Yorkshire 3 Peaks

Despite the weather forecast being wet, my stubborn side wanted to give the three peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent a go. The challenge is to walk the route in 12 hours or less. 

So I started out from near the Ribblehead Viaduct, first climbing Whernside, which was a steep-ish climb up to the ridge. The rain and wind came at me and by the time I reached the trig point I thought maybe one peak would do for today. 

The rain persisted on my descent but stopped momentarily so I could see Ingleborough. After munching through an apple and cereal bar, it didn’t seem too far. How wrong I was! The climb up the near vertical zig zag path up to the trig point with the rain returning was a great challenge.

The descent down to reach Horton in Ribblesdale seemed to take me ages even though it was relatively easy going, if a little muddy and slippery in places. If there was ever a place to lift your spirits on a 24 mile walk climbing three peaks, the Church of St Oswald is it! With the rain still coming down and a sign outside the church saying ‘make yourself a cuppa, church open,’ in I went. Not only was there a kettle to make tea or coffee but also CAKE! After a mug of coffee (which I hugged to warm my hands,) a slice of Dutch apple cake and a chocolate shortbread wrapped up to take back to the van, I popped a donation in the box and felt another peak was more than do-able.

A beautiful stretch of the walk was alongside the beck leaving the village. The sun briefly appeared too for my ascent to the trig point on Pen-y-Ghent. There is a short scramble near the top which was fun, although longer legs would have been an advantage!

So, all three peaks managed! However, after the third, it’s still over seven miles of walking back to the start point and for each mile, yes, you guessed, the rain returned to keep me company, deciding to get even heavier about a mile from the van. Great! I smiled when I saw Roo parked up just beyond the viaduct, 8 and a half hours after I’d left her.

For anyone thinking of walking it, just do it. I did no planning, just read a couple of blog posts and downloaded a pdf map, which I didn’t really need as it’s so well signed. 

My evening is being spent at a campsite, enjoying a hot shower, veggie chilli and that chocolate shortbread I mentioned earlier with a cuppa. Heaven. Oh, and I’ve been joined by sunshine and a blue sky. Typical! 

I hope you’ve all enjoyed whatever adventures you’ve had today too.