At 7am on Sunday 2 May 2021 three intrepid members of the South Leeds Hiking Group set off from Horton in Ribblesdale.
1 Hour 6 mins later breakfast was had on the summit of Pen-y-ghent, the first of our Yorkshire three peaks summits. Coffee, scones and chocolate consumed and we were headed down the mountain’s western flank for the long slog to Whernside.
This part of the route is an enthusiasm sapping hike of 8 miles to Ribblehead viaduct and the 4th peak cafe. Suitably refreshed with a hot cuppa our intrepid trio climbed the well trodden path to the summit of Whernside and joined a small crowd for lunch on the sunny summit and a quick live-stream broadcast to the South Leeds Hiking Group.
Half an hour later and we were off again, knees beginning to creak with the harsh descent, to cross the valley floor towards the steep hulking Mordor-like western side of Ingleborough, shrouded in dark clouds. Wheezing with the steep ascent our brave trio topped the mountain to a stiff breeze and bright sunshine.
Another long knee jerking descent found us back in Horton in Ribblesdale 9 hrs 13 mins after we started. To our disappointment and that of the three Australian lads following us the pub was shut.
South Leeds Hiking Group have restarted activities. At the time of writing we are not able to use the community minibus so participants need to be able to get to the start point of our hikes under their own steam. Keep checking our Facebook group fb.com/groups/southleedshiking/ and Facebook page fb.com/SouthLeedsHiking for up to date details.
Our next hike is in the Lake District: Helvellyn via Striding Edge on Sunday 23 May.
This post was written by John Mckee
Photo L-R: Ian Swithenbank, Ethan Swithenbank, John McKee
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