These peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The route is extremely scenic and provides spectacular views over the Yorkshire countryside.
While it lasts just one day, this challenge should not be taken lightly as the terrain is extremely varied involving some steep ascents and descents. Participants can expect to almost cover a marathon distance by foot – but in just a matter of hours.
Race stats:
24.6miles
5,200metres ascent
Starting point:
Departure from: [name] café at Horton in Ribblesdale.
Staggered departures between 6.00 – 7.30am.
Competitors will be advised of their start times.
All team members must wear the official SES Race Across The Peaks Race Bib (for identification purposes).
Winners will be presented their awards at the Oscars of Exploration which is held annually the Royal College of Surgeons.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale (OL2 80,72) to Pen-y-ghent Summit (838,734)
One kilometre of walking on a minor road, and 2 uphill on a straightforward path are followed by a short section on steep rocky ground to reach the summit of Pen-y-ghent, the first peak.
Pen-y-ghent to High Birkwith (803,772)
Six kms of undulating descent lead to High Birkwith. In the old days you could expect to get very muddy in the bogs of Red Moss, but as of 2012 the new footpath avoids all of this. Follow the main path as it turns left down the hill, avoiding the right hand option option favoured by bog trotters of old. Walk East on this path for about 3 km before joining the Pennine Way (walking north) for about another 2km. Then take a left at a sign post marked Yorkshire 3 peaks – High Birkwith.
Pen-y-ghent to High Birkwith (803,772)
Six kms of undulating descent lead to High Birkwith. In the old days you could expect to get very muddy in the bogs of Red Moss, but as of 2012 the new footpath avoids all of this. Follow the main path as it turns left down the hill, avoiding the right hand option option favoured by bog trotters of old. Walk East on this path for about 3 km before joining the Pennine Way (walking north) for about another 2km. Then take a left at a sign post marked Yorkshire 3 peaks – High Birkwith.
Pen-y-ghent to High Birkwith (803,772)
Six kms of undulating descent lead to High Birkwith. In the old days you could expect to get very muddy in the bogs of Red Moss, but as of 2012 the new footpath avoids all of this. Follow the main path as it turns left down the hill, avoiding the right hand option option favoured by bog trotters of old. Walk East on this path for about 3 km before joining the Pennine Way (walking north) for about another 2km. Then take a left at a sign post marked Yorkshire 3 peaks – High Birkwith.
Pen-y-ghent to High Birkwith (803,772)
Six kms of undulating descent lead to High Birkwith. In the old days you could expect to get very muddy in the bogs of Red Moss, but as of 2012 the new footpath avoids all of this. Follow the main path as it turns left down the hill, avoiding the right hand option option favoured by bog trotters of old. Walk East on this path for about 3 km before joining the Pennine Way (walking north) for about another 2km. Then take a left at a sign post marked Yorkshire 3 peaks – High Birkwith.