingleborough is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and the Three Peaks Challenge — climbing Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in 12 hours — raises thousands for charity each year.
- The summit of Ingleborough is the site of an Iron Age hillfort, one of the highest in England.
- The reserve's limestone pavement is riddled with grykes that shelter woodland plants including the nationally scarce dark-red helleborine orchid.
Visitor Tips for Ingleborough National Nature Reserve
Spring to Autumn offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing.
Binoculars, walking boots or wellies, waterproofs, and a field guide. Insect repellent in summer.
Car parks at Clapham, Ingleton and Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Public footpaths and bridleways through the reserve. No visitor centre or toilets on the reserve itself. Nearest facilities in the surrounding villages.
Car parks at Clapham, Ingleton and Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Public footpaths and bridleways through the reserve. No visitor centre or toilets on the reserve itself. Nearest facilities in the surrounding villages.
Exploring Ingleborough National Nature Reserve
Ingleborough National Nature Reserve is a moderate-access reserve in North Yorkshire. The habitat is primarily Limestone pavement, upland grassland and blanket bog, and the reserve is managed by Natural England and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a first-time visitor, the reserve offers a peaceful escape into some of the UK's finest protected landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ingleborough National Nature Reserve suitable for families?
Lower-level paths are suitable for families, but the summit route requires hill walking experience. Mountain terrain with steep, rough paths. No waymarked trails on the reserve. Navigation skills and OS map recommended. Limestone pavement is dangerous to cross — stick to paths. Sturdy hillwalking boots essential.
What is the best time to visit Ingleborough NNR?
Spring to autumn offers the best walking and wildflower viewing conditions. May to August for limestone pavement plants and wildflowers. Spring for curlews and golden plovers. Summer for butterflies and upland flowers. Autumn for red grouse and changing colours. Winter can be dangerous — check the Met Office mountain forecast.
Are dogs allowed at Ingleborough National Nature Reserve?
Dogs are permitted on public paths under close control. Keep on a lead near livestock and ground-nesting birds. The terrain is rough — ensure dogs are fit for hillwalking.
Why Visit Ingleborough National Nature Reserve?
Ingleborough National Nature Reserve is a designated National Nature Reserve in North Yorkshire, England — one of the UK's finest protected wildlife sites. Browse our full directory of UK nature reserves to discover more sites to visit.
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