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Northumbria University Mountaineering Club |
O U T A C |
Route : Three Peaks |
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OS MAP : |
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Grade : |
1 |
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GR : |
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Terrain : |
1 |
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Distance : |
32.6 km |
Navigation : |
1 |
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Ascent : |
1,661 m |
Seriousness : |
3 |
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Time : |
8.38 hours |
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SD 80895 72425 |
236m |
3.10km |
Horton Start |
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SD 83850 73385 |
691m |
6.34km |
Pn-Y-Ghent Summit |
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SD 79290 77815 |
273m |
1.55km |
Nether Lodge |
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SD 77760 78100 |
297m |
1.67km |
B6479 |
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SD 76435 79130 |
302m |
2.68km |
Ribblehead Viaduct |
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SD 76065 81790 |
366m |
0.77km |
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SD 75705 82475 |
463m |
2.13km |
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SD 73850 81415 |
728m |
2.56km |
Whernside Summit |
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SD 73790 78850 |
312m |
1.69km |
Bruntscar |
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SD 73925 77160 |
250m |
2.48km |
B6255 Chapel-le-Dale |
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SD 74720 74805 |
628m |
0.66km |
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SD 74090 74610 |
723m |
7.01km |
Inglebrough Summit |
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SD 80465 72600 |
231m |
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Horton |
Although the walks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside
and Ingleborough separately are great in their own right, there is a challenge
that inspires many walkers to attempt to reach the summit of all three, making
a complete circuit, in a single one day expedition. The Three Peaks Challenge
has become a recognised test of ability and endurance. 25.5 miles is a long
walk without taking into account the summits. This is a gruelling test of
stamina and should only be attempted by strong walkers with staying power. Many
more walkers start the walk than finish it.
The walk
has few rules, the aim to link all three summits on foot in a single walk,
ending at the place started, which may be any point on route.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale is the most favourable, with the Pen-y-ghent Cafe being
the start and finish. Ribblehead is also worth considering. The advantage being
that the peaks of Whernside and Ingleborough are ascended early in the day. The
problem with this route is that the boggy section at Black Moss Dub is left to
the end when your legs are tired.
It is
for these reasons that the route explained here starts from the Pen-y-ghent
Cafe in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and goes anti-clockwise. The Pen-y-ghent Cafe
offers a unique safety facility which enables customers to leave details of
their intended routes in the hills with the knowledge that their failure to
return in a reasonable time will be noted. in this event, they may be reported
missing and a search initiated (Click Pen-y-ghent Cafe button for more
information). The cafe will also give you advice or assistance to help you get
the most out of your time in the area. They have a fund of local knowledge of
places to visit, things to do, accommodation, public transport etc. Books,
maps, local guides along with other items of use for the outdoors are all
available not to mention the best beans-on-toast I have ever tasted.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale
is located on the B6479 which in turn joins the busy A65 Skipton to Kendal
road. The Three Peaks area is part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Weather
forecasts for the area are on display on Saturdays and Sundays and will be read
to phone enquirers. Alternatively ring 01729 860333. Make sure you have proper
footwear, boots are preferred since they protect your feet from rocky ground
and support your ankles over uneven paths. Carry spare warm clothing and a
windproof jacket. Obtain the weather forecast before you leave and bear in mind
weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly. always carry a map and compass and
know how to use them. Most accidents occur when walkers are tired at the end of
the day. If in doubt, turn back or head for the nearest village.
Due to
the popularity of the walk, erosion has become a major problem. The path at the
infamous Black Moss Dub is always wet and boggy, and can be avoided by using
the miners path.
