The Yorkshire
Three Peaks Challenge

The Yorkshire Three Peaks is one of Britain's quintessential endurance challenges. Walkers attempt Pen-y-ghent (694 m), Whernside (736 m), and Ingleborough (723 m) in a continuous 38.6 km (24-mile) loop in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, traditionally within 12 hours. Typical figures for the Horton loop are 38.6 km, 1,585 m of ascent, high point 736 m (Whernside), and 10–12 hours of walking in a single day.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and threepeakschallenge.uk both publish 24 miles / 38.6 km for the Horton-in-Ribblesdale loop. YDNPA rounds ascent to 5,000 ft (1,600 m); the challenge site publishes 1,585 m. Peak heights are the Database of British and Irish Hills values rounded to the metre: Pen-y-ghent 694 m, Whernside 736 m, Ingleborough 723 m.

The usual circuit starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, climbs Pen-y-ghent, crosses toward Ribblehead Viaduct, climbs Whernside (the highest of the three), then Ingleborough's plateau, and returns to Horton. Footing is gritstone and limestone path, moorland, and limestone pavement. Pen-y-ghent includes minor scrambling. No via ferrata or glacier travel. No permit is required; large organised charity groups should register with the National Park so Horton is not overwhelmed.

The 12-hour challenge is a tradition, not a National Park time limit. The same 38.6 km loop can be walked over two or three days with nights in the dale villages. Winter daylight makes a 12-hour finish unlikely for most walkers. Start at first light if the 10–12 hour band is the goal.