Starting in the small village of Horton in Ribblesdale, the Yorkshire three peaks challenge begins at the 'Peneghent cafe'. There, walkers can inform the cafe staff of their planned attempt, and details (name, address, phone number) can be left.
If any walkers do not either return to the cafe on the same day or contact the cafe to tell them that they've abandoned the walk, search and rescue will be dispatched. This gives walkers peace of mind throughout the trek.
It is tradition to 'clock out' using an old clocking-out machine inside the cafe. Once the walk is completed, walkers clock back in. If the route is completed in 12 hours or less, the official Yorkshire three peaks club can be joined (for a small fee).
Peneghent - The First Peak of the Challenge
The first part of the walk heads out of the village and towards Peneghent. At 694m, it is the smallest of the three peaks, but still not trivial. After around 30 minutes of ascent, the hillside becomes rocky and quite steep. This can be fairly dangerous in wet or windy conditions.
Once at the top of Penghent, there is a long descent down the opposite side, and once the road is again met, the track turns right and stretches along the road for several miles. At the end of the road, there is usually a van selling hot food and drinks, plus the tempting sight of a nearby pub and train station (taking you back to Horton in Ribblesdale).
Whernside - The Second Peak of the Challenge
For the strong-willed, the pub is ignored and the trail passes the spectacular Ribblehead viaduct and up the side of Whernside. After the accent of Phenegent and the long walk, legs begin to feel very tired with the second accent. At 736m, Whernside is the highest of the three peaks.
Once completed, walkers find themselves at the base of Whernside, with another long walk to the start of Ingleborough.
Ingleborough - The Third and Final Peak of the Challenge
After the previous two climbs, the steep accent of Ingleborough can be tough on tired legs. The flat top is eventually reached, and after a quick photo stop at the final trig point, the trail doubles back briefly, and then Ingleborough is descended on its eastern side.
A long walk stretches back across fairly flat fields to the starting point of Horton in Ribblesdale. Walkers head straight to the Peneghent cafe, where they clock-in, and if done in under 12 hours, they get the join the 'Three Peaks' club. Even if the cafe is closed, the owner will come to the door when the door bell is pressed.
What Items to Take on the Trek
As with any long walk, sufficient food and drink is essential. Several litres of water are recommended, along with high-energy foods such as bananas, bread, and pasta. If done during winter, high calorie food such as chocolate is a welcome addition.
Depending upon the season, clothing requirements may range from sunglasses and shorts to winter-hats and gloves. A selection of clothing for different temperatures can be useful, as the weather can change significantly over the 12 hour trek, and a hot and sweaty accent is usually followed by a cold and shivery decent.
A torch, compass, and a good map are also strongly recommended.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks, when done right, is a safe and enjoyable trek offering amazing views, fantastic photo opportunities, and very tired legs!
Further Reading
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