Yorkshire Three Peaks and More

Written by Sue, Harling House - January 29, 2023

In the West corner of North Yorkshire, the area known as 'the 3 peaks' with Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside. History shows that, due to the proximity and height of the peaks, it is considered a challenge to hike all 3 in one go and that this was done originally using Chapel-le-Dale as the start/finish. Given that it's a circular route, you could start at any point and 'the challenge' is considered to be to hike all 3 in under 12 hours. You can even print off a certificate from the Yorkshire Dales National Park website with your details.

Yorkshire Peaks Challenge

The website http://www.yorkshirepeakschallenge.co.uk has some very useful advice about the route, what you will need, and preparation for your time in the Yorkshire 3 Peaks area.
You may want to consider booking a guide, who can ensure you make the most of the day and provide support and encouragement - details on the above website.

More to do in the area

If taking on the hiking challenge isn't for you, there's a wide range of other things for you in this corner of the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy the views towards The Peaks from nearby villages and Ribblehead Viaduct, from where you can see all 3. There's a disclaimer here, because if there's low cloud, you probably won't be able to see the tops! It's still an atmospheric place to visit, to admire the viaduct and you may see a steam train (run once or twice weekly over summer, advance booking required for charter journeys), which adds to the romance of the location.

Ingleton, Clapham and Horton-in-Ribblesdale

The villages of Ingleton, Clapham and Horton-in-Ribblesdale are the closest to starting points for the 3 Peaks, or to climb individual Peaks. Maybe doing 1 a day is more your speed, taking in the views and scenery. You will find a wide range of places to stay, so that you can make a short break of it, including campsites, bunk barns, bed and breakfasts or traditional inns. There are show caves near Ingleton (White Scar) and Clapham (Ingleborough Cave) which can be visited most days and provide scenery of the underground variety. There are professional guides in the area who can also take you underground to the cave and potholing systems, the largest in the Country being the '3 Counties system', with passages of just under 54 miles. Twice a year, for just over a week in May and August, there's the opportunity to really get underground, by taking the winch chair decent down in to Gaping Ghyll (or Gill). The area volume is just larger than the nave of York Minster. You cannot book in advance, so take a look at the websites for the Craven and Bradford Potholing clubs who set up these winch meets and divert the river especially for the event.

The Waterfalls Trail at Ingleton and other local walks

The Waterfalls Trail at Ingleton is also a very good hike, with many 'ups and downs' as you follow 6km of paths along the rivers and waterfalls. Our B&B, Harling House, is less than a mile from the start or the trail. Whichever walk or scenic drive you have enjoyed during the day, there's a selection of places to eat and have a friendly chat with a drink or two in the villages. Ingleton has pubs and restaurants, whilst there's a pub in Clapham and 2 in Horton. In Spring, the woodland above the hamlet of Feizor (home of the infamous Elane's Tea Room) is bursting with bluebells and the trail path has views towards Pen-y-Ghent.

Settle

While in the area, make sure you visit the market town of Settle (market day on Tuesday) with its House Of Mystery 'The Folly', which has exhibitions, café and galleries. Call to The Courtyard Dairy for artisan cheese, and check out the shops, pottery (the longest established pottery in The Dales) and seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool at Ingleton.

Harling House Bed and Breakfast

Harling House Bed & Breakast is located on the outskirts of Ingleton village in the Yorkshire Dales. Though Ingleton is a village, we're very fortunate to have a wide range of dining options and shopping, including the longest established pottery in The Dales, all a short walk from the doorstep.

For more details visit the Harling House Bed and Breakfast page.