One of the toughest endurance walks in the country, the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is certainly not something to be attempted half-heartedly.
Taking on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, each a landmark on the Pennine range and towering above the River Ribble valley in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it is a route of around 26 miles and and includes 5,200ft of ascent.
Although the views can be quite stunning when the weather is good, nothing can be taken for granted in the English summertime, as Fairoak’s housing officer Kate Forshaw discovered when she tackled this long-distance walk with a group of friends in early July, in aid of raising funds for Friends of Fairoak:
“There were 14 of us on the walk, and everyone of us had a good degree of walking experience but, no matter how fit and healthy, it really doesn’t prepare you for the long and tiring day ahead.”
“The day started in fine weather, a little overcast but there were a few glimpses of sunshine to encourage us.” But perhaps Kate spoke too soon, as the weather on the summit of Ingleborough was shrouded in low cloud, with plenty of rain and strong winds thrown in for good measure!
The walk was completed in under 11 hours, so a great achievement by all involved, and Kate herself raised over £240 for Friends of Fairoak.
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If, like Kate, you would like to help raise funds for Friends of Fairoak, please email enquiries@fairoakhousing.co.uk or call us on 01539 720 082 and we’d be happy to chat through ways you can support us.
