I purchased some new outdoor kit just lately and in consequence decided I wanted to justify my expenditure by creating myself a challenge, I pick on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the challenge being to ascend the three tallest hills in Yorkshire - Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent. Typically it’s all 3 in one day however this feels too much of a challenge for the writer ok I intend to do one each day. I select up my recently purchased gear and Ken the dog and head for my accommodation in Ingleton.

I decide to tackle Ingleborough to begin with, it is not the highest but looks the more daunting from far away, the night before I prepare my path choosing one which won't be the main trail as I wish to stay away from the other hikers. I pick on a circular walk finishing doing a stroll by the side of a river. I’m awake and out of the door sharpish the next morning not letting the gloomy weather conditions stop me. The dog and I head off along the gravel trail keen to go. I was accurate about this way, there are not lot's of other walkers but I quickly fall into the same stride with a family, getting past them and then getting overtaken as we have short-breaks or pause in order to admire the panorama.

The dog is a very good motivator making the pace from time to time dragging me up the fell, his four limbs giving him an advantage. Ultimately we arrive at the peak and the scene is magnificent making the whole thing worthwhile, I can make out the main route which looks congested but looks a whole lot easier than what I have recently tackled. I spot the family once again and am jealous of their al-fresco dining, really should remember sandwiches next time! Right after a respite we are’re off again, my downward path is a steep one so I choose my way down very carefully much to The dog’s annoyance, finally we get to the bottom but have the river walk before we arrive again at the car. It seemed like a fantastic idea yesterday but I’m regretting it currently, after a while the vehicle appears into sight and the dog and I are done for today.

Next I shall tackle Whernside, I follow to the principal trail today as my extended hike yesterday has left me sore. Whernside is the largest of the peaks and despite the fact that the path isn't as steep as Ingleborough it is a greater hike. The route meanders along the well-known Settle-Carlise Railway for a period, a walker's 1st panorama on the path consisting of the awe inspiring Ribblehead viaduct. Quickly enough the industrial masterpiece has passed and the ascent commences. Ken and my lunch are the primary motivators. We reach the top and the panorama is magnificent, once again justifying the hike to the peak.

Both of us have our food then set off on making the way back, the downward course is more severe than the way up and I slip down, fortunately I have loads of padding on my backside as a result no damage just to my pride! The dog and I achieve the base of Whernside nevertheless still have a little distance to travel arrive at the car, luckily it is a flat trail straight down the base of the valley hence I can get on with enjoying the pleasant scenes rather than concentrating on the place to place my feet next.

Lastly Pen-y-Ghent beckons, my drive is sadly missing today but I start out just the same. Pen-y-Ghent is the starting place for those people confident enough to do it all in twelve hours. I can see why because it is easily the gentlest and prettiest path, my fellow hikers seem more aimiable also. Not even the drenching I get in the rain shower, that ends too quickly even for me to try out my recently purchased waterproof gear, doesn’t reduce my spirits. The dog and I are rapidly at the summit and admiring the panorama, I ponder back over the last several days and take in what I’ve tackled – a total of 2142 metres climbed (then down again) and 24 miles walked. I start considering about the next activity, but first I’ve got to get down Pen-y-Ghent!

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Author's Bio: 

Bruno Blackstone is a freelance writer interested in all things to do with the outdoors and helping others get the most from the outdoors. Starting with a psychology degree his early career was as a social worker and family therapist working with families to help them achieve more positive and stable relationships. In his more recent career he has coached many senior executives in both small and large organisations in areas such as strategy, human resources, organisational design and performance improvement. He now continues his work in the business world but he is also co-owner of http://www.myoutdoorstore.co.uk a price comparison site for outdoor enthusiasts.