The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is sure enough one of the most difficult yet rewarding challenges in the UK. It offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country as well as challenging you to complete the 24-mile route in just 12 hours.
You’ll take on the three most famous peaks in the county; Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m) in that order as you make your way through the Yorkshire Dales National Park in a test of endurance.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a full day of walking and a circular route that includes 1585m of ascent. Every year thousands come to reach the top of at least one or to conquer all three in one go.
What is the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge?
This classic 24-mile circular walk takes in all Three Peaks in the Yorkshire Dales Challenging you to finish in under 12 hours.
The circular walk visits the best-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
It’s a test of endurance and many people take on the challenge in order to raise money for charity, or just to test themselves in the area.
Read More: 16 Of The Best Yorkshire Dales Circular Walks
What is the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge route?
The most common route begins and ends at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, although some get the train to Ribbleshead station. Whernside is the first hill to climb, then on to Ingleborough and finally Pen-y-Ghent. With a seven-mile trek to Horton Moor to finish off the circular route.
How long does the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge take?
The goal of the iconic challenge is to finish the circular route through the Yorkshire Dales in under 12 hours.
It’s said that relatively fit walkers can complete the route in 10 to 12 hours.
How difficult is it?
As the walk is around the same as a marathon but with an ascent of 1,500m it will definitely test you and is considered a tough walking challenge.
What do we recommend for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge?
Make sure you take full waterproofs as the weather can soon change, as anyone knows living in the UK. Walking poles are a good idea along with sturdy walking shoes.
Make sure you take plenty of fluids including water and sports drinks to keep up your electrolytes as long as lots of snacks to help with energy.
Our biggest recommendation is to enjoy the scenery. It’s nice to try and aim for a fast time, but nicer to aim for 11 to 12 hours and enjoy the views and beautiful scenery at each point.
Pubs and restaurants for after the challenge
The Crown Inn has a fantastic beer garden and cosy traditional bar serving classic ales Theakston’s Old Peculiar and Black Sheep – perfect for after a 26-mile walk we’d say. They also serve some classic pub grub, which is needed after such a strenuous walk.
Located in Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the heart of Yorkshire’s ‘Three Peaks,’ the Golden Lion Hotel is another spot that is the perfect place for a well-earned pint and delicious home-cooked food. They’re also Theakston grand master trophy winners – winning the award of excellence on three occasions.
Hotels and places to stay nearby
Along with both the pubs named above which are also Hotel, there are some fantastic stays near the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.
Middle Stufold Farm
The bed & breakfast, Middle Studfold Farm in Ribblesdale is located just outside Horton-in-Ribblesdale making it the perfect spot for a bit. of comfort before and after the arduous Yorkshire Dales walking challenge.
Ribblesdale Pods
These luxury glamping pods are a great place to chill in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Located in the heart of Horton in Ribblesdale, they’re perfect for sitting around and chatting about the day’s walk knowing you’re sleeping in a little bit. of luxury afterwards.
The Rowe House
Found at the start of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, you can enjoy views of Pen-y-Ghent before you take on the mammoth Yorkshire walk.
Afterwards, enjoy fantastic food homegrown in their recently renovated Georgian house that stands on 1 acre of grounds before sleeping in a top-quality bed.
Broad Croft House
A cosy family-run bed & breakfast that has five rooms, three in the main house with en suite showers and two outdoor micro pods located in the walled garden for those that like to sleep closer to nature.
Find more places to stay here.
Read More: 5 Of The Highest Mountain Walks In The Yorkshire Dales
