Yorkshire Three Peaks Route
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Yorkshire Three Peaks Route

4.7
·34 reviews·, United Kingdom

Conquer three iconic Yorkshire peaks in a single, epic 24-mile challenge. Stunning Dales scenery awaits!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds and maximize daylight

CrowdMedium
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Yorkshire Three Peaks Route

Yorkshire Three Peaks Route

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds and maximize daylight

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Conquer three iconic Yorkshire peaks in a single, epic 24-mile challenge. Stunning Dales scenery awaits!

4.7
(34 reviews)

"The scenery in this area is awe inspiring. If you live in this area you're a lucky so and so."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Boots are Key

Invest in good hiking boots; the terrain is varied and can be slippery.

💧 Hydration & Snacks

Carry plenty of water and high-energy food. Refill points are scarce.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pen-y-Ghent

Pen-y-Ghent

Start/End Point

The first peak, offering a steep but rewarding climb with stunning panoramic views.

Whernside

Whernside

Highest Peak

The highest of the three, providing expansive vistas across the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.

Ingleborough

Ingleborough

Iconic Summit

Known for its distinctive flat-topped summit and ancient history, offering a dramatic finish.

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Planning Your Visit

Gear Up for the Challenge

The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a demanding 24-mile hike. Proper gear is crucial: waterproofs, sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks are non-negotiable. Many recommend bringing a map and compass, even with GPS, as phone signal can be unreliable. Reddit

Timing is Everything

Completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks within 12 hours is the goal for many, but it's a serious undertaking. Start early, ideally before dawn, to maximize daylight and avoid the worst of the crowds. Consider the weather forecast; rain can make the terrain significantly more challenging. Instagram

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the crowds and maximize daylight
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer hikers on the trails
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn
Why
Pleasant temperatures, beautiful scenery
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yorkshire Dales bucket list walks #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #yorkshiredales #hikingadventures #walkyourwonderful #yorkshire #leeds #freedom
@abi.o10
82K likes • 2.6M views

👟 Sturdy Boots are Key

Invest in good hiking boots; the terrain is varied and can be slippery. InstagramReddit

💧 Hydration & Snacks

Carry plenty of water and high-energy food. Refill points are scarce. Reddit

The Malham Cove circular 😍😍 #malham #northyorkshire #yorkshire #yorkshiredales
@the.yorkshireman
69.3K likes • 812.6K views
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Huge well done to the Wildcard crew who completed the 24 mile route. It was not an easy day but everyone stuck together to complete the hike faster than the 12 hour time cap! As the saying goes... 'If it ain't raining, it ain't training' #wildcard #threepeaks #yorkshire #challenge #community #team #getthemap #littlestroll #outdoor #hiking #yomp
wildcardsc
79 likes • 2.5K views

🗺️ Navigation Essentials

Don't rely solely on your phone. A map and compass are vital. InstagramReddit

☁️ Check the Weather

Conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared for rain, wind, and sun. Instagram

Pennine Barrier Training Run >> The Yorkshire Three Peaks. A tough but beautiful section of the route taking in Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. A great weekend of trails with great company. Well done everyone, see you on race day! www.gbultras.com/pennine-barrier-50/ #GBUltras #PennineBarrierUltra #UltraRunning #UltraMarathon #YorkshireDales #YorkshireThreePeaks #TrailRunning #PenYGh...
pennine_barrier_ultra
67 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Boots are Key

Invest in good hiking boots; the terrain is varied and can be slippery. InstagramReddit

💧 Hydration & Snacks

Carry plenty of water and high-energy food. Refill points are scarce. Reddit

🗺️ Navigation Essentials

Don't rely solely on your phone. A map and compass are vital. InstagramReddit

☁️ Check the Weather

Conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared for rain, wind, and sun. Instagram

⏰ Start Early

Aim for a pre-dawn start to complete the challenge within 12 hours. Instagram

🚶 Pace Yourself

The distance between peaks is significant; don't underestimate it. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(34 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a highly rewarding but undeniably tough challenge. Hikers praise the awe-inspiring scenery and the immense sense of accomplishment upon completion. However, the sheer distance and demanding terrain, especially between peaks, are frequently cited as significant difficulties, with some participants not completing all three mountains on their first attempt. Reddit

"9 hrs 50

Very tough challenge. The last mountain will be very hard!

Good luck"

Ace Rimmer

"Beautiful. Can't wait to go back an do it again 😎"

Joshi da Ghost

"Did the "Three Peaks" a few years ago. Best thing I've ever done. The scenery in this area is awe inspiring. If you live in this area you're a lucky so and so."

daniel mclintock

What People Like

Awe-inspiring scenery
Sense of accomplishment
Challenging but rewarding

What People Dislike

Tough terrain
Long distances between peaks
Unpredictable weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common starting point is Horton in Ribblesdale. You can reach it by car, with parking available, or via train on the Settle-Carlisle line. Some hikers also start from Ribblehead or Chapel-le-Dale. Instagram+1

Yes, trains run to Horton in Ribblesdale, which is a popular starting point. Buses are less frequent and may not directly serve all trailheads. Planning your transport in advance is recommended. Instagram

Parking is available in Horton in Ribblesdale, though it can get busy, especially on weekends. Some people opt to stay in nearby towns like Ingleton and drive to the start. Instagram

Yes, it's designed as a challenging day hike, typically completed within 12 hours. However, many choose to break it up with an overnight stay in the area for a more relaxed experience. Instagram

The classic route is a 24-mile circular walk taking in Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Many hikers follow established routes, often found on apps like AllTrails, which can be clockwise or anti-clockwise. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entry fees or tickets required to hike the Yorkshire Three Peaks. It's a public right of way through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Instagram

Generally, no permits are required for individuals or small groups hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks. However, if you're organizing a large event or charity walk, you may need to liaise with the National Park authorities. Instagram

The trails are open 24/7. The best time to start is early morning to make the most of daylight and avoid crowds. Instagram

There is no admission fee. The Yorkshire Three Peaks route is freely accessible to all. Instagram

Yes, many companies offer guided tours for the Yorkshire Three Peaks. This can be a great option for those seeking support, navigation, and a more structured experience. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The challenge is typically completed within 12 hours. However, it can take anywhere from 9 to 14 hours depending on fitness, pace, and weather conditions. Instagram+3

The classic route covers approximately 24 miles (38.6 km). Some variations might be slightly longer. Instagram+2

The total ascent is around 1,585 meters (5,200 feet). It's a significant climb spread across the three peaks. Instagram

Facilities are limited. There are toilets and a cafe at the National Park visitor centre near Aysgarth Falls (though this is a separate walk). Basic facilities might be found in villages like Horton in Ribblesdale, but plan to be self-sufficient for most of the route. TikTok

It's a very challenging hike and not recommended for complete beginners without significant preparation. Good fitness and prior hiking experience are advised. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough offer breathtaking panoramic views. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, while not directly on the main Three Peaks route, are stunning nearby attractions often featured in Yorkshire Dales content. TikTok+1

Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting, but starting early ensures you have daylight for the entire hike. Midday can be harsh for photography, but the expansive views are still impressive. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Ensure your gear is protected from the elements. TikTok

The views from the summits are unparalleled. Look out for the Ribblehead Viaduct, especially if you take a slightly modified route or approach. The approach to Ingleborough also offers striking perspectives. Instagram

Drone usage in National Parks can be restricted. Always check the latest regulations with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority before flying a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The full Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is likely too strenuous for young children. However, families can tackle sections or choose shorter, more manageable hikes in the area. Pen-y-Ghent is sometimes climbed by families, with some sections offering a bit of scrambling that kids might enjoy, though it's still a significant undertaking. Instagram

Consider exploring attractions like Malham Cove, Janet's Foss, or Aysgarth Falls for more family-friendly walks. These offer beautiful scenery and shorter routes that are more suitable for younger legs. Always assess your children's capabilities and ensure you have appropriate gear and supervision. TikTok+2

💰 Budget Travelers

The Yorkshire Three Peaks itself is free to access, making it an excellent budget-friendly adventure. The main costs will be transportation, food, and potentially accommodation if you choose to stay overnight. Instagram

Camping or staying in hostels can significantly reduce accommodation expenses. Packing your own food and snacks for the hike is also a major cost-saver compared to relying on cafes or shops along the route. Reddit

🏃 Ultra Runners & Serious Hikers

For experienced ultra-runners and seasoned hikers, the Yorkshire Three Peaks offers a fantastic challenge. Many use it as a training run for larger events, aiming for sub-10-hour times. Instagram+2 The varied terrain and significant ascent provide a good test of endurance and speed. Instagram

Consider tackling the route anti-clockwise for a different challenge, or explore variations that add extra mileage or technical sections. The key is to be well-prepared with lightweight gear and a solid understanding of the route and your own capabilities. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Explained

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is an iconic endurance hike covering three of the highest mountains in the Yorkshire Dales: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The standard route is a circular 24-mile trek, typically completed in under 12 hours. It's a test of stamina, navigation, and mental fortitude, attracting hikers, runners, and charity fundraisers alike. Instagram+2

The route usually starts and finishes in Horton in Ribblesdale. From there, hikers ascend Pen-y-Ghent, followed by a long stretch to Whernside, the highest peak. The final leg involves descending Whernside and traversing to Ingleborough before returning to Horton. The terrain varies from well-trodden paths to boggy moorland and rocky ascents, demanding appropriate footwear and preparation. Instagram+1

Many people undertake this challenge for charity, with organizations like the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and St Cuthbert's Hospice offering organized events. Instagram+1 While achievable for fit individuals, it's crucial to train adequately, with many recommending long hikes of 12-20 miles beforehand. Reddit The unpredictable Yorkshire weather can add an extra layer of difficulty, so being prepared for all conditions is paramount. Instagram

Beyond the Peaks: Exploring Nearby Gems

While the Yorkshire Three Peaks are the main draw, the surrounding Yorkshire Dales offer a wealth of natural beauty and attractions. Malham Cove, a magnificent natural amphitheatre with a sheer cliff face, is a popular spot, often featured in hiking content. Nearby Janet's Foss is a picturesque waterfall, and Gordale Scar is a dramatic limestone gorge that has even appeared in 'The Witcher' series. TikTok+2

For those interested in waterfalls, Aysgarth Falls is another stunning location within the Dales, offering a series of cascades that are particularly beautiful in autumn. TikTok These sites can be incorporated into longer trips or visited as separate day excursions, providing a broader appreciation of the Yorkshire countryside's diverse landscapes. TikTok

Some adventurous individuals have even explored wild swimming opportunities in gorges and waterfalls, though this should only be attempted with extreme caution and local knowledge, as conditions can be hazardous. TikTok The Yorkshire Dales National Park is rich with opportunities for exploration, from charming villages to rugged moorlands, making it a destination for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

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