Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

Our most popular charity challenge route

A legendary route, and for good reason. This is a long and arduous hike, covers nearly 40km and climbs 1600m throughout the day. But where this route really shines is in its gorgeous Yorkshire Dales setting and its three distinctive and iconic mountains: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

The challenge is to complete the route within 12 hours. This is very achievable for most people, especially with a bit of training beforehand, but do not underestimate it – it will push you incredibly hard!

The Details

🌍 Region: Yorkshire Dales

🗺️ Start Location: Horton-in-Ribblesdale (other starts available)

➡️ Distance: 39km

⛰️ Ascent: 1600m (tough)

🕙 Length: 12 hours

📆 Time of year: March - October

The Route
How to Book
Frequently Asked Questions

The Route

We usually 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.

There are other starting points available - Ribblehead in particular is well-equipped with parking, a train station and a good pub at the end. However this description and the video walkthrough follow the traditional route.

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.

Our first peak of the day

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. I love the walk through the valley to Ingleborough – it’s gentle, green, kind on the legs and the views are still 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.

Ready to take on Whernside

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.

So, we’re done!

?

Not quite… We ‘just’ need to walk down the mountain and back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale… the problem is Horton is still 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!

How to Book

We offer this fully-guided walk for private groups at a discounted rate of £49+VAT per person, subject to a minimum charge of £588+VAT (i.e. we are happy to lead groups of fewer than 12 people, however we will charge £588+VAT for this).

We offer this discounted rate as we want to see as much money going to the charity as possible (note that if you do not want to do the walk for a charity, we still offer this route at a rate of £80+VAT per person)

1. Check our calendar below and find an available challenge date that suits you

2. Enter your details, and pay a deposit of £49+VAT to confirm the booking

3. We will be in touch within 48 hours to arrange a planning call with you

Included:

  • Professionally qualified and insured walking guides to lead the group on the route.

  • For groups larger than 18, we will also provide a support vehicle with an additional professional guide at the Ribblehead viaduct and Philpin Farm (2 stops)

  • Route and Event Planning, administration and management, including participant registration and risk assessments

  • Event Planning Meetings to co-ordinate with your leadership team

  • Pre-event participant Welcome Call and Briefing meeting

  • Event Briefing Park for all participants

  • A customised FAQ for your event and information guides for participants (e.g. training routes, what to wear, etc)

  • We are also on hand for any questions and consultancy for setting up the event at your end

Things you and the participants need to arrange:

  • Transportation to and from the walk start

  • Post event refreshments (e.g. drinks and meals)

  • Sustenance during the event (e.g. packed lunches)

  • Pre- and post-event accommodation

  • Personal walking equipment for participants (we can advise on what to bring, and will carry group-equipment and a limited amount of spare gear)

Questions? Drop us a message

Frequently Asksed Questions

  • The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a circular route, starting at Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales, and then climbing three of the highest mountains in the Dales: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. As well as the actual ascents of the mountains, there are long distances to cover between each one. In total, the route is over 39km (24 miles) long and ascends 1600m (5000ft)

    In total, the route is over 31km (19 miles) long.

  • The three peaks that make up the walk are Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (724m)

  • The paths are pretty good throughout this walk. The final part to the summit plateau of Pen-y-Ghent is over broken, rocky ground, and does need some hand on rock to get up the last bit. The descent from Whernside is also steep (but along a path), as is the ascent of Ingleborough.

  • We lead groups of up to 100 for this challenge. There is no minimum number, though there is a minimum charge equivalent to 12 people.

  • The truth is that whilst not everyone will be fit enough, I'd say that with a little preparation, the route is well within the capability of most people.

    If you've done any hill walking, this is absolutely achievable for you.

    If you walk the dog regularly for a couple of km, or walk the kids to school, you can build up from there.

  • Of course you do! Check out our walking routes page for some walking ideas

  • I'd ask here: How much would you dog appreciate a 39km walk up three mountains?! If the answer is: They'd love it! Then absolutely, consider it. Please be aware however that you will need to keep your dog on the lead throughout the walk. Please read our full FAQ for more details about bringing dogs on adventures

  • The traditional route starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, however you can also start at the Ribblehead Viaduct. Horton has a Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Car Park, and a large overspill car park that is in use at the weekends, and parking is between £5 and £6.50 for the day. There is also a train station, with direct trains from Leeds. Ribblehead also has a train station, and some free-layby parking, though this generally fills up by mid-morning.

  • The challenge time is to complete the walk within 12 hours. To put into context, this is a steady walking pace throughout, with small breaks. The fastest walking groups will come back in around 8 hours. The record is an astounding 2 hours 46 minutes!

  • We can vary the start time in summer, but in Autumn and Spring we usually need to make use of the available decent daylight, which can mean a fairly early start (0600-0700).

  • Coming back in the dark is unlikely, but not an issue. We know the route well, and are also experienced walking and navigating in the dark.

  • The route has a steady flow of traffic during weekdays between March and September, but is noticeably quieter when starting from Ribblehead. Fair weather weekends (particularly Saturdays) in the summer months are extremely busy. Thursdays and Fridays generally tend to be a good balance.

  • There will be a recommended equipment list provided to participants, but in brief, you'll need some comfy walking boots, waterproofs, non-cotton/denim trousers and an insulation layer. You'll also need to pack a rucksack with enough food and water for the day.

  • There is a campsite, Cragg Hill Farm, about a mile from the centre of Horton-in-Ribblesdale. There are two hotels - The Golden Lion and The Crown, plus several self-catering/AirBnB-style locations

  • We don’t organise a formal post-challenge meal, and groups usually are happy to make their own arrangements. We will direct finishers to meet in the place of your choice. For smaller groups, we’re happy to book somewhere locally for you and the team.

  • There are some part-time facilities along the route, but we always advise that you should pack food assuming that they are closed. The facilities are usually located:

    • Near the Ribblehead viaduct (catering van)

    • Toilets in the Station Inn, at Ribblehead

    • At Philpin Farm, between Whernside and Ingleborough (vending machines and toilets)

    For groups larger than 18 people, we supply a support vehicle at Ribblehead and Philpin Farm.

  • You can book here.