This is some information about the proposed Stainforth to Horton walk via the shoulder of Pen-y-ghent, to help group members decide if this is a walk they would enjoy doing.
The Stainforth to Horton via Pen-y-ghent shoulder walk is 6.5 miles and took us 3 hours and 10 minutes walking at about 1.8 miles/hour with no long stops (all thanks to a GPS!). The first 0.5 mile (25 mins) is quite steep. The next 1.5 hours is basically up all the way, although with some flat sections (not as steep as the beginning), to the base of Pen-y-ghent, where you turn left to go down hill to Horton. The ascent is from 791 feet to 1719 feet, so about 1000 feet overall. The path down is quite steep, very well maintained, with a couple of rocky outcrops to be negotiated. There are also about 12 stiles altogether, some ladder the others stone!
The bus back to Stainforth is at 2.45 pm and costs 1.10 pounds. We had to wait almost an hour (although the group will be slower) and the cafe is shut on Tuesdays! However, its an excellent walk with amazing views. Stainforth car park costs 2.00 pounds. There are 2 "escape" routes allowing you to return to Stainforth via the Malham road for those who find it too much, one at 40 mins and the second at 1.5 hours(height 1507 feet).
I suggest we leave from Stainforth car park sharp at 10.30am.