Yorkshire Three Peaks

8AM START

Start location: Horton-in-Ribblesdale We'll start the route in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, which is the traditional start of the challenge, and tackle it anti-clockwise, meaning we head up Pen-y-Ghent first, Whernside second, and Ingleborough last. Ribblehead particular is well-equipped with parking, a train station and a good pub at the end. After leaving Horton, we are straight onto our first peak of the day. Pen-y-Ghent is probably the most technical of all the peaks – the path can look daunting, as it winds up the side, and you peer into the valley below, but once you’re on it, you can see there’s no real exposure. 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 steep descent. The walk through the valley to Ingleborough is gentle, green, kind on the legs and the views are 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 – it looks again quite intimidating, 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. Then we ‘just’ need to walk down the mountain and back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale… 5 miles away! It’s all downhill from here though (except a couple of small undulating bits), and we arrive back in Horton tired, but jubilant!