Deloitte Yorkshire Three Peaks Charity Challenge Walk in support of Leeds Mind - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
So, tell me about the challenge?
On Thursday 14th September, we’ll be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in support of Leeds Mind.
What's the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge?
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a circular route, starting at Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales, and then climbing three of the highest mountains in the Dales: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. As well as the actual ascents of the mountains, there are long distances to cover between each one. In total, the route is over 40km (24 miles) long and ascends over 1500m (5000ft).
You can see a video of Ant walking the route here.
What's the terrain like?
On the whole, there are good, wide paths, however there is a steep, rocky section on each of the mountains (on the ascents of Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough and on the descent of Whernside). There are a couple of areas that may be slightly muddy after heavy rain, but these are limited.
The limestone pavement near Ingleborough, looking back at Whernside
How many will be doing the challenge?
We are expecting approximately 100 people across Deloitte to be taking part in the challenge on the day.
What happens if I don't reach the fundraising target?
Think of it more as a goal. We want you to raise as much as you can, but if you don't make the target, don't worry, your place is secure
How fit do you have to be?
The truth is that whilst not everyone will be fit enough, I'd say that with a little preparation, the route is well within the capability of most people.
If you've done any hill walking, this is absolutely achievable for you.
If you walk the dog regularly for a couple of km, or walk the kids to school, you can build up from there.
I don't have enough time to build my fitness!
Of course you do! We have a training plan here - Start with a challenge which is a step up from your base level of fitness, e.g. if you haven’t walked for a bit, start with a 5km route, if you do Parkrun every week, start with a 10km hill walk, etc.
Are there any routes you would suggest?
Sure, here are some links to walks on our Strava account:
Grade 1
Golden Acre Park and Paul’s Pond
Grade 2
Ilkley Moor from Ilkley centre
Simon’s Seat from Appletreewick
Grade 3
Conistone Dib and Great Whernside
Malham, Kirkby Fell, Attermire Scar, Ings Scar
Yockenthwaite (note this is tough going)
Stoodley Pike, Little Holder Stones and Manshead End
Simon’s Seat and Trollers Gill
Grade 4
Buckden Pike and Great Whernside
Scafell Pike from Great Langdale
Grade 5
Can I bring my dog?
I'd ask here: How much would you dog appreciate a 24 mile walk up three mountains?! If the answer is: “They'd love it!”, then absolutely, consider it. Please be aware however that you will need to keep your dog on the lead throughout the walk. Please read our full FAQ for more details about bringing dogs on adventures.
Where does it start?
The walk starts at the centre of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, at the now-closed Pen-y-Ghent cafe. If you arriving on the day and by car we will encourage car sharing for those able to do so. Parking is usually £5 per day. If you are travelling on one of the coaches, you’ll be dropped off near the start point.
If you are arriving the night before, there is also the option of arriving by train or bus.
Pen-y-Ghent is the first of the Yorkshire Three Peaks that we’ll be taking on
How long will it take?
The challenge time is to complete the walk within 12 hours. To put into context, this is a steady walking pace throughout, with small breaks. A fit and very fast walker can probably do the route in about 8-9 hours (the record is an astonishing 2 hours and 46 minutes!)
There will be sub-groups on the walk who will target different finishing times (sub-10 hours, sub-11 hours, sub-12 hours). It would be good to have an idea of your target time before the event, but there will be the opportunity to fall back or speed up if you feel you need to adjust your pace.
What support will there be on the day?
We will have a number of trained leaders and assistants on the day, walking with the group (one for every 10 people). They will help to support you on the adventure, and can also provide assistance if there are any issues.
We are also expecting to have a support vehicle in place at the Ribblehead Viaduct and on the road crossing between Whernside and Ingleborough.
What time does it start?
We are aiming to leave Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 0615. This is half an hour before sunrise, and will give us approximately 14 hours of decent daylight.
'Decent... Daylight'? What happens if we get delayed and it gets dark?
Coming back in the dark is unlikely, but not an issue. We know the route very well, and are also experienced of walking and navigating in the dark.
How busy will the route be?
We are near the end of the Y3P season, and as we are walking during the week, the route will be quieter than at the weekend. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority have a voluntary tracker where large groups can supply information on when they are taking on the challenge, and how many are taking part. We are currently the only large group that has logged information for that day.
Still, there may be other groups and plenty of solo walkers on the day, and we will pass others doing the challenge.
Do I need special equipment?
There will be a recommended equipment list provided to participants, but in brief, you'll need some comfy walking boots, waterproof jacket, non-cotton/non-denim trousers and an insulation layer. You'll also need to pack a rucksack with enough food and water for the day. A full recommended kit list will be provided, and Ant has recorded a video here which looks at what to pack for your adventures in the hills and mountains.
Can I stay locally?
There is a campsite, Cragg Hill Farm, about a mile from the centre of Horton-in-Ribblesdale. There are two hotels - The Golden Lion and The Crown, plus several self-catering/AirBnB-style locations
What about after the challenge?
A post-challenge meeting place is currently being arranged - we will expect groups to meet here once they are back.
Are there refreshments and toilets on the route?
There are some part-time facilities along the route, which we'd be happy to use if they're open, but you should pack food assuming that they are closed. The last time I went on the route (March 2023) these were located:
Near the Ribblehead viaduct (catering van)
After the descent from Whernside (ice cream van)
At the campsite between Whernside and Ingleborough (vending machines, and one toilet)
There are sometimes portaloos just after the campsite, though generally it's a 'wild wee' situation - just inform a leader you are dropping back for a bit
