Yorkshire Dales - Three Peaks in three days - three very different days walking

The Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks have a really special place in my heart.

Over the last 20 years, I have walked them many times, on my own, with family members and of course guided customers over them both for Shepherds Walks and Shepherds Walks Holidays.

After meeting with the group on the first evening I knew this was going to be a good one as the group really gelled during the first night.

Day 1 – Whernside

Whernside: Whernside is the tallest of the three peaks, standing at 736 meters (2,415 feet) above sea level. It is a long, sloping hill, and the trail to the summit provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

This walk is certainly a walk of two halves, it starts off following the famous Settle to Carlisle railway line before a lovely gradual climb up to the summit.

From the summit it is a steep drop down to the valley floor, then a lovely walk through farmland passing the Ribblehead viaduct.

Day 2 – Pen-y-Ghent

Pen-y-Ghent: At 694 meters (2,277 feet), Pen-y-ghent is the smallest of the three peaks. The name Pen-y-ghent is of Welsh origin and means "Hill of the Winds." It is a distinctive hill with a steep ascent.

This is my favourite of the Yorkshire Dales Three peaks.

After a steady climb up it is a short but steep descent, made it into a truly stunning circular walk, with the final section following the River Ribble.

Day 3 – Ingleborough

Ingleborough: Ingleborough is 723 meters (2,372 feet) high and is known for its limestone pavement near the summit. It is the second tallest of the three peaks. The word "Ingleborough" has Old English origins and means "Hill of the Angles."

The weather forecast was not the best for this day’s walking and it certainly was correct, we had about an hour of dry walking before the waterproofs where needed.

Then it was walking through the mist for the majority of the time, thankfully it did not dampen the spirits when we hit the summit.

The end to a great 3 days walking in the Yorkshire Dales.

Some great friends were made.

Yorkshire Dales in Three Days - more info here about upcoming walking holidays