Hike the Yorkshire 3 Peaks

Peaks:	Ingleborough (724m) Whernside (736m) Pen Y Ghent (694m)
Distance:	43km
Height Gain:	1400 metres
Challenge Duration:	12 hours max
Meeting Point:	The Station Inn, Ribblehead, North Yorkshire
Nearest Station:	Ribblehead
Meet Time:	06:00 hrs
Start Time:	06:30 hrs
Break Stops:	2

Difficulty level: Moderately difficult

The Yorkshire three peaks challenge is one of The U.K.’s greatest and most rewarding walking challenges. Being situated in the Yorkshire Dales with great access via the M6 and A65 it is perfectly situated for those travelling from afar.

The challenge itself tackles the three great Yorkshire Hills of Whernside (736 m) Pen y Ghent (694 m) and Ingleborough (724 m) – Not actually the three highest peaks, since there are numerous other peaks, including Buckden Pike, Great Whernside, Great Shunner Fell, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang that are actually higher than Pen Y Ghent – albeit by only a fraction! However no other peaks form such a great and inviting continuous circuit as do the Three Peaks.

Collectively there summits give 1400 metres of ascent with the peaks situated to create a continuous 25 mile loop that can be walked clockwise or anticlockwise. The actual cumulative ascent figure whilst on the challenge is around 2500 metres – no mean feat indeed!

The landscape and geology of the Yorkshire three peaks is incredibly beautiful and varied with ith the lush green limestone dales contrasting with the wild windswept gritstone peaks and moors beyond.

The traditional route for the Yorkshire Three Peaks begins and ends in Horton in Ribblesdale, however over recent years this has put a great strain on the village and its amenities. It is because of this that we choose to begin our challenge near Ribblehead viaduct and walk it in an anticlockwise direction such that the teams arrive in Horton in Ribblesdale, in the middle of the day and that’s greatly reduce the impact on the residents of the village.

Itinerary

06:00 Meet at the Station Inn, Ribblehead
06:15 Registration
06:30 Commence walking
08:30 Whernside Summit for Sunrise
010:30 Hill Inn
012:00 Ingleborough Summit
13:45 Horton In Ribblesdale
14:30 Pen Y Ghent Summit
16:15 Finish at The Station Inn