The Yorkshire 3 Peaks is an exciting and demanding challenge set in the Yorkshire Dales covering 24 miles of terrain, approximately 5,250ft of ascent and descent, and summiting the impressive peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

 

Some say The Yorkshire 3 Peaks is a harder event than the Lakes 3000s or the National 3 Peaks as you are on the Dales the entire time - no driving between mountains. Just one very demanding, but satisfying day-long experience.  

 

You need to be on your game for this one; fit, mentally and physically prepared, and up for it!

 

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge begins at Horton-in-Ribbleside where we head out along the Pennine Way to the first summit - Pen-y-ghent (2,277ft). 

 

From the top of Pen-y-ghent just marvel at the view ahead that leads to the second peak and the highest point in Yorkshire - Whernside (2,425ft). Trekking towards the famous Ribblehead viaduct to the summit we reach the halfway point of the challenge.

 

Once we have successfully descended Whernside we head towards the final of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Ingleborough (2,372ft).  The ascent begins at Chaple-le-Dale taking us over limestone pavements and steep rocky terrain. 

 

It is a tough final climb but once you see the summit shelter you will feel like a million dollars! To complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks we must finish where it all started at Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

 

Pen-y-ghent Stage (Horton to Ribblehead)
10.3 miles/16.5km

Whernside Stage (Ribblehead to Chapel-le-Dale)
6.9 miles/11.1km

Ingleborough Stage (Chapel-le-Dale to Horton)
6.3 miles/11.7km

 

Total = 23.5 miles/39.3km 12 hours

 

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge is a great way to raise money for charity and have fun with mates or work colleagues. If you are thinking of a trek abroad, maybe Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp or the GR5 then there's no better way to train. 

 

It's a great challenge and a serious undertaking. It will test you mentally and physically and I recommend coming out on either or both the Lakes 3000s or a Lake District Guided Walk as a warm up. You want to give yourself the best possible chance for success!