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Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

Whether you call it the 3 peaks of Yorkshire or the North Yorks 3 Peaks, The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Walk from Horton in Ribblesdale is one of the oldest established walks in the UK.

By tradition the grueling 37.5km (23.5 miles) must be completed within 12 hours, and this was the aim of an 18 strong group from Morgan Est who on 4th July chose this challenge to support Compton Hospice.

Here is their story:

The weather was perfect for our challenge ahead and the day started off fine, although at 7.30 am we did manage to set off the fire alarm in the pub we were staying at by using the wrong door, oops!

We left for Horton in Ribblesdale to check in at The Pen-y-ghent Café, all walkers have to check in for safety reasons so that mountain rescue have an idea of where you might be should you not return safely in a given time. The first peak, Pen-y-ghent 694m (2277ft), took us roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, it was scary in parts, especially the sheer drop to one side that helped bring on the jelly legs.

After reaching the summit cairn at least we had the descent to look forward to, apparently not, the next eight miles consisted of toe stubbing rocky paths, open moorland and difficult bogs, really difficult, and I don’t mean just spongy under foot. One of the lads tried to jump part of this boggy land and ended up knee deep in mud and if that wasn’t a big enough clue his girlfriend tried the same and ended up waist deep, gross! Then came some relief, our first sandwich stop.

Our second hill was Whernside 736m (2415ft). This was quite a long haul but at least there was nothing scary, well I thought not but on the other side was another sheer drop. It took us at least half an hour to descend, it wasn’t easy watching your feet step by step the whole time, I was beginning to think that the 4 people manning the relief vehicles had the right idea.

By this time the skies were changing. A couple of the party were a little bit ahead of the rest and did manage the third peak Ingleborough 723m (2372ft), although half way up the heavens opened and the rain made the path treacherous. At the summit the visibility was very poor and they couldn’t hang around for too long before descending.

All ended well and everyone returned safely, there was disappointment for those of us that only managed two peaks, although we still covered about 18 – 20 miles, which was a feat in itself. It wasn’t an easy challenge for any of us but we are all pleased that we did it.

Compton Hospice would like to thank everyone who took part and everyone who sponsored, helping to raise over £4700.

If you have any further questions about Compton Hospice and Fundraising, please call 0845 225 5497 or contact us. We will do our utmost to help with your enquiry.

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