Yorkshire 3 Peaks

Anyone ever done the challenge? Looking to go in May/June. Any preparation tips would be appreciated!

 

I've done it. How fit are you? It's a marathon of walking/scrambling and bits that you would just about class as climbing. Obviously proper walking boots/clothes is a must, including waterproofs because when you're high up it's not only cold but more often than not it will rain at some point.

You see some absolutely stunning scenery though, well worth it.

 

Did it beginning of march , 1 foot ov snow on tops and sunny below clouds, it’s a experience I won’t be rushing back to do, coming down inglebrough was vertical nearly if I didn’t laugh I probably would’ve cried

 

Good walking boots I use a great app called all trails that maps out the routes for you and it has offline mode for when you lose signal. Would recommend it!

 

I've done it 3 or 4 times, though the last was about 20 years ago and the first when I was about 14 (over 40 years ago!). I've done it in good and bad weather - so go prepared for anything. The route did improve over time, the climb up Ingelbourough was like climbing up a stream flowing over near vertical rocks the first time I did it, but a zig-zag of paved steps the last time. If the weather is bad then some of the streams you have to cross can be tricky - we had to jump from rock to rock in one place. Also choose your route over Whernside with care, there's a short steep way or a long gentle climb, and the route down is not easy on the knees either.

 

I’ve done it twice.
Never again although I did say that after the first time

 

I did it in June in a heatwave…. Needed loads of fluids, and would recommend a change of footwear at some point if on hard dusty ground. As it helped with the blisters. So plenty of fluids, and blister players…. Although the farm half way does a roaring trade in pints of dilute orange.

 

I did it about this time of year around 10 years ago. Cold, crisp day.

Would advise carrying minimal gear as loads of bags etc is a nightmare.

The last climb is grim, but the scenery amazing.

 

I've done it once on its own. It took me an entire weekend. We set off from Horton on a Friday evening and camped on Penyghent. On Saturday we trudged to Whernside, weighed down by multiple bottles of wine, and camped on it. The next day we strolled over Ingleborough and back to Horton in time for Sunday lunch at the Crown. I've also done it several times since as part of longer walks.

I admire those who do it as a challenge in 9 or 10 hours or so, it's a tremendous physical achievement which I couldn't do. However, the effect on the locals in Horton is horrible, there's no parking, it's noisy until the early hours and again in the early morning, and there's piles of litter everywhere. There are so many unexplored parts of the Dales to visit, I wish walkers could spread out more.

 

I've done it a few times, usually while training for longer walks. It's difficult for a novice, but if you can get some training done and get a few 10-15 mile walks under your belt before you should be fine.

I'd recommend doing it in the order Pen-y-Gent, Whernside, Inglebrough. As others have said the scramble up Inglebrough is probably the toughest part physically.

Early June is a good time to do it as you have maximum light. Start as early as you can. I'd recommend having somewhere to stay or a lift home, as a drive home afterwards is pretty horrible.

Take plenty of food, liquid and changes of socks, and cater for all weather.

Finally, make sure you like whoever you're doing it with, and ideally that you're a similar walking pace and capability, otherwise you'll get very grumpy with one another indeed.

 

Cheers folks! I'm going with my brother and his partner. I've been getting all the research in generally about how easiest to conquer it. Bookmarked MWIS, for the weather. I'm aiming to bulk up a bit too - hitting the gym and having more of a slow carb diet. Porridge, pasta etc

 

Yes worth doing. After you have done that there's always the national one of Nevis, scafell pike and Snowden.

 

Many times.

Will be happy to help.

There are tougher hills in the Dales but this is a trophy walk and adrenaline takes over.

Don't set off like a house on fire. The first hour from Horton to base of PYG is hardcore if you rush it.

And break it up into 2 hour manageable chunks

 

Thinking of doing the 3 UK peaks next year and doing this as a warm up, would you say that’s suitable?

 

Ben Nevis is on my to do list if I can do this one

 

I did it twelve years ago in July, so had decent weather. There's no way I would be physically up for it now. If you are starting from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, I would choose to go round anticlockwise, so climbing Pen-y-Ghent first, then Whernside and then Ingleborough. Between Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside I would follow Ribble Way, rather than the Pennine Way, as it is beautifully soft and bouncy underfoot, rather than jarring stones. Doing it this way also means that you climb, rather than descend, the steep side of Ingleborough, which is strenuous, but less jarring on the old knees. The descent from Ingleborough back to Horton is across the limestone beds and is quite jarring, but the steps are far apart and you will be within sight of home by then. Are you raising money for charity, or is it just for leisure? Best of luck with it anyway and I hope the weather is kind to you. Great views in good weather.

 

It's a nice trip up there nice part of Scotland.

 

Done it twice it’s bloody hard work, plenty of practice, decent boots spare socks, enough food/water and spare clothes that you can carry.

oh and be prepared to be blowing out of your backside and someone come running past with a bike on their shoulder! Absolute gits

 

Leisure. Love the moors and I like to keep fit. Cheers for that I'll definitely take your advice onboard!

 

I have managed to crawl, walk and sometimes stumble across the Yorkshire 3 Peaks on 5 occasions. Last couple of times (5 years ago now) started from Ribblehead and followed the route over Whernside, Ingleborough, Pen y Ghent and then back to Ribblehead. Usually plenty of off road parking at Ribblehead especially if you start early and the Station Inn is there waiting for your return. If you do start from Horton then please take note of Stahlrosts post about the residents as summertime 3 peakers can sometimes be a problem with noise and ant-social behaviour.

You have plenty of time to reach 'hill fitness' so plan a training schedule which will eventually include decent distances and hill work. Maybe take some day trips and climb each peak individually to get a picture of what it entails.

Footwear - whatever you feel most comfortable in. Don't discount decent trail shoes as walking boots are not necessary and not for everyone. If you still have to buy the footwear, go to a reputable outdoor shop that has a boot/shoe fitting specialist - buy socks to suit. Similar with clothing, wear what you feel comfortable in take note of what feels good when you are out on training walks. Obviously if wet weather is forecast make sure you have suitable rain cover, preferably lightweight as you don't want to be carrying any excess weight.

Take sufficient water for the type of day - if it is hot and sunny then take plenty, although the Philpin Barn (between Whernside and Ingleborough) is usually open on a summer weekend and sells drinks and light snacks. Also take sun protection and wear a hat if the sun is strong.

Route finding - when the weather is clear the route is fairly easy to follow but when the cloud is down it can be difficult on the tops, especially coming from the summit of Ingleborough. It's good to know how to navigate with map and compass when crossing the Ingleborough plateau to find the right path down to Horton.

It's a cracking day out with fantastic views and on completion a wonderful sense of achievement. Take your time and enjoy the day.