I’m a rambler, I’m a rambler…
At the tail-end of summer, a trip is being planned to the West Yorkshire Dales, to attempt the 3-Peaks Challenge, and you’re invited! Kinsfolk can come too!
Dates suggested are: August 18th-20th.
Here’s the plan:
- Tuesday 18th August, Evening time – Arrive by train/car in Horton in Ribblesdale, with a tent, or the knowledge that you have space in someone else’s tent.
- Wednesday 19th August, 6am – wake up, get dressed, have a wee, maybe a poo, start walking.
*MUCH WALKING OCCURS HERE* - Wednesday 19th August, 6pm – arrive back in Horton in Ribblesdale. Go to the pub for dinner.
- Thursday 20th August, 7am – wake up, pack everything away, go home.
...The approach to Whernside (don't worry, it won't be snowed over when we're there!)
What you will need:
- Plenty of food. Some sort of dinner on the Tuesday night, plus two meals worth of walking food (sandwiches etc) for the walk, and lots of snacks. Maybe something for breakfast on Thursday. You will also need something to carry water in (between 1 and 2 litres)
- Money. Camping will cost £2 per person per night, plus £2 per tent per night (approximately, it may have changed…) – £10 would be enough. Pub dinner will be roughly £10, though drinks etc will be more. You may want a little extra for the cafe at the end of the walk etc – if you complete the challenge in under 12 hours, you can join the 3-peaks club, for £15 I think, plus you can purchase all their snazzy merchandise…
- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.
- A daysack/small rucksack, usual walking stuff – boots, thick socks, waterproofs, sunhat, warm clothes (them hills are windy!), mobile phone (to call home when you’re on top of each mountain), a first-aid kit and a map (ordnance survey explorer map OL2) would be good but not essential as I will have both of these.
- Several pairs of spare socks!
...the final ascent - Ingleborough
The Route:
The 3-peaks walk takes in 3 of the most interesting and exciting peaks in Western Yorkshire, which are part of the Pennine Range; Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The route is some 39.2km (24.5 miles) long, including almost 1600m (5250ft) of ascent. It won’t be a lazy wander. It’s a tough walk, but really anyone can do it if they want to. If there’s enough people, we might split into groups of ability, allowing those who really want to race to complete it in 12 hours to go ahead, while the more relaxed ones enjoy the scenery, taking maybe 13 or 14 hours.
I’ve completed this walk before (twice), so should be able to lead quite well. Please let me know if you have any more questions, and give me a shout if you’re coming! I’m really excited

