Pen-y-ghent: Positioned just outside Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 694m this is the lowest of the three peaks.
Whernside: Set behind the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct, at 736m, Whernside is the highest mountain in Yorkshire.
Ingleborough: The third mountain on this challenge is Ingleborough which at 723m is just to the east of the small town of Ingleton.
The current Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge record, which was set in 1996 by Andy Peace is 2 hours, 46 minutes and 3 seconds.These days many people attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and aim to complete it in under 12 hours.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks can be completed at any time of year. That said, from late October through to early May the weather and shorter days can definitely conspire against you to make the going very tough. We think the best time to attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks is in the summer, from June through to late September. During these months there is a better chance of good weather and the days are longer, two factors that definitely contribute to success on this challenge.
We run our standard Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on a Saturday with an early start in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
That said, we can run this trip on any date so if a Saturday doesn’t work for you please get in touch.
Meet in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Car Park on the B6479 (all day parking charge £5.00) for a briefing and kit check (we retain the option to cancel your booking without a refund if you do not have the correct clothing and equipment – see guidance in Clothing & Equipment section).
Depart for Pen-y-ghent. This first section is approximately 3 miles and is considered by some to be the toughest part of the challenge. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the summit.
Arrive on the summit of Whernside. This is a distance of just over 11 miles from the summit of Pen-y-ghent.
Just over 5 miles from the summit of Whernside and after a steep climb you will be standing on the final summit – Ingleborough. It’s all downhill from here.
Arrive back in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, challenge complete!
Our Yorkshire Three Peaks is available on dates throughout the year to suit your needs. Minimum group size is four people, prices start at £400 which includes support and a group of six walkers. Additional walkers are charged at £30 per head. We are happy to support large groups so please get in touch for a quote.
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Boots
A good pair of light-weight GoreTex lined walking boots which provide ankle support and are well broken-in. Boots are essential - Please do not bring trail shoes.
Dry Bags
A selection of rucksack liners and dry bags as required to keep your clothing, sleeping bag and equipment dry and organised.
Gloves
A lightweight windproof pair of gloves for wearing on a daily basis as required.
Head Torch
With spare batteries or the means to recharge.
Hiking Socks
We recommend a good pair of proper hiking/trekking socks. A minimum of three pairs but ideally you should have a pair for each day.
Lightweight Walking Trousers
To wear on a daily basis if not wearing shorts and for evening wear. Jeans or tracksuit bottoms are not suitable.
Long-Sleeved Thermal Top
Essential base layer for colder days and nights. Pack at least 2 of these.
Personal First Aid Kit
This should include suncream, lip balm, blister plasters (compeed), plasters, painkillers and any prescription medicines, insect repellant etc.
Rucksack 30lt
A small rucksack, around 30lt will be ideal.
Sunglasses
For general eye protection, wearing whilst trekking or on glaciers if applicable to your trip – for wearing on glaciers sunglasses need to be Category 4 and be close fitting or have side protection.
Tee-shirt
For wearing on a daily basis whilst trekking. Should be a technical fabric – avoid cotton as it is slow to dry. You will need 2 or 3 of these.
Water Bladder
It is essential that you have the means to carry at least 2 litres of drinking water. The best solution is a bladder type water carrier such as a camelbak as this then allows you to drink whilst walking with no need to stop to get out a water bottle.
Waterproof Jacket
Hard shell jacket ideally this will be waterproof and breathable (GoreTex or equivalent) and it will have a hood.
Waterproof Trousers
Ideally they should be windproof and breathable (Gore Tex or equivalent) and with full or ¾ length side zips.
Woolly hat
To keep your head warm - Ideally a hat that will cover your ears too and fit under a climbing helmet.
Camera
Make sure you have spare batteries or the means to re-charge.
Mobile Phone
You may want to use you phone as a camera. On our overseas trips signal is often limited or non-existent so making calls or sending texts may not be possible - see FAQs for trip specific info.
Walking poles
Not essential but extremely useful when carrying a load, descending and for any river crossings.
Booking Confirmation
This will be sent to you aproximately 10 days before departure
We are yet to determine the average CO2 emissions per person for our Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.
Trekking and mountaineering trips such as this are low carbon in comparison to other forms of travel and activities. That said though, we are working hard to understand exactly what the carbon emissions are for all our products. By the end of 2024 we hope to have measured everything we do and have a good understanding of all the individual carbon footprints. This will then act as a starting point for us to take action to reduce our emissions to as low as reasonably practicable and drive towards net zero.
No, unfortunately we don’t currently provide equipment for hire but can recommend Expedition Kit Hire.
Allergies and intolerances shouldn’t limit what you can do, so we make sure we cater for everyone. We ask that you let us know at the time of booking about any dietary requirements so that we can make sure these are taken into account on the trek. That said it is worth noting that kitchen conditions and facilities on some of our trips are fairly basic. Standards of food hygiene are good, but we cannot guarantee against cross contamination of ingredients. If you have a particularly serious allergy or are extremely sensitive to certain ingredients such as nuts or wheat for instance, then please get in touch with us to discuss options.
A deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip/course is payable at the time of booking and the balance is due 8 weeks before the departure date. If the booking takes place less than 8 weeks before departure, then the full amount is due at the time of booking. If you would like to discuss payment options, then please get in touch.
A comprehensive list of clothing and equipment required for your trip can be found by visiting the ‘Kit List” tab on the relevant experience.
Please refer to our Booking Conditions which can be found here. Alternatively, please feel free to contact a member of the team.
Can’t see what you are looking for? All our trips can be customised to meet your needs so, if you need bespoke dates, want to add extra days, or modify the itinerary then please just let us know – we will be happy to help.
