The Challenge
The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Walk starts and finishes in 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 generally walkers try to 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, our lunch stop. 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, checkpoint 2 and Ribblehead below make this a good photo stop. A steep descent takes us to the checkpoint for a short rest and yet more food!
Leaving checkpoint 2, 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.
Challenge Details
Duration : Single day challenge
Grade : Moderate to Tough
Challenge Dates
14th May 2016
4th June 2016
16th July 2016
8th April 2017
3rd June 2017
2nd September 2017
Other group dates can be arranged, minimum of 10 people.
Challenge Prices
Self Funded : £55
Fundraising : £25 Registration, £100 Fundraising Target
What is Included
Full support with qualified guides
mini bus backup
All food, drinks and snacks (two meals with hot drinks, and hot drinks to finish)
Medical support
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;