The starting point at Horton in Ribblesdale was heaving with charity walkers, but the good news was that we were setting off half an hour after them therefore it was pretty quiet by the time we made our way up Pen-y-ghent. The weather was perfect, light cloud with a gentle breeze, but once we reached Pen-y-ghent scramble-point the mist descended upon us, and the stunning views we were hoping for were replaced with a banana stop at the summit. Then the long haul to Whernside along the Pennine Way into Ribblesdale where just before the viaduct we stopped for lunch and a well-deserved rest.

 

There was very little sound of water as we approached Whernside Top, dry waterfalls and streams that had probably never ran dry before. The walk was not difficult, but it is a monotonous ascent, and as we got closer to the top we were again shrouded in mist. After descending the steep path down we made our way to the farm shop for a hot cup of tea and more supplies for our onward journey.

 

So we were at last on our way to the last peak, Ingleborough, nicknamed Mini Table Mountain. By now the weather had improved and looking back we proudly saw the top of the peaks we had already climbed. The half mile paved pathway to the start of the steep ascent with views all around was amazing, and although the last steep ascent looked pretty tough, it was the best scramble yet! At the top Andy lead us through the thick mist to the final trig point for our smiley group photo.

 

On our 6 mile trek back to Horton we at last saw all three peaks, free of the mist, in all their glory. Our Walks Leader Andy got us all safely round at a steady pace to complete the infamous Yorkshire Three Peaks in 10 hours 45 minutes. Thanks Andy and all the rest of the group for making it a very special day.