Yorkshire 3 Peaks

Yesterday I took a group of 6 around the gruelling 25 miles of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks (Y3P) for Large Outdoors.

I met the group at 6.30 am and after a quick safety briefing we were soon on our way in the sunshine up the gentle slopes of Ingleborough.

I had checked the weather reports which looked promising, mostly dry with some rain coming in around tea time with a cool wind and near perfect conditions, but I did get some colour on my neck and arms in the first hour. We made the summit of Ingleborough in good time then headed down to the snack bar at Chapel-le-Dale, where we re-filled the water bottles and then headed up the newly laid path up the steep incline of Whernside. From here we dropped down to Ribblehead and after another quick stop we pressed on the dull 8 miles towards Pen-y-Ghent where the weather came in.

We eventually arrived at the top of the smallest of the 3 peaks then descended down the slippy slopes back down to Horton in Ribblesdale.

The group were excellent company and all 6 completed the 25 mile walk in just over 12 hours, some needed a bit of moral support and to ensure the group completed the walk I ended up carrying one persons rucksack up Pen y Ghent.

There was plenty of wildlife around, including Tormentil, Early Purple Orchids, Herb Robert and Common Cottongrass. We were also entertained by some very vocal Skylark and male Meadow Pipit doing their shuttlecock mating flights. We also caught a glimpse of a Wheatear and Pied Wagtails.

Another physically tough day on the hills, but very pleased to have helped all the clients to complete their challenge safely.