Three Peaks Challenge

It’s been a long time in the planning and they say that half the pleasure is in the anticipation but the Three Peaks Challenge finally arrived. All we had to do was hike roughly 24 miles in 12 hours and climb three mountains, Pen-y-ghent (2277ft) , Whernside (2415ft) and Ingleborough (2372ft), a total ascent of 5202ft!

The prayers for the weather were obviously heard. Despite a grey and damp journey up we woke to a cloudy sky with the sun peaking out from behind Pen-y-ghent, a good sign of things to come.

Clocking out of the ‘official’ starting point at the Café in Horton the team set off determined to meet the challenge. The gentle stroll out into the hills quickly gave way to more challenging terrain but the first peak was tackled with gusto. Admittedly spirits were challenged by the seemingly never-ending climb, but the first peak was swiftly conquered!

Unfortunately the descent was not so graceful as rocky ground quickly gave way to peat bog. The ascent of Pen-y-ghent seemed a much more relaxing hike compared to the challenge of threading a path through mud and water, a challenge not everyone was prepared for or managed to negotiate gracefully. 

The distant viaduct and lunch seemed a long way away.

Needless to say lunch came as a welcome relief as the team settled down to a well-earned rest, for some the essential cuppa!

A chance to share war stories and reminisce over the pleasures of the first peak well and truly conquered gave way to a studious consideration of the next peak that loomed invitingly before the team. Buoyant spirits were further raised by the clear skies that had opened up on the descent and the prospect of tackling the next peak in glorious sunshine ensured that spirits were high. Not even the curious egg sandwiches could detract from the morale!

Sufficiently refreshed the team set out on the next leg, well on time to meet the 12 hour target. The long slow ascent of Whernside was tackled with gusto with Owen determined to make it to the summit. Needless to say the peak fell and the team paused to savour the view.

The distant Pen-y-ghent made the last peak seem invitingly close. The descent of Whernside presented a different challenge to the first peak, however. Where the first was a long, slow, tortuous slog through peat bogs, this was a short sharp drop. Once off it was a short hike to the last rest point, a quick check of the time and confirmation that the last peak could be tackled and Horton made in the time available. By this point the team had split into two components with Owen determined to make it in 10 hours! (He did, in 9.5 hours!)

The last peak loomed invitingly close in contrast to the long, languorous ascent of Whernside. Certainly the sharpest leg of the ascent was not for the faint hearted.

Standing at the summit and gazing back at Pen-y-ghent and Whernside gave a sense of supreme satisfaction, knowing that all three peaks had now been conquered. All that remained now was the gentle descent into Horton!

Whernside from Ingleborough.

Pen-y-ghent from Ingleborough.

Fiona’s warning about the ‘pleasures’ of the last descent echoed in the team’s mind on the long, slow slog down off Ingleborough. ( It was definitely more than 1.5 miles from that sign! )  As the distant Pen-y-ghent loomed ever closer it seemed that Horton was a mirage that could never be reached. Each rise gave way to another that constantly failed to reveal the ever-elusive finishing line. Only the thought that the worst surely had to be behind and that the clock was ticking spurred flagging spirits.

Finally the last rise fell away to reveal Horton! Blessedly inviting, the team staggered the final steps to the café to clock back in and see if the challenge had been met. The determination to meet the 12-hour deadline gave way to a sense of relief at merely having made it to the end. For many of the team the time challenge was conquered as well, for all of the team the three peaks were conquered. Those that missed the time did so by a mere 3 minutes! Whatever the time the sense of accomplishment was immense and for each team member there was a sense of pride at their own personal achievement. Everyone who set out had made it back safely with only a few bruises, sun-burns and aching legs.

The team’s heartfelt thanks go out to Fiona for all her effort organising, recceing and spurring on the team. Thanks also to all those who have sponsored the team with all proceeds going to the mission work in Africa. Donations will still be gratefully received.