Distance – 41.1km

Elevation Gain – 1,662m

Duration – 11 hours

Set in the heart of the Yorshire Dales, the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks trail spans a near-marathon distance, with 1,600m+ of elevation gain thrown in for good measure.

Conquering the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in under 12 hours is both a physically and mentally demanding challenge, which rewards with stunning vistas, adventure and a sense of personal achievement in abundance.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, this trail tests endurance and spirit, whilst offering a truly unforgettable experience in one of England’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Getting There

The Yorkshire Three Peaks are all located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The most popular starting point for the challenge is the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, which is well-connected by road and rail.

• By Car – Horton-in-Ribblesdale is around 1.5 hours from Leeds and 1 hour from Lancaster. There is ample parking in the village, with designated car parks available for hikers tackling the Three Peaks.
• By Train – Horton-in-Ribblesdale has its own train station, part of the scenic Settle-Carlisle line, making it easily accessible by train from Leeds, Carlisle, and other major towns.
• By Bus – Limited bus services operate in the area, but options are available from nearby towns such as Settle.

If you’re planning to travel by public transport, it’s best to check timetables in advance as services can be infrequent, especially on weekends.

Where to Stay

When planning your Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, having a comfortable place to rest before and after your hike is key. I would definitely recommend staying nearby the night after, potentially the night before as well. Once you’ve completed the challeneg, last thing you’ll want to do is then drive home, or deal with public transport.

The nearby market town of Settle, just 6 miles from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, offers a range of accommodation options from cozy guesthouses to charming self-catering cottages, as well as camping.

Camping

• Knight Stainforth Hall Campsite – Just a 10-minute drive from Settle, this scenic campsite is located on a working farm along the banks of the River Ribble.
• Settle Camping – Conveniently located near the town center, this campsite offers easy access to Settle’s pubs, shops, and cafes. It’s a great option for hikers who want to be within walking distance of amenities while enjoying the outdoor camping experience.
• Langcliffe Park – Located just 1 mile from Settle, Langcliffe Park offers a peaceful campsite in a lovely rural setting. The site welcomes tents, caravans, and motorhomes
• Horton-in-Ribblesdale Campsite – Located in the heart of the village, this is a popular spot for hikers looking to camp close to the start of the trail.
• Ribblehead Viaduct Campsite – Set near the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, this campsite offers a more remote experience with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

Hostels and Bunkhouses

• YHA Ingleton – Around a 20-minute drive from Settle, this affordable option offers dormitory-style and private rooms, perfect for groups of hikers.
• The Old School Bunkhouse (Chapel-le-Dale) – Located between Ingleborough and Whernside, this rustic bunkhouse provides a communal space for walkers.

Settle Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, and Hotels

Settle is an excellent base for those who want to stay in a picturesque town with plenty of amenities, including pubs and cafes.

• Falcon Manor – This boutique hotel is a luxurious option set in a beautifully restored Victorian manor house. Perfect for those wanting to relax in style after the hike.
• King William the Fourth Guest House – A charming, family-run guesthouse located in the heart of Settle, offering warm hospitality and a hearty breakfast to fuel your walk.
• The Golden Lion – A historic inn with comfortable rooms and a traditional pub downstairs, ideal for those looking to stay in the center of town with a friendly atmosphere.

Self-Catering Cottages

For more privacy or larger groups, self-catering cottages in and around Settle offer a home-away-from-home feel.

• Settle Holiday Cottages – A range of quaint cottages are available for short-term stays, providing flexibility for groups or families. Many are pet-friendly too, in case you’re bringing a four-legged friend along.
• Langcliffe Cottages – Situated in the nearby village of Langcliffe, these traditional Yorkshire stone cottages are great for those looking for a quiet, countryside retreat.
• Eldon Country Apartments – Offering apartments with scenic views of the surrounding countryside, this option is ideal for couples or small groups looking for a bit more space and self-sufficiency.

Where to Eat

After a long day of tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks, you’ll definitely need/want a good meal to refuel. Just think of all the guilt free calories! I burnt around 7,000 calories the day I completed the trail.

Settle, with its cozy pubs, cafes, and restaurants, has a variety of options to satisfy your hunger and taste preferences.

Pubs and Inns

Settle is home to several traditional pubs that offer hearty meals, perfect for recovering after your trek.

• The Lion at Settle – A historic pub with a cozy atmosphere, known for its classic pub dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Their homemade pies and Sunday roasts are crowd favorites.
• The Talbot Arms – This charming inn serves up delicious comfort food, including burgers, steaks, and traditional fish and chips. It’s a great spot for a casual post-hike dinner.
• The Golden Lion – Also a popular accommodation option, this pub serves a range of local ales alongside a menu of British classics. Their beer garden is ideal for unwinding on sunny days.

Cafes and Tearooms

If you’re looking for a more relaxed dining experience or a pre-hike breakfast, Settle’s cafes and tearooms are the perfect spots.

• The Naked Man Café – One of Settle’s most well-known spots, this quaint café offers hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and homemade cakes. It’s a great place to start your day with a traditional full English breakfast or unwind with tea and scones after your hike.
• The Folly Coffee House – Located in a historic building, this cozy café is perfect for light bites, soups, and freshly brewed coffee. Their homemade quiches and cakes are a treat.
• Ye Olde Naked Man – A sister café to the Naked Man, this venue also serves excellent coffees, cakes, and lunches, with a friendly, welcoming vibe.

Restaurants

For those looking for a more formal sit-down meal, Settle also has a few excellent restaurants with diverse options.

• The Fisherman’s – Known for its fresh seafood, The Fisherman’s offers a menu packed with dishes like fish platters, crab, and other seafood delicacies. It’s a little gem if you’re craving something different.
• Rucci’s – A great spot for lovers of Indian cuisine, Rucci’s offers an array of traditional Indian dishes, from mild to spicy curries, perfect for a filling post-hike feast.
• Little House Restaurant – This intimate restaurant provides a fine dining experience, with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu offers a modern twist on British cuisine, and it’s perfect for a special meal after completing the Three Peaks.

Takeaways

If you’re in need of a quick bite after a long day, Settle also has several takeaway options:

• The Brasserie Takeaway – Known for its gourmet fish and chips, this takeaway spot is perfect for grabbing something delicious to eat on the go.
• Lay of the Land Deli – Offering sandwiches, homemade soups, and fresh salads, this deli is a great option for hikers who want to pack something fresh for their journey or grab a quick bite after the trek.

Stocking Up for the Hike

Whether you’re having a BBQ at the campsite, or in need of snacks for the hike, Settle has a few grocery stores where you can stock up.

• Booths Supermarket – A well-stocked supermarket offering a wide range of local produce, snacks, and drinks.
• Settle Co-op – Another convenient option to grab essentials for your hike.

The Route

Start – Horton-in-Ribblesdale

• Elevation: 239m (784 ft)
• Distance to next peak: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)

The challenge begins in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, a small village with plenty of parking. Most hikers start early to maximize daylight hours. The trail begins on a well-marked path that takes you towards the first peak, Pen-y-ghent.

Peak 1 – Pen-y-ghent

• Elevation: 694m (2,277 ft)
• Distance from start: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
• Distance to next peak: 7.5 miles (12 km)

The first peak, Pen-y-ghent, offers a relatively steep ascent, but it’s manageable thanks to a well-defined path and stone steps. The final section involves a bit of scrambling, but it’s short and not too technical. Upon reaching the summit, you’re rewarded with sweeping views across the Dales.

You’ll descend down the north face, heading towards the Ribblehead Viaduct and the next peak, Whernside.

The descent takes you through lush, open countryside with limestone pavements typical of the Dales. Watch your footing, as some areas can be boggy after rain.

Peak 2 – Whernside

• Elevation: 736m (2,415 ft)
• Distance from Pen-y-ghent: 7.5 miles (12 km)
• Distance to next peak: 5 miles (8 km)

The walk from Pen-y-Ghent to Whernside is a long one. It’s the longest section of the trail and despite being relatively flat, it’s fairly draining. Especially if the rain suddenly picks up.

After several miles of walking, you’ll arrive at the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, a dramatic railway bridge with 24 stone arches. This is a popular rest spot for hikers, with plenty of photo opportunities. From here, you’ll begin the gradual ascent of Whernside, the highest of the Three Peaks.

The climb to Whernside is long but relatively gentle, following a grassy path that hugs the edge of the hill. Though not steep, the length of the climb can be taxing, particularly in windy or rainy weather. Once you reach the summit, you’ll have panoramic views of the Lake District, the Howgills, and Morecambe Bay on clear days.

The descent from Whernside is steeper than the ascent, with sections of loose rock and uneven terrain. As you descend, the final peak, Ingleborough, looms in the distance.

Peak 3 – Ingleborough

• Elevation: 723m (2,372 ft)
• Distance from Whernside: 5 miles (8 km)
• Distance to finish: 5 miles (8 km)

The path to Ingleborough begins with a walk through the valley, passing through farmland and limestone landscapes. The ascent of Ingleborough is steep and includes some scrambling near the summit, where you’ll navigate a series of steep steps.

Once at the top, you’ll find a broad, flat summit plateau, marked by a trig point. Ingleborough offers 360-degree views over the Yorkshire Dales, including views back to Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. It’s a perfect spot for a quick break before beginning the long final descent.

Finish – Horton-in-Ribblesdale

• Distance from Ingleborough: 5 miles (8 km)

The descent from Ingleborough takes you along a steady, well-trodden path back toward Horton-in-Ribblesdale. It’s a long old walk on what are, at this point in the trail, worn-out legs. After navigating some rocky sections, the trail levels out into a gradual decline as you enter more open countryside.

Many hikers finish their challenge at the local pub, The Crown, to celebrate with a well-earned drink.

Top Tips

• Check the weather. The Yorkshire Dales can be unpredictable, so make sure to check the forecast and prepare for varying conditions, from rain and wind to, if you’re lucky, sunshine.
• Layer up. The weather can change quickly on the peaks, so dress in layers. Even in summer, the wind on the summits can be cutting. A moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or softshell for warmth, and a waterproof jacket will help you stay dry and comfortable.
• Wear good hiking boots. The trail includes a variety of terrains, including rocky paths, boggy sections, and steep climbs. A solid pair of worn in and aterproof hiking boots, with ankle support, will protect your feet and prevent blisters.
• Aim to start the hike at sunrise or just after. The challenge can take anywhere from 10 to 14 hours, so getting an early start maximizes your daylight and helps you avoid racing against the clock as evening approaches.
• Bring energy-dense snacks like nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, and sandwiches to keep you fueled throughout the hike. Many hikers prefer to stop for a more substantial meal halfway through the challenge.
• Hydration is key, so carry at least 2 liters of water, or bring a water filter if you plan to refill at streams.
• The Three Peaks route is long and includes significant ascents. Pace yourself from the start to avoid burning out halfway through.
• Reward yourself afterward! Whether it’s a hearty meal at the local pub or post-hike drinks, celebrating your accomplishment is a must. Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Settle both offer great post-hike dining options.