Yorkshire 3 Peaks (Spring Bank Holiday 2008)

After giving up part way through last time with the rain and beer, and the fact it was early November. We decided to have another go at the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. Which are Pen-y-Ghent (692m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m). The idea of the challenge is to walk the route within 12 hours. Taking up the walk was, Matt, Becky, two of beckys friends Zoe and Adam, Mr Noone, Helen and myself.

We stayed at the Old Station Inn just outside of Giggleswick (http://www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/stayat/oldstationinn/index.htm) in which was some way off from the start! So short drive was required. Like the majority of people who undertake this walk, we started off in Horton-in-ribblesdale and popped into the post office for some snacks. Although we had our lunches etc. There was an old stamping machine which of course we didn't stamp a card to officially record the time! Oops. So maybe next time on this one. We started round about 7am.

Contrary to most people we decided to do the walk the other way round, starting with the highest peak first Ingleborough. We managed to nearly get lost immediately but with some skillful map reading by butcher we managed to cross over the settle & carlisle railway and up onto the moorland passed Beercroft Hall. Heading westwards we walked out of some quite freaky rock formations, like grooves on a record - with the odd tree here and there poking out.



We climbed over a stile and started walking upwards, and it started to get quite windy. At this point we went around Simon Fell, and at this point we could make Ingleborough quite clearly - and the clouds on the top - hopefully it would clear when we get to the top. Which it was but you couldn't hear each other it was so windy up there! Matt decided to climb on top of the shelter but bearly managed to stay up there without falling off!! We were at the top just after 9am.



We then descended quite quickly down, with Whernside (the next peak) in view. Looking a lot closer that it was!! Some more of the crazy rock formations where on this side as well. Stopping at Braithwaite hole for some food. We then headed to Chapel-le-Dale, at the base of Whernside. We crossed the road and headed upwards. It soon became very apparent that it was going to be a struggle not to be blown off the ridge by the wind. At one moment, helens waterproof took a life of its own and dashed off into the distance. Luckily Helen, Fran, Zoe and Adam were on the otherside of the fence. Fran ran like a madman off after it and managed to catch it :) We didn't really have much time to take the view in as the dust was being whipped up over the ridge and into our eyes and faces. We persevered along the ridge and came down by the waterfall at the top Force Gill and Little Dale. We wandered down towards the north end of the Ribblesdale viaduct. Can't imagine the thousands of people who would have been here to build this crazy viaduct - it curves in the middle as well! We made it to the Station Inn for some lunch and a pint :)

About 2pm now we headed off towards our last peak of the day, Pen-y-Ghent. Heading down on the road to Horton, we cut across to the Ribbles way. Just about making the last peak in the distance - it seemed a very very long long away :)! We cut across the moorland at Red Moss and Burnrigg - almost like a beeline!! Passing through Horton Moor we caught up with the Pennine way. Feeling a bit weary we began the final climb up the hill. Delighted to get to the top we all took a bit of a breather and managed to take in quite literally how far we had walked. Sun still up we could see Ingleborough and Whernside a long way in the distance. The view from here was stunning apart from the horton quarry. The time now being shortly before 5pm, we had to get back to Horton not only to complete the challenge but also to get a very well deserved pint!



We finished up back at the cars at about 6.30pm - so achieving the challenge. Although not officially - will have to do that next time. This is a brilliant walk certainly achievable in a summers day, but not when its raining!! We all got back to our pub where we stayed had more beer apart from Helen who had a delightful cup of tea.

Total distance was: 37.5km (23.5 miles)
Total climbed: 1586m
Greatest Rescue Attempt: Fran saving Helens coat
Number of wind burn faces: 7

Symonds Yat, Herefordshire

Its June again - this year has gone so quick :) But its lets go for a stroll and this time we all met up at Symonds Yat, which is in Herefordshire but very close to the Welsh Border. With the promise of Caves, rivers to negotiate, Peregrine Falcons - and fair weather the turnout was pretty good. Meeting at the Symonds Yat east forest commision car park - although I did get lost!! Helen, Paul, Helen, Adam, Gillian and her friend, Edd, Marta, Jon, and Wendy were present :)



We began walking away southwards towards the river wye, and downhill :) Taking a quick short cut to the rocky outcrop which looks over the valley. Far below was the Saracens Head - going there later :) Also there were plenty of canoeists battling against the currents and branches - it seems that the recent rainfall had washed debris down into the gorge. Taking a few photographs we headed on back through the woods and then down next to a stream running quickly off into the distance. Studying the map I knew there was a crossing at some point and we then stumbled on it - a pretty cool wire suspension bridge :) Had to jump up and down on it - although some of the members of the group were not impressed :)



We walked by the river for a while and passed a few old houses. We also passed through a campsite - although it looked pretty flooded! very pretty place for pitching a tent - but the tent might float away :) Back into the woods again we went. Quite a steep climb, it flattened out and we came up across lots of little caves. Investigating into King Arthurs cave I saw a bat, before he/she fleeted off as I startled it :(



We carried on a bit further up and out of the woods and ended up at a quarry where we sat down for some lunch. A few of us tried out our free climbing skills up the side of the quarry and waved from the top :) After passing some old derelict huts and another caravan site - we headed back into the woods and back down to the river and back across the bridge - checking to make sure there were no trolls under it :) We then headed up towards the pub for a pint/cup of tea!

We then had to climb back up the hill behind the pubs to the carpark - but the views were worth it. We crossed over the road and up towards another viewing spot where there were several RSPB volunteers with cameras and binoculars showing us some falcons :)

The weather staying on the sunny side, this was a great walk and definitely will return back here at some point..