Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Weekend Report
This Blog Relates to the following trips from Large Outdoors
Yorkshire Three Peaks Weekend Package:
🔗 https://www.largeoutdoors.com/yorkshire-three-peaks-challenge-weekend
Challenge weekends with Large Outdoors are filled with sweat, occasional tears, and plenty of laughter—thankfully, no blood this past weekend! It’s all part of the experience, and this one didn’t disappoint. Here’s what our latest challengers had to say:
“What a delight to see a smiling face as we approached our checkpoints.”
“You guys made it such a great weekend that I won’t forget this for a long time.”
“My goodness, that was hard, but I’m really glad I did it.”
What’s Involved in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge?
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 26-mile route that tackles three summits: Ingleborough, Whernside, and Pen-y-ghent—all in under 12 hours.
We start bright and early at 0600 to ensure plenty of daylight, heading out from our accommodation and making our way from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Unlike most walkers, we take the route in reverse, helping you stay orientated and avoid getting caught in the crowds. This approach lets you remain part of a smaller, more connected group—a key feature of our group walking weekends.
After tackling the first peak, Ingleborough, your reward is a warm drink and our famous flapjacks, served at the Ingleton road crossing by our ever-supportive team.
Yorkshire Three Peak Challengers on the summit of their second peak.
Conquering Whernside and Pen-y-ghent
From there, we ascend Whernside, often greeted with views of Morecambe Bay and even the Lake District on a clear day. The descent can be disorienting, but thanks to our expert mountain leaders, you'll stay on track and avoid unnecessary detours.
The final challenge is Pen-y-ghent, a shorter but equally rewarding ascent. By this stage, the energy from our flapjacks really comes into play!
The Importance of Pacing
The stretch between Whernside and Pen-y-ghent can feel long, but this is where keeping up a steady pace makes all the difference. Finding a good rhythm on the flat sections is a skill you can practice anywhere, making it easier to tackle the final part of the challenge when it matters most.
Yorkshire Three Peak Challengers on the summit of their third peak.
The Final Push
Crossing the finish line is a mix of relief and exhilaration. Watching participants turn onto the country lane and seeing their tired but triumphant faces is always a pleasure. Handshakes, hugs, and even a few tears show just how much completing this walking challenge means to everyone involved.
After the challenge, we return to our accommodation for a well-deserved three-course meal, which this weekend featured baked brie, chicken with chorizo, and sticky toffee pudding. A perfect way to end the day!
Gareth’s final words to the group? “Take yourself to bed and enjoy it—you’ve earned it!”
We can’t wait to see you on one of our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge weekends next year. Our events will resume when the daylight hours return, and we’ll be ready to welcome a new group of adventurers to tackle the three peaks.
Visit our dedicated Yorkshire Three Peaks page here for more details and booking information.
