After starting my 50by50 challenge — 50 challenges before I turn 50, with a night hike up Pen y Fan in Wales, I wanted to step things up a notch. Challenge number two was one I’ve had my eye on for a while: the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.

This iconic trek covers three of the highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales, Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, in one continuous 24-mile (around 40km) loop. The challenge? To complete it in under 12 hours.

Setting the Scene

This time, I wasn’t going it alone. My good friend Mark joined me, and having someone alongside made such a difference. It sparked an idea too, what if I could inspire one person to join me on every challenge? By the time I reach challenge 50, imagine 50 people all coming together to finish it with me. That would be incredible.

Already, I’m seeing how this journey isn’t just about me pushing myself. It’s also about encouraging others friends, family, and even followers online to get involved, to test their limits, and to be part of something bigger.

The Night Before

We drove up to Yorkshire the day before and stayed in a cosy Airbnb in Settle, just ten minutes from the start point at Horton-in-Ribblesdale. After the wild weather I faced on Pen y Fan, we were determined to catch sunrise from the first peak. The forecast looked promising, so we set alarms for a very early start.

Hitting the First Peak – Pen-y-Ghent (694m)

We set off at 6am under clear skies. The climb up Pen-y-Ghent was steep but manageable, and the reward at the summit was breathtaking, the sun breaking through the horizon and spilling golden light across the Dales. This was the sunrise I had missed on Pen y Fan, and it felt like a small victory in itself.

The Long Haul – Whernside (736m)

From there, we pushed on to Whernside, the highest of the three peaks. This was without question the hardest part of the day. The climb just went on and on, steep inclines followed by what felt like endless gradual ascents. The terrain is unforgiving, uneven underfoot, and it takes a real toll on your concentration and stamina.

About halfway down Whernside, roughly five hours in, we bumped into the amazing Tiny Tickers team who were tackling the challenge from the opposite direction. Seeing them gave me the biggest lift. After struggling on the descent (which I honestly found tougher than the climbs), their energy and encouragement was exactly what I needed to push through.

The Final Push – Ingleborough (723m)

By the time we reached Ingleborough, the third and final peak, we had already covered 30km. From a distance, it looked monstrous, steep, imposing, and a little intimidating with tired legs. But with the finish line somewhere beyond it, we dug deep, found a rhythm, and pushed our way up.

Standing at the top of Ingleborough brought such a wave of relief. We’d done it. Well, almost, there was still a 10km descent to get back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Strangely enough, jogging sections of the way down felt easier on my knees than walking. By the time we reached the end, our watches read 7 hours 50 minutes. Tired, aching, but absolutely buzzing.

Looking Back

If I’m honest, I underestimated the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. Forty kilometres of hills, uneven ground, and barely any breaks was no joke. It tested me physically, but more importantly, it tested me mentally. There were moments of doubt, moments where I wondered if I’d bitten off more than I could chew. But pushing through those walls is exactly why I started the 50by50 challenge in the first place.

This challenge showed me what’s possible with determination and reminded me how powerful it is when you don’t do it alone. Having Mark alongside was huge, and seeing the Tiny Tickers group gave me even more reason to keep going.

Why I’m Doing #50by50

For me, this journey isn’t just about ticking off 50 challenges before I turn 50. It’s about resilience, pushing beyond my comfort zone, and raising awareness for a cause that means so much to me: Tiny Tickers.

Tiny Tickers is a charity dedicated to giving babies born with serious heart conditions the best possible start in life. Their work is vital, and I want to use this challenge to support them while inspiring others to get involved.

Two challenges down. 48 to go. Next stop: what’s shaping up to be an even bigger test.

If you’d like to support my 50by50 challenge and help raise funds for Tiny Tickers, you can donate here: JustGiving – Carl Thompson 50by50 Challenge. Every step counts.

Practical Information: Taking on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

If you’re thinking about tackling the Yorkshire 3 Peaks yourself, here are some key details to help you plan:

📍 The Route

Start/Finish: Most people begin and end in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
The Peaks:
- Pen-y-Ghent (694m) – steep but short, often climbed first. Some say the hardest, some say the easiest!
- Whernside (736m) – the highest and most challenging, with a long ascent and steep descent. Don’t underestimate the long walk from Ghent to Whernside.
- Ingleborough (723m) – a steep final climb, tackled when legs are already tired. Mental toughness required.
Distance: Around 24 miles (39–40km).
Ascent: Roughly 1,585m (5,200ft) of total climbing.

🕕 Time & Challenge

The official “Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge” is to complete all three summits within 12 hours.
Average walkers take between 10–12 hours; strong hikers aiming for speed often push for 7–9 hours.

🥾 Difficulty

This is a tough endurance challenge. The terrain is rocky and uneven, with long climbs and descents that test both stamina and joints. Good fitness, determination, and preparation are essential.

🎒 What to Bring

Proper hiking boots with good grip
Waterproof jacket & layers (the Dales weather changes fast!)
Hat, gloves & spare clothing
Plenty of water (2–3 litres)
High-energy snacks & food for the day
Head torch if starting early or expecting a late finish
A map, compass, or GPS route (phone signal can be patchy)

☀️ Best Time to Go

The most popular months are late spring through early autumn (May–September) when daylight hours are longer.
Check the forecast carefully, conditions can change rapidly on the summits.

🚗 Getting There & Staying Nearby

Horton-in-Ribblesdale is the traditional start point. There’s a pay-and-display car park in the village.
The nearest train station is Horton-in-Ribblesdale, with connections from Leeds and Settle.
Many walkers stay overnight in Settle, Ingleton, or Horton itself, from campsites and hostels to cosy Airbnbs.

🌍 Make It Meaningful

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge is a popular charity fundraiser, with thousands taking part every year. If you’re inspired, why not use the challenge to raise money for a cause close to your heart? I’m proud to be supporting Tiny Tickers as part of my 50by50 journey.