Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Walk

A Big Day Out

The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a popular walk, but it is so for a reason. It is a full day out, with hill climbs and long distance walking, but what really makes it special is the absolutely stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, and the three distinctive peaks with bags of character.

The route climbs the three mountains of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough within 12 hours. This is very achievable for most people, especially with a bit of training beforehand.

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)

The Rotue

We usually start the route in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, which is the traditional start of the walk, and tackle it anti-clockwise, meaning we head up Pen-y-Ghent first, Whernside second, and Ingleborough last.

Pen-y-Ghent is probably the most technical of all the peaks – the path winds up the side, giving incredible views into the valley below. There is a small part at the end of the climb onto the plateau where you might need to use your hands to get up, but we’ll be on hand to help out if needed.

Whernside is more hill-like than Pen-y-Ghent (even though it’s the tallest peak). The ascent starts after the iconic Ribblehead viaduct, and is a long, slow climb to the top, followed by quite a quicker path to descend. I love the walk through the valley to Ingleborough – it’s gentle, green, kind on the legs and the views are still amazing. There is a campsite just before we reach the road, with a toilet here, with vending machines too. We then head across the limestone pavement and across some marshland, before arriving at the steep side of Ingleborough.

This is a steep climb, but there is a path that winds up the side and we’ll arrive, tired, on the wide ridge between Ingleborough and Simon Fell. You might think we’re done climbing here, but there is now another (less steep) climb of about 80m as we get onto the ‘dome’ of Ingleborough, and to our last summit.

So, we’re done!

?

Not quite… We ‘just’ need to walk down the mountain and back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale… the problem is Horton is still 5 miles away!

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.

Route Walkthrough

Watch Ant as he takes on the Yorkshire Three Peaks in the height of summer!

What to bring

The biggest question on most people’s minds is' ‘What should I bring with me?’

I have created this video which goes through how to pack your bag for a day out in the hills

If you have been hillwalking before, it’s likely that you already have most, if not all, of the equipment required for an expedition. For ease, we have provided a list below of what we would expect you to have brought with you. Please note that in the interests of safety, we do not take anyone out who would be put in danger, given the terrain and conditions, due to insufficient kit. If you have any questions, doubts about your kit, or are looking for recommendations, please contact us.

Your Kit List

WALKING BOOTS

Please bring boots or shoes suitable for walking in, preferably waterproof. If you do not know which footwear would be suitable, please get in touch and we can assist. Trainers are generally not recommended for this sort of route, but sturdy walking trainers or trail shoes should be okay if you are used to walking with them, and struggle with walking boots.

WALKING SOCKS

Merino walking socks are great, but there are some good synthetic options. Thickness depends on your preference and choice of walking boot. Also pack a spare pair as well – these will be very welcome if your feet get wet

BASE LAYER

A number of affordable synthetic options are available, and merino wool is very good, but more expensive. Ideally thicker and long-sleeved in cold weather, thinner and short sleeved in summer. Cotton t-shirts are not recommended most of the year, but are fine in summer if dry weather is forecast.

WALKING TROUSERS

Comfortable trousers, suitable for walking in. Technical trousers or stretchy soft-shell trousers are recommended. Please avoid non-synthetic tracksuit bottoms, jeans or cotton trousers on hill or mountain routes. Shorts can be worn, but be aware of the presence of ticks carrying Lyme Disease in summer months.

FLEECE, LIGHTWEIGHT MID-LAYER, AND/OR SHOWER-PROOF PRIMALOFT JACKET

One of the options above to use as an insulation layer, plus an additional layer between October and March. Note that the temperature on the hill may be lower than in the valleys.

WATERPROOF JACKET

This should be able to withstand showers and persistent rain. Essential regardless of forecast.

WATERPROOF TROUSERS

Should be brought if rain is forecast, optional (but desirable) if not.

HAT AND GLOVES

Please bring a hat and gloves. Even in summer, the weather can close in quickly, and summits can be chilly.

RUCKSACK

Sufficient size to carry your kit - 10-20L is usually sufficient. Pack a couple of plastic bags or stuff sacks to keep wet things separate, and dry things dry.

WATER

Please carry a minimum of 2 litres of water in total. This is a lot of weight, but you will need to keep hydrated. There are two refill stops en route, one at Ribblehead viaduct, and one at Philpin Farm

SUN HAT AND SUN CREAM

There is no shelter at all on the route, so both are essential if any sun is forecast.

HILL FOOD

We are likely eat on the go, or stop for shorter snacks, rather than have a dedicated lunch stop. Everyone is different in terms of what works nutritionally, but foods rich in carbs, with some protein are generally good for the long stints between the peaks, and sugar-rich snacks as a backup if you run out of energy on the climbs. Some ideas are:

• Cheese or meat sandwiches

• Eggs

• Nuts

• Bananas, apples, other easy-to-carry and ready-to-eat fruits

• Bombay mix / trail mix

• Flapjack

• Jelly babies/other soft sugar sweets

• Chicken

Try to get a good breakfast beforehand! Please do NOT skip breakfast completely!

Just a quick note… we bring back everything we take with us, including fruit skins and peels. I will have a bag for rubbish in the support vehicle, if one is provided

Also note there is only one toilet stop en-route at Philpin Farm, so it is generally a wild-wee situation. If you let your leader know discretely at any point that you need to hang back, they will lead the group on, remaining aware that you’ll rejoin soon.

TORCH/HEADTORCH

Please bring a small torch – we are not likely to need it, but we never know what may happen on the day.

PERSONAL MEDICATION

Please bring any medication you require. If you have been prescribed an inhaler or Epipen, it is VITAL that you bring them.

WALKING POLES

Optional, but they help a lot on the descent from Whernside.

Frequently Asked Questions

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! If you don’t know where to start, and taking this on seems daunting, my recommendation is to build up over a few weeks, and include these two benchmark walks along the way:

Pen-y-Ghent circular, from Horton. This takes on the first peak of Pen-y-Ghent, and returns to Horton-in-Ribblesdale afterwards. It is 9.5km long, and takes about 3-4 hours.

Whernside and Ingleborough, from Ribblehead. This walk tackles the final two peaks together, and starts and ends at the Ribblehead Viaduct. You will follow the Y3P route up and down Whernside, and all the way to the summit of Ingleborough, before branching off to the lower peak of Park Fell, and back to Ribblehead. This is a full day out, covering 22km and lasting 8-9 hours, so is ideal for the final stage of your training.

If you can’t get out to the Yorkshire Dales, look to take on a few full-day hill walks, covering 15-20km.

 Also check out our other walks for more inspiration!

Can I bring my dog?

I'd ask here: How much would you dog appreciate a 26 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, but we will meet at the YDNPA car park nearby. Parking is usually £7 per day.

If you are arriving the night before, there is also the option of arriving by train or bus, and a train from Leeds arrives at Horton at approx 6.45am in the summer months.

We can also start the route from Ribblehead if you prefer.

 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 short breaks. A fast walker can probably do the route in about 9-10 hours. When you register we will ask you for your personal target time - this is not set in stone, and we will support whatever you feel capable of on the day.

What time do we start?

The start time can vary, so please check the details of your event. We always request that we meet 30 minutes prior to setting off. We can vary the start time in summer, but in Autumn and Spring we usually need to make use of the available decent daylight, which can mean a fairly early start (0630-0700).

'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 well, and are also experienced of walking and navigating in the dark.

How busy will the route be?

The route gets very busy on Saturdays in summer, and we may recommend alternative start locations (e.g. Ribblehead) and completing the route in the opposite direction to mitigate the risk of overcrowding. The route remains busy on other days throughout the summer, but is noticably quieter on weekdays in the fringe seasons.

Do I need special equipment?

Check out the equipment list and video above, but in brief, you'll need some comfy walking boots, waterproofs, non-cotton/denim trousers and an insulation layer. You'll also need to pack a rucksack with enough food and water for the day.

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?

We don’t organise a formal post-challenge meal, so check in with your co-ordinator regarding your own arrangements. We will direct finishers to meet in the place of your choice.

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. These are:

• Near the Ribblehead viaduct (catering van - Fridays and weekends during summer)

• After the descent from Whernside (ice cream van - weekends during summer)

• At the farm and campsite between Whernside and Ingleborough (vending machines and toilets - available all year round)

For groups of over 20 people, we also provide a support vehicle stop at the Ribblehead Viaduct and at Philpin Farm.

Hang on, what about…?

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us.