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Yorkshire Three Peaks Horton in Ribblesdale








    Smaller group sizes

    Putting local communities first

    Your safety is our number one focus

    Sustainable travel

    Amazing experiences at affordable prices

    The Mountains:

    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 Trek:

    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.

    Best Time To Go:

    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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    Included in the price of this trip

    • Professionally organised event.
    • Small group size to improve chances of success (maximum group size is 6).
    • A qualified and experienced first aid trained mountain leader to ensure your safety whilst on the mountains.
    • Transport in case of emergency.

    Not included

    • Your travel to our start/finish point (Yorkshire Dales National Park Car Park – Horton-in-Ribblesdale).
    • Accommodation before or after your challenge.
    • Meals - food and drink whilst on the hill.
    • Personal travel insurance (to cover you for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects etc).
    • Personal equipment (please see our clothing and equipment section).

    Essential Clothing & Equipment

    • 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.

    Optional Clothing & Equipment

    • 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.

    Paperwork

    • Booking Confirmation

      This will be sent to you aproximately 10 days before departure

    Carbon Footprint

    We are yet to determine the average CO2 emissions per person for our Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

    What are we doing about it

    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.

    FAQs

    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.

    Sam Marshall:  The Man Behind Monkey Mountaineering

    Every great adventure company has a story, and at the heart of Monkey Mountaineering is Sam Marshall, a man with an unrelenting passion for the mountains.  As a British Army Veteran, Sam has taken the skills forged in hostile and unforgiving operational environments and applied them to leading unforgettable climbing and trekking expeditions.  His journey from soldier to adventurer is the cornerstone of Monkey Mountaineering’s mission.

    A Life of Service and Adventure

    Sam’s love for the mountains began during his years in the British Army.  As a soldier, he embraced the challenges of operating in extreme environments, learning the importance of teamwork, leadership, and meticulous planning.  These experiences not only shaped his character but also ignited a lifelong passion for exploration and the great outdoors.

    After leaving the military, Sam set his sights on a new mission:  sharing the transformative power of mountain adventures with others.  Combining his military expertise with his love of mountaineering, he founded Monkey Mountaineering to create challenging, inspiring, and safe adventures for climbers and trekkers of all skill levels.

    The Vision Behind Monkey Mountaineering

    For Sam, Monkey Mountaineering is more than a business, it’s a way of life.  Every expedition is designed with the same precision and care that defined his military career.  Safety is always paramount, and Sam ensures that every trip is planned and executed in line with the guidance laid down in British Standard 8848.

    But Sam’s vision goes further.  He believes that adventure has the power to change lives, build resilience, and to foster connections with nature and with others.  His goal is to create experiences that not only challenge participants physically but also leave a lasting emotional and spiritual impact.  Monkey Mountaineering exists to help you unleash your inner explorer and discover the extraordinary within yourself.

    What Sets Sam Apart

    Sam’s military background gives him a unique edge in the adventure travel industry.  His expertise in mountaineering, risk management, leadership, and problem-solving ensures that every expedition runs smoothly, even in the face of unexpected challenges.  Beyond his technical skills, Sam’s warmth and genuine passion for helping others shine through in every interaction.  Whether he’s leading a climb, sharing stories around a campfire, or guiding a first-time trekker, Sam’s dedication to his craft is evident.

    A Commitment to Sustainability and Community

    Deeply committed to responsible travel, under Sam’s leadership, Monkey Mountaineering is aligning its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that every adventure leaves a positive impact on the environment and local communities.  From following the leave no trace principle to working with local guides, Sam’s approach is rooted in respect and sustainability.

    Join Sam on Your Next Adventure

    When you choose Monkey Mountaineering, you’re not just booking a trip, you’re joining a legacy of adventure led by a man who understands the transformative power of the mountains.  With Sam Marshall at the helm, every expedition is an opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and create unforgettable memories.

    Ready to take the first step?  Join Sam and the Monkey Mountaineering team on your next great adventure and unleash your inner explorer!

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    Bespoke experiences

    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.