The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge!

Well the day had finally arrived – the day my husband and I were to take part in the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge! This challenge was something I’d wanted to do since I’d heard of it as a teenager taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. It had taken rather a long time to actually get round to it! More than thirty years in fact! Anyway, the day had at long last arrived and I was about to complete (hopefully!) a long awaited dream, and raise some money for charity in the process.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge takes place in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. It is a classic trekking challenge, with the aim being to summit Pen-y-ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m) in under 12 hours, although completing it in any time is in itself an achievement! The route traditionally begins and ends in the picturesque village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale. However, it can be started at any point, depending on the walker’s individual preferences.

After a very early breakfast at our B&B, we arrived at the start in the very lovely Horton-in-Ribblesdale. As this was an organised charity event, a small tented area had been set up on a large field, where all of the participants gathered waiting with an eager nervousness. We were given an allocated start time, ours being about 6.30am. It wasn’t long before it was time to depart on the adventure! We set off at a reasonably fast pace, everyone excited and chatting away. The ascent of the first peak, Pen-y-Ghent was tricky – a little bit of scrambling was even required. Nevertheless, we powered through and soon reached the top. First peak completed!

After a short break and a breakfast of porridge at the bottom of Pen-y-Ghent, we set off on the long walk to Whernside. This was roughly ten miles, so a considerable walk. However, it went pretty quickly. We even found time to chat to some of the other participants. Eventually the iconic landmark, the Ribblehead Viaduct, came into site. It was time for some refreshments and a little break before we began the long, slow trek up the highest peak in the challenge. Legs were tired and spirits were a little low at this point. It seemed to take an eternity to get to the top. With grit and determination we made it and celebrated with a well deserved coffee from the flask. The descent from Whernside was tough on the knees, but trekking poles proved to be a very useful addition to our kit at this point.

Two peaks completed – yay! And also a welcome stop coming up. There is a great walkers’ cafe on the route, not too long after Whernside. It was here that we enjoyed a very welcome cup of tea and a snack. Feeling re-energised we set off for the final, and probably the most difficult, peak – Ingleborough. After a very pleasant stroll through the rolling countryside we could see Ingleborough looming ominously in the distance. On reaching the base I realised that this was going to be the hardest part of the walk. The ascent from this side of Ingleborough is particularly steep, making it very hard both physically and mentally. I didn’t know if I could do it myself, but set off trying to take a slow, but steady pace. To say it was hard was an understatement, but evenually we made it to the top. The feeling was exhilirating. Three peaks done! It almost felt like the end of the challenge and I had to remind myself that we still had a few miles to go. Feeling invigorated we charged down off the hill and kept up a fast pace for the rest of the walk. It wasn’t long before we saw Horton-in-Ribblesdale coming into view. Crossing the railway line and walking through the gate into the village was an amazing feeling. We’d done it! And in about 10 hours 50 min, well under the target time of twleve hours. It was back to the tent for another cup of tea and a long sit down and rest!

Jane@TopHolidaySpots