Hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks

The Yorkshire Three Peaks are a collection of three mountains, Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. They are usually walked in a circular route and can be completed in one day. It's 24 miles in distance and involves 5000ft of vertical elevation.

Where to start?

Traditionally the Yorkshire Three Peak walk started in the village of Horton in Ribblesdale at the Pen-y-ghent cafe. Sadly the café has now closed which is a shame as it had an old clocking in/out machine from a Lancashire Mill which allowed you to become part of the Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club if you completed the challenge in under 12 hours. You can still start in Horton as there is a pay and display car park with free public toilets and some on street parking which fills up quickly in the summer months.

What should you take?

It goes without saying that a sturdy pair of walking boots and decent quality waterproofs are a must. Even on a warm summer’s day, the temperature can still drop at the summits. A comfortable rucksack with spare warm clothing, food, water, map, compass, first aid kit and a fully charged mobile phone. The kit that you take completely depends on your own experience walking in the fells, so understand your own limits.

Do you need permission?

The entirety of the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk is on public rights of way and open access land so you do not need permission to walk, but be advised that the Yorkshire Dales are working landscapes and the Country Code should still be respected in order for the land to be protected and enjoyed by everyone.

Respecting the environment!

A lot of work and land management takes place across the Yorkshire Dales National Park to ensure that the very fragile environments are conserved. When walking, keep to the footpaths to stop erosion even if it means walking in single file. Take your litter home with you, leaving no trace of your visit and be considerate to those living and working in the countryside. Care for the nature you’re walking in so that it may be preserved for future generations to enjoy too.

We have a wide selection of Yorkshire Dales related products at Cardtoons which you can check out here.