Loop - Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge - Yorkshire Dales - 24.5mi / 39.2km

WE WILL BE DOING THIS AS A GROUP. STICKING TOGETHER. The goal is to do it as fast as we can as a group within the challenge time of 12 hours. If you want to see how fast you can do it then doing it in a group is not recommended. That being said, anyone who is deemed to be going too slow and putting the challenge at risk will be told to speed up or will be strongly advised to bail out at the earliest opportunity. Any slower than an average of 2.25mph and it is mathematically impossible to finish within 12 hours.

Start Time: 07:45am (Must start early, it is a 9-12 hour hike)
Miles/Kilometres: 24mi / 38.6km
Total ascent: 1530m.
Difficulty: Strenuous (see group info on main page for more info on difficulties)
Estimated length of time: 9-12 hours
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Public Transport: Yes – Train – Train leaves Leeds at 6:20am and arrives at Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 07:34am.
Parking: Yes - here: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@54.148931,-2.2952535,233m/data=!3m1!1e3 - if it is full already, a farmer opens a field, just after the road bends round, it goes super straight with the train station at the end, it will be on your right about half way along this straight bit of road. Cash only if have to park in the field.

WALK PAYMENT - £1 - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put e.g. "Y3P" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet at the national park's car park outside the public toilets. For those coming by train, walk down the road and over the footbridge. We set off through Horton-in-Ribblesdale and immediately start ascending up to the first peak, Pen-Y-Ghent. It is about 2.6mi (4.2km) to the top, climbing 461m. Be warned if not been up Pen-Y-Ghent before, it involves a bit of a scrambling, nothing to difficult but for a short part you will need to use both hands and feet. It is then a 1.8mi (2.9km) descent, followed by a short incline up and over Whitber Hill to join the Ribble Way.

It is then 4.8mi (7.7km) of mostly flat terrain, with a short ascent of about 80-90m to the road, which we then follow to Ribblehead. We can stop here for a quick pit stop, there's a catering van here (CASH ONLY!). You can also refill on water if needed behind the B&B next to the pub.

It is then onwards and up the second peak, Whernside. This is the easiest of the peaks that you will climb up today. It is a steady, 450m ascent along about 4 miles (6.4km), there are not really any steep sections. Once at the top, well done! You're over half way! 14.2mi (22.9km) done! It is then a steep 1.8mi (2.9km) descent to the bottom.

It is then a more steady 1mi (1.6km) descent down to a barn that has been converted into a a cafe with toilets. There is also a tap here you can refill on water for free.

We join the road between Ingleton and Ribblehead and follow it up for a short period. Once we leave it we have done 17mi (27.4km) and done 1084m of ascent (same height as Mt. Snowden!)We now start to ascend up the last peak, Ingleborough.

The first 1.9mi (3km) is a steadyish ascent (230m of ascent), about the same as going up Whernside. Take a breather once up this bit, eat some food to restore some energy while mentally psyching yourself up for the hardest part (physically) of the whole hike. The next 200m of ascent spans 0.1mi (0.2km). Yep, you read that right. It is a super steep climb up, would not go as far to say as a scramble but it is close to it.

Well done for making it up! Take a moment to take in the stunning views and congratulate yourself for making it up. You're almost to the top! 100m of ascent left to go, spanning 0.4mi (0.6km). Once up, you've done all three peaks and 19.5mi (31.4km)!

Now to descend back down to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, it is 5mi (8km) back to the start point and is the hardest part of the hike (mentally).

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.

Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for leisurely and easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.

The walk will cost £1 to join. All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.

Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.

We recommended bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.