Tackling Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent in N. Yorkshire

I splashed out on some brand new outdoor kit not too long ago and as a result made the decision I wanted to justify my investment by creating myself a challenge, I decide on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the challenge being to climb the three tallest hills in Yorkshire - Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent. Generally it’s all three in 1 day however this sounds like too much for me hence I will tackle 1 each day. I pick up up my new equipment and Ken the dog and travel to my accommodation in Ingleton. I opt to climb Ingleborough to begin with, it isn't the tallest but still seems the most scary from a distance, the evening before I prepare my way choosing one that won't be the primary route as I wish to keep away from the other hikers. I make a decision on a circular trek terminating doing a meander down a river. I’m awake and out of the door sharpish the next morning refusing to let the grey weather conditions halt me. The pooch and I set out up the shingle path itching to get on. I was right about this route, there are not many people but I quickly fall into the same pace with a family, getting past them then getting passed by them as we have breaks or stop in order to take in the landscape. Ken is a fantastic encouragement setting the pace from time to time pulling me up the hill, his 4 limbs giving him an edge. Finally we arrive at the peak and the scene is stunning making the whole of it worth doing, I are able to recognise the major path which seems congested nonetheless it appears to be a great deal easier than what I have recently achieved. I see the family group again and am envious of their al-fresco dining, need to remember sandwiches next time! After a respite we are’re off again, my descent path is a steep one so I choose my route down cautiously very much to The dog’s frustration, in the end we arrive at the bottom but have got the stream trek before we are back at the car. This appeared like a fantastic idea yesterday but I’m regretting it right now, after some while my car comes into sight and the dog and I are finished for today. Now to Whernside, I stick to the primary trail today because the lengthy trip yesterday has left me sore. Whernside is the highest of the peaks and even though the trail is not as steep as Ingleborough it is a longer distance. The way meanders along the well-known Settle-Carlise Railway for awhile, a walker's very first sight on the path entailing the impressive Ribblehead viaduct. Soon enough the industrial masterpiece is nowhere to be seen and the ascent starts off. Ken and my lunch are the main motivators. Both of us reach the summit and the landscape is marvellous, yet again justifying the trek to the top. Both of us have our picnic then set off on making our way back, the descent course is more steep than the climb and I slip down, luckily I have enough padding on my bottom therefore no injuries just to my pride! Both of us achieve the bottom of Whernside however still have a little way to go to get to the car, fortunately it's a level way across the bottom of the valley so I am able to get on with experiencing the suroundings as opposed to concentrating on where to put my feet next. Lastly Pen-y-Ghent beckons, my motivation is sadly not there today but I go out just the same. Pen-y-Ghent is the beginning place for those people mad enough to attempt it all in 12 hours. I am able to spot why since it is easily the gentlest and prettiest path, my fellow walkers seem more friendly too. Even the soaking I catch in the rain shower, which goes over too fast even for me to test out my new waterproof gear, does not reduce my good mood. We are soon at the summit and taking in the landscape, I think back again over the last few days and take in what I have attained – a grand total of 2142 metres climbed (then down again) and 24 miles walked. I start dreaming about the next project, however first I’ve got to get down Pen-y-Ghent!

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