Yorkshire 3 Peaks

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a walking challenge route with the circuit normally starting and ending at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, visiting the three highest peaks in Yorkshire:

Pen-y-Ghent (691m), Whernside (728m), and Ingleborough (723m) - in that order. The total distance walked is 37.5km (23.5 miles), with the aim of completing in less than 12 hours.

This is a long and demanding walk, with a total climb of some 5,200 feet and good navigational skills may be required on some sections in poor visibilty. The peaks themselves can be pretty hostile in poor weather, and ideally walkers should have an average to good standard of fitness and stamina, and most certainly suitable mountain equipment and some outdoors experience before attempting the challenge.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Walk is a very demanding but rewarding walk taking in the summits in a circular route. There is no set starting point, but the vast majority of walkers start at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, taking in the summits in this order.

By tradition, the walk must be completed within 12 hours for you to be able to join the "Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club", which was set up by Peter and Joyce Bayes. To be eligible for membership, you must book out and book in again at the Pen-y-Ghent Café in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, which is open every day except Tuesdays.

This also enables you to avail yourself of the safety service that the Café provides. If you complete the walk within 12 hours, and have used the antique clocking machine in the Café, you will be invited to join the "Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club", and purchase, inter alia, a Yorkshire Three Peaks badge and tie.

The walking is over a variety of terrains, and even though the paths have been improved immensely over recent years, certain sections can still be very boggy and energy sapping. The walk is described in more detail in the walks section.

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challengeincludes some of the most rugged and spectacular countryside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is a veritable delight with panoramic views.

Challenge route:

• Start to Pen-y-Ghent
• Pen-y-Ghent to Ribblehead
• Ribblehead to Hill Inn via Whernside
• Hill Inn to Ingleborough
• Ingleborough to Finish

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Walk is a rugged, high mountain walk over a variety of terrains and should not be underestimated.

Whilst the walking is generally pretty good it is very long for a single day's hike. It also includes three big climbs totalling 1586m (5202ft) of ascent with the last climb up onto Ingleborough - when the legs are tired and the spirit is weak - being particularly steep.

As with all mountainous areas, the weather can change frequently and very quickly. Swirling mist can descend with little warning and heavy rain can turn hard ground into stamina sapping bog.

Everyone without exception attempting The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Walk should be fully prepared and equipped for this demanding outdoor challenge.