The Route
The route is about 24 miles (39 km) in length – depending on who you ask and on the exact route taken – and involves 5000 ft (1600 Metres) of vertical ascent. The terrain underfoot is varied and includes mountain paths, grassy slopes, farm tracks, short sections of steep rocky scrambling, and a bit of tarmac.
Section 1.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale (OL2 80,72) to Pen-y-ghent Summit (838,734)
One kilometre of walking on a minor road, and 2 uphill on a straightforward path are followed by a short section on steep rocky ground to reach the summit of Pen-y-ghent, the first peak.
Section 2.
Pen-y-ghent to High Birkwith (803,772)
Six kms of undulating descent lead to High Birkwith. In the old days you could expect to get very muddy in the bogs of Red Moss, but as of 2012 the new footpath avoids all of this. Follow the main path as it turns left down the hill, avoiding the right hand option option favoured by bog trotters of old. Walk East on this path for about 3 km before joining the Pennine Way (walking north) for about another 2km. Then take a left at a sign post marked Yorkshire 3 peaks – High Birkwith.
Section 3.
High Birkwith to at Blea Moor Road (765,793).
Four km of straightforward and fairly level walking by footpath, track and road. This is a short section and fast groups may well arrive before their support vehicle. Luckily there are usually 2 snack vans on route for those that need a caffeine or calorie boost!
Section 4.
Blea Moor Road to Whernside Summit (738,814)
This is a long but fairly steady uphill section, about 6 km in length, with none of the difficulties encountered on the route up Pen-y-ghent. The path passes the famous Ribblehead Viaduct and then snakes its way up towards the summit, with one steep section below the summit ridge. Once you reach the ridge you are past the half-way point, both in terms of distance and time. From here it is a short walk along the ridge to the summit.
Section 5.
Whernside Summit to Low Sleights Road (742,776)
Shortly after summiting Whernside the route drops steeply downhill. This section is the most difficult and technical of the descents and can be quite a test for tired legs. It is followed by a less-steep path and then 800m or so on a more-or-less-level track towards the road, and the final vehicle check point. Approximately 4.5km in total.
Section 6.
Low Sleights Road to Ingleborough Summit (741,746)
A couple of hundred metres of road walking leads to the path towards Ingleborough. The path gains height gradually for about 2 km before reaching a very steep section, comparable to that on Pen-y-ghent. After this a short uphill walk on less severe ground brings us to the summit plateau, at the far end of which is the summit itself. Four km in total.
Section 7.
Ingleborough Summit to Horton-in-Ribblesdale
The route now retraces it steps for a few hundred metres before branching off to the right for the long descent towards Horton. There are about 7km still to cover, most of which is on reasonably good paths and at a friendly gradient. It is as well not to relax too soon however – there are some short sections that are rougher underfoot and where the polished limestone can be very slippery. Finally the path arrives at Horton, where just a few hundred metres on tarmac remain to reach the finish line and a choice of 2 pubs and a cafe at which to celebrate with tea and medals!
This route description can be downloaded in PDF format for printing from Lupine Adventure Co-op.