Everything you need to know about the Yorkshire Three Peaks
What is it?
A great introduction to challenge walking, the Yorkshire Three Peaks is not to be underestimated! Starting and ending in Horton-in-Ribblesdale you aim to take in the 3 highest peaks in Yorkshire, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in 12 hours.
Why is it great?
- The Views – Sweeping vistas across the moors and the immense Ribblehead viaduct are the rewards from the summit.
- The History – The challenge was created in 1887 by two teachers who completed it in 10 hours.
- The Satisfaction – This might be a tough day out but once completed you will feel on top of the world.
Y3P In Numbers
Total Ascent – 1381m / 4531ft
Total Distance – 37km / 24miles
Time – 24 Hours
Pen-y-ghent (694 m or 2,277 ft)
Whernside (736 m or 2,415 ft)
Ingleborough (723 m or 2,372 ft)
What to pack?
This is a day trip but you need to be prepared for the varied weather that Yorkshire can throw at us. We recommend spare warm clothes, hat, gloves and full waterproofs in your pack, plus food and water for 12 hours. Personal first aid kit, head torch and spare batteries are ‘just in case’ essentials. Sturdy boots are a must and walking poles are an option to consider, but we do recommend you practice with poles before the trip.
How fit do I need to be?
You need to have a good base level of fitness for the Yorkshire Three Peaks. You need to be ‘comfortable’ walking for 12 hours and be able to walk on rough, steep uneven terrain. If you don’t have a good base level of fitness (and even if you do) we highly recommend you put in a good few months’ training. This will help you enjoy the day even more and reduce the chance of having to drop out early.
Training
To put it simply, walk! Get out as often as possible; during the week aim for an hour a day, maybe add in some aerobic exercise, running or treadmill. At the weekend try to get in some longer walks to get your legs and feet used to working for longer periods of time.
Hills – You will be aiming to climb nearly 1400 metres during the day, that’s more than Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK so make sure you plan in some hilly hikes for the weeks before you take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The more you do before, the better you will feel on the day.
Remember to enjoy it
This might be a hard day, but it wouldn’t be a challenge if it was easy! Keep hydrated and snacks close to hand, try to keep positive even when you get tired. Make sure you take time to enjoy the spectacular views and the satisfaction of getting to the top of the highest mountains in Yorkshire. You will have earned it!
If you would like more information about taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge please get in touch.
