Yorkshire three peaks
Yorkshires three most iconic peaks
Summary
The Yorkshire three peaks is an Iconic walk that is on a lot of people’s bucket lists to complete. It is a 24.5-mile hike that covers all three of Yorkshires highest peaks in one day, these include Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
The Hike
It was the middle of summer and me and friend decided on attempting the three peaks. We have heard lots about the challenge but we were keen to try it out for ourselves. They say to attempt the walk in under 12 hours.
Up at 5am and out of the door at 6am we headed to Horton-in-Ribblesdale where you can park behind the Golden Lion hotel. It is £2 to park all day. There were already lots of people here to hike the three peaks as it is very popular, especially when it is good weather. The route is well sign posted and due to the volume of people trying to complete the challenge you just follow everyone else. The first peak was Pen-y-gent which was a steep climb that opened up the lungs you could say, we did go up there a bit fast though! and because it was still early, we got some great views as the sun was rising.
As we descended from pen-y-gent the hike takes you through the middle of the dales on well pathed paths until you hit a road that takes you to Ribblehead viaduct. This is the start of the climb up to Whernside, which is one of the easiest walks out of the three. It is a steady gradient so it doesn’t take it out of your legs too much. I like how open Whernside is and the simplicity of it. It is also a good spot to stop for lunch and refuel before heading to Ingleborough for the last leg, although you should try and drink regularly and eat something every hour. It definitely helps.
My friend at the time was suffering from an old knee injury, so he had to abandoned the last part of the hike. I was disappointed for him to say the least but I had to soldier on up Ingleborough so then he could be picked up. The last part of this walk is definitely the hardest as the gradient is very steep and you’re scrambling in some parts to the summit. My toes were killing me! I was wearing shoes that were too small for me, this didn’t help due to the terrain. Once at the top it is all downhill back to the car park. This where you really feel every ache and pain! in my case it was my toes and the back of my legs. I was almost crawling back in agony with my feet, but happy to have completed the challenge in just under 9 hours.
If you are thinking about hiking the three peaks, I would make sure you have the correct foot wear, giving your feet plenty of room. lots of electrolytes and plenty of energy food. I’d try out a few peaks beforehand too just to get used to the distance and gradients.