The Challenge
The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Walk starts and finishes at Horton in Ribblesdale in North Yorkshire. The walk is circular and takes you over the mountains of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
It does involve walking up mountains and can be strenuous in parts, but the views from the higher ground are fantastic and exhilarating.
On route you may see a steam train crossing the famous Ribblehead Viaduct or pass the hand gliders lifting off Whernside.
It usually takes between 9 to 13 hours to complete this walk, but walkers usually complete it in less than 12 hours.
We leave Horton around 8am and proceed to ascend the foothills of Pen-y-ghent. With a short sharp ascent to the top we reach the triangulation pillar, the highest point. From here it is all downhill to the valley below. Crossing undulating farmland we see Ribblehead Viaduct in the distance, and after passing an area of potholes and crossing the River Ribble, we arrive at Ribblehead. A hot lunch is served before we start again.
We walk alongside Ribblehead Viaduct before passing the aqueduct and starting our gradual ascent to the summit. The slabbed path higher up is easier to walk on and the views improve right to the top. Beside the triangulation pillar, views to Morecambe Bay and Ribblehead below make this an excellent photo stop. A steep descent takes us to the checkpoint for a short rest and yet more food!
Leaving the checkpoint, we pass the Old Hill Inn and soon turn off towards Ingleborough. We pass numerous limestone outcrops on our way to the base of Ingleborough. We have another short, steep ascent to the higher ground then to the summit. Again the views are stunning in all directions.
We pick up the path back to Horton now and soon see the village nestling in the valley below. Passing through the fields of limestone on the lower ground, we approach Horton in Ribblesdale around 2 hours after leaving the summit. It is a welcome return for tired legs, but a fantastic, exhilarating and rewarding day out.
Accommodation is not provided as it is a one day walk, but there is a campsite next to the start and B&Bs in Horton, Settle and nearby villages as well as bunkrooms. If you wish to use these, further details can be given. Two local pubs near the finish provide a wide range of food, however two meals and hot drinks will be provided during the walk with hot drinks/snacks at the end.
Challenge details
Duration: single day challenge
Grade: moderate to tough
Challenge dates
29th June 2019
27th June 2020
Other group dates can be arranged, minimum 10 people
Challenge prices
Trip cost: £58
2020 trip cost: £62
What is included
Free transport to/from Barnsley if that is your nearest meeting
point, otherwise Horton in Ribblesdale
2 meals 1 hot, and 1 cold and snacks, inc hot and cold drinks
Qualified guides with first aid cover
Minibus backup support at each checkpoint
Certificate at the finish
No hidden extras and everything included
What is not included
Accommodation is not provided as it is a one day walk
There is a campsite next to the start and B&Bs in Horton, Settle and nearby villages as well as bunkrooms. If you wish to use these, further details can be given.
Challenge images
See below for a few images we have taken on previous challenge events;