Yorkshire 3 Peaks

What Are The Yorkshire 3 Peaks?

If you're based in Yorkshire, a mention of 'doing the 3 Peaks' tends to mean the Yorkshire version of the 3 Peaks challenge.


Up in the northern part of the county you'll find three particularly large (for England) hills. These are:

  • Pen-y-ghent694m
  • Whernside736m
  • Ingleborough723m

What's The Challenge?

Of course, you can have some lovely walks completing each of these hills individually. They would each make for a great day out on their own (and I've often taken people out to do just that).


Taken as a set of three they form the challenge itself. The task is to complete the 24 mile loop including all three hills within a 12 hour time limit.

Typically starting and ending in Horton-in-Ribblesdale the route can be done in either direction although most tend to begin with Pen-y-ghent.

Days out to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks can happen at any time of year. The spring, summer and autumn are typically the more popular but hardy souls with perhaps a little more outdoor experience (and adequate clothing) often attempt it during the winter.

Your Group

This is a popular walk and it's common to see a broad mix of individuals and groups out for the day. Most will be out in small groups walking (some particularly enthusiastic people will run it), some will be in larger groups and it is often used as a charity challenge which might include dozens of people split into multiple smaller groups.


Mostly you'll see other people on the way but it shouldn't (hopefully) be crowded. The first good weather after lockdown did see an excess of charity teams but even with many hundreds of people it was still passable.

I organise both types of days out.

Individuals and small groups

Groups 1 to 12 people can be arranged at quite short notice. Just fill in my enquiry form or pick an existing planned date and we'll get it set up.

Larger Groups and Events

Arranging for larger numbers (over 12) or bigger events will typically take a longer time to get set up. I will need to organise additional guiding staff and there may be further logistics (aid stations, extra vehicle cover, fundraising etc) which will take time to book in and manage.


Charity based events are often undertaken by a wide mix of individuals who may need to do some training before they're ready to make the attempt. I can advise on how best to go about this. I can supply training guides or individual advice as needed.

Send me a message through my enquiry form and we can get arrange a chat about your requirements.