Away Days
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
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Full of enthusiasm and excitement it was then north bound to Whernside (736m). A bit of a long slog but rewarded on the way by pub, mobile tea shop and lunch. The path took us along the railway north and then to the summit from the back, a long gradual incline on a well made path along the ridge. The weather still holding, we were treated to lovely views on the east of the Ribblehead Viaduct - for the second time that day how I wished I had my camera and polarising filter (looks like it might have to be a return visit).
We hopped and skipped downhill to reach Philpin Lane and a farm tea shop where we all had refreshments of some sort (a very enterprising couple of farming ladies selling great produce). With the whole party in good spirits and renewed vigour courtesy of Yorkshire hospitality it was off to complete the third and final peak.
As we crossed the B6255 and adjacent stile, the full majestic view of Ingleborogh (723m) just starred us in the face, no gradual incline here. The path took us in a southerly straight up direction with a spot of scrambling just before we got to the wind swept summit. For those of you unfamiliar with Ingleborough, the summit is a flat almost lunar plateau with views across to Morecambe Bay, the Lakeland Fells and the finest landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
The views were truly fantastic, well worth the trek up. Given the conditions at the start of the day, none of us expected such a clear view come late afternoon. Still gobsmacked, we all put on an extra layer so that we could enjoy the views just a little bit longer before making the decent (another missed photo opportunity).
The decent back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale was a straight forward affair with a smattering of limestone outcrops and pavements. But the excitement was over, and now all we yearned for was a large mug of Yorkshire tea. We approached our destination via the picturesque train station and returned to the bunkhouse for a quick shower and change of clothes before spending the evening sampling the culinary delights of Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
All in all a first class walk with excellent companions. Thank you to all, and a special thank you to Guy who organised the event.
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