Three mountains. One day. One very tired crew. The Raven Forge crew took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks and conquered all three summits in 12 hours — legs burning, boots soaked and spirits (mostly) unbroken.
This is the story of our day on Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. If you're planning your own Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, stick around: further down we've put together everything you need to know, from the route to the kit that'll actually get you round.
What is the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge?
The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a circular walk of about 24 miles (38.6 km) and 1,585 m (5,200 ft) of climbing in the Yorkshire Dales. The classic goal is to summit all three peaks in under 12 hours. Most walkers start and finish in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, often setting off around 7am.
- Pen-y-ghent – 694 m
- Whernside – 735 m (the highest)
- Ingleborough – 723 m
Our day on the peaks
Peak 1: Pen-y-ghent
We set off from Horton with fresh legs and big talk. Pen-y-ghent is the shortest of the three, but its steep, rocky nose gets the heart going early — and the clag rolled in to make sure we earned every step.
Peak 2: Whernside
The long middle stretch is where the challenge really starts. Miles of moorland, footbridges and dry-stone walls lead past the famous Ribblehead Viaduct before the climb up Whernside, the highest point of the day. This is where the banter got quieter and the snack breaks got longer.
Peak 3: Ingleborough
By Ingleborough, every step was earned. The final ascent is steep — a proper "don't look down" moment — and our legs had opinions about it. Reaching that flat summit plateau, knowing it was all downhill from there, was one of the best feelings of the day.
Back to Horton: 12 hours done
The walk back down to Horton feels longer than it has any right to. But we rolled in together, three peaks bagged in 12 hours. Every ache was worth it. Skål to the crew.
What you need for the Yorkshire Three Peaks: kit list
Planning your own Three Peaks walk? Here's what got us round, and what we'd tell any mate before they set off.
Good walking boots or shoes
Your feet carry you 24 miles over rock, bog and steep steps. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots or trail shoes with good grip, and break them in before the day — never wear new boots on the challenge. Pack spare socks and some blister plasters.
Proper waterproofs
The Dales weather changes fast, and the summits can be wet, windy and cold even in summer — as our photos prove. Bring a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers, plus a warm layer, hat and gloves. Being soaked and cold for hours drains your energy faster than the hills do.
Loads of food
You'll burn a huge amount of energy over 12 hours. Pack more than you think you need: sandwiches or wraps for proper meals, plus snacks you can eat on the move — flapjacks, nuts, chocolate, sweets. Keep eating little and often, especially in the last few miles from Ingleborough back to Horton.
Plenty of water
Carry at least 2 litres and plan where you can top up. Electrolyte tablets help on a hot day. Dehydration creeps up on you, so sip regularly rather than waiting until you're thirsty.
The rest of the checklist
- Map and compass (or a downloaded offline map) — and know how to use them
- Fully charged phone and a power bank
- Head torch, in case you finish after dark
- Small first-aid kit
- Sun cream and sunglasses
- Walking poles to save your knees on the descents
- Cash for the café or snack van
Top tips for completing the Three Peaks in 12 hours
- Start early. Setting off around 7am gives you daylight to spare.
- Pace yourself on Pen-y-ghent. Going off too fast early on costs you on Ingleborough.
- Check the forecast the night before and the morning of. Don't be afraid to turn back in bad weather.
- Walk as a group and look out for each other.
- Keep eating and drinking all the way to the finish.
Yorkshire Three Peaks FAQ
How long is the Yorkshire Three Peaks? About 24 miles (38.6 km) with 1,585 m of ascent.
How long does it take? The challenge is to finish in under 12 hours. Many walkers take 10 to 12 hours.
Which peak is the hardest? Whernside is the highest, but most people find Ingleborough toughest because it comes last, on tired legs.
Where does it start? Most people start and finish in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
May Odin be smiling on you
The Yorkshire Three Peaks is long. Properly, brutally long. But with good boots, proper waterproofs, loads of food and water and a crew beside you, it's one of the best days out you'll ever have. Train for it, pack well, and may Odin be smiling on you that day — you'll need him.
And when you're done, you've earned a horn of mead. Skål!
