NORTH CHESHIRE NORDIC WALKERS TAKE ON………….
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge takes in the peaks of Pen-y-ghent (691 metres,) Whernside (728metres,) and Ingleborough (723 metres), usually in this order, and in under 12 hours. These peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The first recorded ascent of the three hills was in July 1887 by J.R. Wynne-Edwards and D.R. Smith in a time of 10 hours. Fast forward to July 2016 and it’s the turn of North Cheshire Nordic Walkers to take up the challenge!!!!!
The walk covers a distance of 37.5 km (23.3 mi) with nearly 1,600 m (5,249 ft) of ascent and descent
The proposed date for the walk is Saturday 2nd July and as it is an early start (7.00am) it might be best to go up on the Friday evening staying near to the start, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, and stay over for serious relaxation (and beer)on the Saturday night.
There is not much accommodation in Horton- In- Ribblesdale itself; however there are plenty of pubs and B&Bs in Settle and the surrounding area.
ITINERARY SATURDAY 2nd JULY
7.00am: Meet at the start point in Horton- In-Ribblesdale to get going on the route.
6.00pm: Complete the walk. Aprez walk beer at the pub in Horton In Ribblesdale.
8.00pm: Dinner at The Lion at Settle.
Alternately, if you don’t fancy the full walk how about joining in for 1 or 2 of the peaks? There is a train connection which provides the opportunity to start the walk then peel off after Pen Y Ghent (Approx 9.5 miles) and return by train from Ribblehead station back to the start point at Horton-In-Ribblesdale.
Alternatively there is the option to join us to do Whernside and Ingleborough (Approx 14 miles). There is a train at 10.00am from Horton-In-Ribblesdale to Ribblehead where we will be passing through at 10.30am.
Transport isn’t required during the challenge itself, as the route starts and finishes in the same place, but we will have a vehicle to provide support during the walk. This provides a safe means for group members to retire from the walk at certain points, and can provide refreshments.
Originally we were going to do this challenge through CAFT however their planned dates are too late in the year to give us full daylight. Ian and I will check everyone in and out and guide the walk. Therefore we would like a minimum donation of £30 per person, all of which will be donated. I am proposing that we give 50% to CAFT and 50% to NCNW’s current charity, the North West Air Ambulance.
Everyone is welcome to come along to the event. Obviously a certain level of fitness and stamina (although dogged determination can also assist) is required to complete the full circuit. We have several day walks planned prior to the event which will be excellent training. I would advise that you have walked a minimum of 15 miles in a day previously. We can help you with training plans if required.
You can find details of the Day Walks at:-
https://northcheshirenordicwalking.com/walks/2016-day-walks/
For a list of accommodation and more information about the Y3P:-
http://www.threepeakschallenge.uk/yorkshire-three-peaks-challenge/accommodation
It would be great if we could all stay in Settle so that it is easier to all get together for the post walk refuelling dinner.
And remember – don’t lose sight of what the great man, Alfred Wainwright, said ‘’ …….walking is a pleasure to be enjoyed in comfort’’. We’ll see.
North Cheshire Nordic Walking 