Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

Published on: 05/06/2023

Blog by Haldon Site Manager, Meg Halpin 

Every year our co-owners organise a number of accessible adventures that we like to call Naturally Powered Days. These are all heavily subsidised and are one of the fantastic perks of working at Go Ape.

Our first one kicked off a couple of weeks back and it was an absolute belter. Nine of our team took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge - a 24-mile round trip which includes 1585m [5200ft] of ascent. Each day included a 4-6 hour hike taking on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent [694 metres], Whernside [736 metres] and Ingleborough [723 metres].

"Two peaks in a day was an unexpected but exciting challenge. Amazing views at the top also helped. I got some map reading practice in too thanks to the leaders."

We arrived from all corners of the country to our bunkhouse, said our hellos, then headed to the pub for a beer or two. We were lucky enough to arrive on quiz night - 30 questions later it was over (I do not think the category of ‘Pop’ had been changed since 1985) and we headed back to the bunkhouse for some much needed sleep before an early start the following day.

Our planned walk was to take in the Yorkshire 3 Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent, with one peak being ticked off each day. However, the team was seriously strong on the hills and smashed out 2 peaks and 13 miles on the first day. We had some great weather for the views, bright blue skies but very windy! We could lean into it and not fall over.

"Note to self, don’t wear tight jeans up a mountain!"

"The 3 peaks.

1.) Scenery

2.) Fun

3.) Awesome people!

Great 2 days of challenging ourselves across 4 mountains. Lots of wind."

"Blown away (literally) by how much fun the first day was. 2 peaks down."

"Climbed two mountains yesterday, one of which was impromptu, but we all absolutely smashed it (even with me at the back!) and had a lovely rewarding curry afterwards."

The second day saw us tackle Pen y Ghent and Plover Hill (an additional peak) covering 8.5 miles and finishing off at The Golden Lion to enjoy a refreshing ‘Pheasant Plucker’ before returning to the bunkhouse. This day wasn’t quite as sunny but still had hints of sunshine, the wind did it’s best to blow us over still.

The third day saw a leisurely start. We packed, we chatted, we cleaned, we said goodbyes and then we all headed home. For some, it was a great opportunity to experience proper hill walking for the first time, to learn some map reading and navigational skills and to see more of the beautiful countryside. 

Interested in working at Go Ape and enjoying benefits like this action-packed Naturally Powered Adventure? Discover our current vacancies and apply to join the Go Ape Tribe today.