Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge – Team Sports Tours Take to the Hills

One of the UK’s most iconic and popular walking routes, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge consists of 24 miles, 1585m (5200ft) of ascent, and, oh yeah, 3 mountain summits. The challenge is to complete the epic walk within 12 hours. No mean feat even for the keenest of walkers.

Last week, on the 28th May 2021, a team from Sports Tours International supported charity The Running Bee Foundation, including six members of Sports Tours office staff took on the challenge. It was a brand new experience for everyone involved. The first hiking challenge in the foundations history, and a rip roaring success.

On the morning of the hike, the team (of 26) met bright and early in Horton in Ribblesdale, ready for the challenge. The walk started at 8:06 (and those 6 mins are important when you have a 12 hour target time). It wasn’t long however, before they reached the top of their first peak, Pen- Y- Ghent. Below, you can see the team, flying the flag for The Foundation atop the summit.

Next came the long walk over to Whernside, the second peak of the day. Stuart, who completed the walk with members of the team from Sports Tours, said he found this stretch really peaceful and enjoyable.

‘It was a great opportunity to chat and get to know people. It was also great looking back, admiring the scenery and seeing how far we’d come.’

Steve, from the Sales Team however, said that this was when he realised the scale of the challenge.

‘The challenge of the Y3P isn’t just about the climbs but the distance covered between each peak. The walk is continually undulating, and a couple of quick snack/drinks breaks are highly recommended. There is also the time to try and pick up the pace a little. But, not too much mind, keep the challenge time under your control.’

The Ribblesdale Viaduct – a major landmark of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks scenery

The landscapes that you walk through while taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge are varied and beautiful. From wild waterfalls to the impressive Ribbleshead Viaduct, they offer a welcome distraction from the walking and endless photo opportunities.

Next came the long slog up to the summit of Whernside. Paul, Head of Sales for the Sports Tours International Group loved the walk along the top of the mountain. Although not the most challenging of the day’s three ascents, Whernside really gives you the chance to enjoy the stunning scenery around you, and  a nice welcome break before the final scramble up Ingleborough.

And talking of Ingleborough… The final test of the day, although not the biggest of the 3 hills, has a sharp final ascent offering a challenge to hikers even on fresh legs (let alone those who have already climbed two mountains).

[As we approached Ingleborough] ‘Mr Teasdale pointed out the scar in the mountain that we were heading for. This was what we needed to ascend. You got to be joking, which way do we really go? Was my response. ‘No really its up there’. My word was it steep! We had a 5 minute break at the bottom of it and off we went up. An almost vertical 250m height gain covering 0.1 mile, so a 41% gradient!’ Steve Clancy

It was a day of gruelling scrambles, but well worth the effort.

All that was left now was the final descent, back to Horton in Ribblesdale. Although not an easy feat after around 9 hrs of hiking time, a few cool beers, waiting in the local pub, was enough to tempt a weary, but elated, team to the end of their journey.

The final summit

We are delighted to announce however, that the day was a huge success! 25 of the 26 hikers who started the walk, finished within the 12 hour target time. An enormous achievement! The weather was kind and the worst the team had to deal with was a little light drizzle. Which was apparently quite welcome for keeping them cool! Special thanks to Sports Tours Director of Operations Si Teasdale and his team of expert mountain guides, for making the day safe and enjoyable for everyone. Graham, our trusty ‘man with a van!’ And Steve, for all the wonderful Photos.

Thanks for the Photos Steve

Graham and Mo keeping watch over the team!

Dennis, and the team at Big Red Construction, had this to say about their day on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

“From the first, short sharp shock of Pen-y-Ghent, the long ramble down to the Ribblehead Viaduct and that long torturous ascent up to Whernside; from the drop into the valley, the scramble up Ingleborough, and the never-ending return to Horton, we had a ball. What pleased our boss the most was how everyone battled through, as the blisters developed and the legs grew weary there was a gritty determination to get to the end.

There were occasions throughout the day when my name was mud and I was cursed regularly but that feeling of sub 12-hour awesomeness still radiates in the Big Red office!”

At time of writing, we’re delighted to report that over £2,500 from just 10 participants so far, with another 16 walkers to get their fundraising amounts to us over the next few days. This will make a huge impact to the Running Bee Foundation and the health and well-being initiatives we support throughout the northwest.

Three of the team (Steve, Tom, and Paul) from Sports Tours International who took on the challenge

A HUGE congratulations to everyone who took part in the first ever Running Bee 3 Peaks Challenge! If you want that sub 12 hour feeling, and the team building experience of a lifetime, keep a look out for news of next year’s event. You can find out more about the Running Bee Foundation, and the work we do, HERE.

‘Monksy’ Celebrating that 12 hour feeling!

Until next time, BEE ACTIVE BEE HEALTHY BEE HAPPY!

 

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