Yorkshire

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-three-peaks-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="Catherine, Princess of Wales " class="wp-image-8704" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-three-peaks-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-three-peaks-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-three-peaks-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-three-peaks-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-three-peaks-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-three-peaks-1100x1100.jpeg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-three-peaks.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: @princeandprincessofwales</figcaption></figure>



Catherine, Princess of Wales, has just announced she’s completed the notoriously tough national <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/princess-of-the-peaks-how-to-take-on-your-own-local-three-peaks-challenge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Three Peaks Challenge</a>, a feat of grit, endurance and serious spirit. Part personal milestone, part awareness-raising for cancer treatment, it’s enough to make anyone feel inspired. But there&#8217;s no need to bomb between Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa in 24 hours, if you fancy tackling something equally iconic and closer to home, Yorkshire’s got its own Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="@davemacfarlane"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Catherine, Princess of Wales " class="wp-image-8705" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davemacfarlane/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@davemacfarlane</a></figcaption></figure>



The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 24‑mile (38.6km) circular route with around 1,585m (5,200ft) of ascent, taking in Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, usually in that order and ideally in under 12 hours. These hills form part of the Pennine range and wrap around the head of the River Ribble valley in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The classic Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is to complete the 24 miles and three summits in under 12 hours, which makes it a serious test of stamina and determination. That said, there’s no rule that says you have to rush. Plenty of people take a more leisurely approach, or tackle the peaks over more than one day.



Most people walk the route anti-clockwise from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, as this is the classic start, with parking, loos and a village shop for last‑minute snacks. It’s also reachable by train, which makes the whole thing unusually doable by public transport.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yorkshire-three-peaks-challenge-pen-y-ghent">Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge: Pen-y-Ghent</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Pen-y-ghent_2-1024x768.jpg" alt="Yorkshire Three Peaks " class="wp-image-8706" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Pen-y-ghent_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Pen-y-ghent_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Pen-y-ghent_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Pen-y-ghent_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Pen-y-ghent_2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16329406" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cacolantern</a> </figcaption></figure>



First up, Pen-y-Ghent (694m). This is a civilised start from Horton before the slope steepens and a short scramble wakes up your legs properly. But the lovely limestone paths, big skies and early‑morning quiet make this feel like a win right from the start. Try and leave Horton by 7am &#8211; you’ll beat the crowds and give yourself more daylight later.&nbsp;



Check out <a href="https://crown-hotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crown Hotel</a> in Horton, a traditional walkers’ haunt for pre‑ or post‑hike pub grub and a pint on the Hawes Road. <a href="https://goldenlionhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Golden Lion Hotel</a>, also in Horton, offers classic Dales hospitality, bunkroom accommodation for groups and the option of hearty breakfasts and packed lunches. This is ideal if you’re making a weekend of it. If you’re looping via Settle, <a href="https://www.layoftheland.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lay of the Land Café &amp; Coffee Shop</a> serves excellent coffee and cakes.&nbsp;



Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge: Whernside



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Whernside_and_Ribblehead_Viaduct-1024x768.jpg" alt="Yorkshire Three Peaks " class="wp-image-8707" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Whernside_and_Ribblehead_Viaduct-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Whernside_and_Ribblehead_Viaduct-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Whernside_and_Ribblehead_Viaduct-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Whernside_and_Ribblehead_Viaduct-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Whernside_and_Ribblehead_Viaduct-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="http://CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2667072" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyberdemon007</a></figcaption></figure>



Next, Whernside (736m), the highest of the trio. The ascent is long but steady and you’ll get some cracking views across the Dales. Look out for refreshment vans near Ribblehead, ideal for a quick ice cream or cold drink mid‑challenge (have some cash with you just in case). If you’ve time for a short detour to Settle, <a href="https://www.attermiresettle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attermire Café Bar </a>on Market Place is a cosy choice for homemade meals and cakes, while the <a href="https://www.talbotsettle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Talbot Arms</a> offers a proper traditional pub atmosphere with real ale and bar food.



Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge: Ingleborough



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="429" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Ingleborough_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_631731.jpg" alt="Yorkshire Three Peaks " class="wp-image-8708" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Ingleborough_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_631731.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/07/Ingleborough_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_631731-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="http://CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13175917" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Smyly</a></figcaption></figure>



Finally, Ingleborough. At 723m, it’s a punchy climb and then a broad summit with huge panoramas on a clear day. This is your proper top of the world moment.&nbsp;



Ingleborough isn’t a Sunday stroll but your reward? Wild moorland, limestone pavements, far‑reaching views and that very smug “I did it” feeling.&nbsp;



How to take part



It’s easy to plan your own Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge route. Get a map, do some homework, pack some scran, plenty of water, waterproofs and you’re off. OR you could join a <a href="https://www.threepeakschallenge.uk/yorkshire-three-peaks-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guided tour</a> with mountain leaders, support vehicles and water top-ups. If you don’t fancy doing it with strangers, go for your own private tour.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more"> IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? </h3>



<a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/superflash-news-hotels-galore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Superflash! New hotels galore and some fresh new foodie openings</a> <a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/your-essential-july-guide-30-brilliant-things-to-do-in-yorkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your essential July guide – 30+ brilliant things to do in Yorkshire</a> <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/fitness/muddy-wellness-walk-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Muddy Wellness Walk 2026 is here – and you’re invited</a>

Alright Princess: fancy a crack at the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge?

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